Milton Elementary on track for August 2021 opening

The renovation and expansion of Milton Elementary is well ahead of schedule, and could finish before its expected August 2021 date if all goes well, a Cape official said.

In December 2019, officials broke ground on the $35 million project, which will blend historical elements of the 1932 building with modern necessities, Cape Director of Capital Projects Brian Bassett said.

The original building will house first and second grades on the first floor, and third and fourth grades on the second floor. The two-story addition will have kindergarten on the first floor and fifth grade on the second floor.

The main building was gutted so that new walls, ductwork, wiring and plumbing could be installed, Bassett said. Workers were able to salvage about half of the wood floors from the original classrooms; remaining classrooms will have new tile floors. As much original brick will be left exposed as possible, Bassett said.

The main entrance and lobby were relocated from Federal Street to the rear of the building to ensure safe student drop-offs, Bassett said. The original main lobby will house a special education classroom, and the original office will be a first-grade classroom. 

Coming into the new main entrance, students will have a view of the refurbished gym and an indoor slide. A new cafeteria and kitchen will be to the left of the new main lobby.

Construction around the gym will help merge the old building with the new, Bassett said.

Much of the gym’s floor was too weak to preserve, but some may be repurposed in other areas. Students in the fifth-grade wing will be able to look down upon the gym. 

Entering from the new bus drop-off site, students will pass a corner library, staff offices and art room. The building will also have an elevator.

The tiny basement cafeteria will be transformed into professional development space, with one big conference room, several breakout rooms and a kitchenette.

The new, three-level playground will be farther back, closer to Wagamons Pond, and will wind through the trees for shade. A screened outdoor classroom will also overlook the pond.

Milton Elementary students will attend the old H. O. Brittingham building until renovations are complete.