The Williams School celebrated the grand opening of its new community building at the Bloomingdale Road Athletic Complex on October 17, as a kickoff to the School’s 2025 Homecoming Weekend. The event welcomed parents, alumni, friends, faculty, and staff to commemorate the continued growth and evolution of the Williams community.
Overlooking the turf field, the new facility features a large pavilion with a built-in fireplace and grill, and outdoor furnishings generously donated through the Class of 2025 Senior Parent Gift. Inside, a spacious multipurpose room serves as the centerpiece of the building, designed to host meetings, receptions, and community gatherings. Additional classroom space offers flexibility for future programming. The ground floor houses a much needed maintenance area, providing Williams’ facilities team with dedicated space for vehicles and equipment for second campus maintenance and expansion.
Head of School Mark Fader addressed attendees, highlighting the school’s growth and the significance of the new space. He also expressed appreciation for the individuals and teams whose efforts brought the project to completion:
- Design: Russell Learned ’86 (to be honored with the naming of the new community room in the Learned Family’s honor)
- General Contractor: Scott Desmond – Salt Island Properties
- Electrical: Brian Bonner Electric
- Site Work: Dwayne Xenelis Construction
- Stonework, Fireplace, Chimney, and Landscaping: Ken Reid – Waterview Landscaping
- Facilities: Mike Lawton and the Facilities Team – Tyler Lynch, Gene Hall, and Mario Tarazona
- Building & Grounds Committee Chair: Bruce Harvey
- Patio Furniture and Aesthetics: Senior Parents of the Class of 2025, led by Shawn and Jen McCann
- Board of Trustees: For approving funding from the endowment for this project
“Cultivating a growth mindset in any organization takes time, dedication, and patience,” said Fader. “We strongly believe that at Williams we have the intelligence, abilities, and talents to embrace change and conquer challenges that come with progress.”
The new community building represents another milestone in Williams’ commitment to fostering spaces that strengthen connection, innovation, and growth among students, faculty, and alumni.
