Construction to Begin on New Boston Conservatory Building on Ipswich Street

Construction is a famillar site in the Fenway area these days, and more will soon be underway on Ipswich Street as developers Shawmut Design and Construction begin work on a new three-story, 20,000 square foot building for the Boston Conservatory.

Located at 132 Ipswich Street, the construction replaces an old building that served as a leather distributor, a storage company for sheet music and a real estate development company. Berklee College of Music also owned the property back in the 1980s. 

The new building will feature a large orchestra rehearsal hall, dance studios, and instructional and student service areas. Designed by Utile, Inc. and Handel Architects alongside owner's representative KVAssociates, the space will house innovative teaching and studio workspace including prefabricated sound rooms to accommodate the long-term needs of the Conservatory. It is projected to be finished by the summer of 2014. 

Shawmut Design and Construction (560 Harrison Ave.) hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on May 16 for the new building. 

“We are excited to break ground on the new Boston Conservatory building and help them achieve their vision for the school,” said Tom Goemaat, President of Shawmut Design and Construction. “The Conservatory team is a highly energetic group who are truly passionate about what they do. We are honored to partner with them.”

Notables in attendance at the groundbreaking included Richard Ortner, President of The Boston Conservatory, Larry Cancro, Senior Vice President of Fenway Affairs of The Boston Red Sox, and Boston City Councilor Mike Ross, who spoke of the importance of construction projects like the Conservatory, as they lead to job creation across the city.

“We want to thank Shawmut Design and Construction for bringing their leadership and experience to this important project,” Ross said.

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