Thursday, September 10, 2009
BALTIMORE CITY SCHOOL RECOGNIZED FOR CHANGING STUDENTS’ LIVES PROCEEDS WITH BUILDING TRANSFORMATION TO ACCOMMODATE COLLEGE PREP PROGRAM

The Mullan Contracting Company selected to reconfigure three-story former
convent into 9000 square foot mix of classrooms and office space

Baltimore, MD (September 10, 2009) – By their very nature in providing educational enlightenment and instruction, virtually all schools properly position themselves as institutions that work to “positively change the lives” of its students. But the Cristo Rey Jesuit School -- which teaches youngsters living in disadvantaged neighborhoods throughout the Baltimore City area – combines a rigorous college prep program with real-life work study programs that propels the Fells Point-based school to the head of its class.

And now, based on the success it has achieved since its opening in Baltimore in 2007, the school is undergoing a positive transformation of its own at its location at 420 S. Chester Street. The Mullan Contracting Company has recently initiated a construction project that will convert an existing three-story structure into approximately 9000 square feet of classrooms, administrative office and related school space. The project is expected to be completed by next summer.

“We are pleased that the former convent will be transformed into a facility that better supports the programmatic requirements of a quality college prep program,” stated Rev. John W. Swope, SJ, president of Cristo Rey Jesuit. “It is fitting that the former convent -- home to the Felician Sisters who taught generations of children in Baltimore City – will become a place where Cristo Rey Jesuit students can take important steps toward achieving a college education,” he added.

The scope of the project includes the renovation of the former Holy Rosary convent, the construction of a new three-story breezeway that will connect the existing school building to the former convent, and the installation of a new elevator system. Extensive work will also be completed to the former convent’s existing mechanical and HVAC systems, and modern and energy-efficient windows will be installed throughout the structure. The renovated structure will house classrooms, a computer lab, the school library and administrative offices.

Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, an independent, Catholic, college preparatory school, is part of the national Cristo Rey Network®, which has 24 member schools. The school works closely with corporate partners throughout central Maryland to place students in entry-level positions in a variety of industries including legal, healthcare, financial, real estate, non-profit and education.

In exchange for a job-sharing arrangement in which teams of students fill entry-level jobs at these companies and organizations, corporate partners pay a fee to the school’s Corporate Internship Program. Gifts from individuals and foundations, as well as modest contributions by students’ families, cover the cost of a Cristo Rey education.

Although every construction project brings a unique set of challenges to overcome, performing work in and around a school setting requires a special set of organizational and logistical abilities. Because Cristo Rey is embedded within an active residential and business area in East Baltimore, the needs of the local community have also been considered carefully by school administrators working in partnership with community leaders, neighbors and The Mullan Contracting Company.

“The beginning of the school’s fall session coincides with the start of active construction, and our work will run parallel to the Cristo Rey’s operation until the completion of the job,” said Joe Rode, executive vice president of The Mullan Contracting Company. “We are extremely cognizant of the constant activity that will be present at the school and have created a number of programs and systems that will ensure the safety and security of all audiences. Our experience working in a number of different school settings has taught us well,” he added.

Past institutional projects completed by The Mullan Contracting Company include a 10,695 square foot addition to The Harford Day School, the construction of a natatorium at McDonogh School and various work at The Highlands School and St. Paul’s School for Girls.

Founded in 1904 and headquartered in Lutherville, MD, The Mullan Contracting Company is a full-service construction management and general contracting firm specializing in the commercial office, retail, hospitality, healthcare and institutional industries. For further information, visit www.mullancontracting.com.

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