The project scope encompasses a comprehensive renovation of the existing Gruss Center of Visual Arts, a fine arts classroom building and gallery space, and a 15,000-square-foot expansion of the building footprint. The new design reflects best practices in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) education, informed by site visits to corporate innovation hubs, Stanford University’s d.School, and similar facilities at Yale and MIT. In addition to the gallery improvements, the project will also create climate-controlled storage space for the School’s extensive fine art collection. “The vision for this renovation reflects our commitment to S.T.E.A.M. instruction as preparation for the way our students will need to think in the 21st century,” said Lawrenceville Head Master Steve Murray H’55 ’65 ’16 P’16 ’21 at the groundbreaking. “The new facility will provide them with the tools and opportunities to become inspired problem-solvers and creative explorers of art, science, and technology. We are enormously grateful for this significant investment in the future of learning at Lawrenceville.”
“Lawrenceville’s plan to blend the principles of technology and design to create a center for innovation offered a thrilling opportunity,” said Gruss. “The visual arts building provided the ideal site for this exciting new venture, and Audrey and I feel fortunate to be able to support the School’s vision.” Hutchins also expressed enthusiasm for the School’s direction. “I want to congratulate and thank Martin and Audrey Gruss on this amazing contribution and their long history of support for art and design at Lawrenceville. My wife, Debbie, and I are pleased to be their partners in creating this place where Lawrentians can quite literally build the future.” Both Martin Gruss and Glenn Hutchins are trustees emeriti of the School.
The expansion will transform the facade of the Gruss Center with floor-to-ceiling glass panels and the interior with new wood and metal finishes, creating a cutting-edge workspace flanked by the galleries at one end and studio space at the other. New facilities will include a clean fabrication lab, digital design rooms, and a large flexible project room for ideation and rapid prototyping; wood and metal shops; and collaborative workstations to support team projects.
+INNOVATION