Kirby Family Hall | Dining and Engagement

List of 8 frequently asked questions.

• How was this determined as the next capital project?

  Casady School has a Master Campus Plan that is reviewed often through the lens of Strategic Planning by our Board of Trustees and with our independent facility development management group. In addition, a benefactor might have a special interest in a project, whether it be bricks and mortar, endowment, or another opportunity to support our School. In developing these relationships with our patrons, while keeping the sustainability and viability of our School at the forefront, we are able to fund the most compelling project for our donor while maintaining a focus on our long-term strategic planning. 
  
  We are excited about the opportunity this new Upper Division hub will afford our students and faculty, as well as our long-term strategic enrollment growth.

• How will this new facility alleviate pressure in Calvert Hall and the Dining Experience?

  When Kirby Family Hall for Dining and Engagement is open, all Upper Division Cyclones will have lunch there. Dining staff and meal prep, including a cafe and snack bar, will have no dependence on Calvert Hall. This eliminates the need for three lunch periods in one building. It also alleviates scheduling hurdles for Lower and Middle Divisions and the pressure on dining staff to prepare three consecutive meals to serve nearly 900 students in a 2.5-hour time period.

• How much fundraising must be done before breaking ground?

  Our goal is to have 100% of fundraising done prior to breaking ground for the new building. We’ve been successful in raising 87% of the total in cash and pledges. Leadership has identified a number of additional opportunities for outreach in our donor community and will continue to work towards securing the balance of our fundraising goal. We are grateful for the generosity of our Casady Community as this campaign has run parallel to our Comprehsive Campaign that successfully raised $35 million in a short four-year period.

• When will construction begin?

  Cash in hand is a priority, yet we are also cognizant of the escalation in construction costs. The board has a fiduciary responsibility to our School and Casady Community to ensure viability and financial stability. We hope to have fundraising completed before the end of the 2024 calendar year so we can begin construction in the spring of 2025. In the meantime, we will continue to do site preparation in anticipation of this project.

• What will happen to Woolsey House?

  Woolsey House, named for longtime Headmaster Dr. Robert B. Woolsey, will be razed. The former Headmaster’s home has served the School well since it was built in 1963.
  
  "I have a hunch that Casady still attracts and retains remarkable educators. In truth, you could knock down every building, and Casady School would remain relevant and engaging because that's the unshakeable foundation that was being laid down at the same time Woolsey House was going up." - Robert Woolsey '80, son of Dr. and Mrs. Robert B. Woolsey
  
  Charlie Britton was the last Head of School to live on campus. After the Britton family’s departure, the structure was converted to offices. Currently, it is home to Institutional Advancement, which includes Development, Admission/Enrollment Management, and Communications/Marketing. The Institutional Advancement Team will move to a temporary location in the Annex and eventually to its long-term home in Griffith Hall.

• Where will graduation take place?

  Ultimately, graduation will take place on the Chapel Lawn after being temporarily relocated for at least two graduation years - likely 2025 and 2026. Design for the new facility and Chapel Lawn took into account the expectation of Commencement Exercises always taking place on our beautiful campus.
  
  Once construction begins, we expect to see two graduation exercises in an enhanced experience in Grantham-Griffing Fieldhouse. When renovation of the Chapel and construction of the east and west transepts took place, the Class of 2009 had an exceptional experience in Grantham-Griffing Fieldhouse.

• When will Kirby Family Hall open?

  If fundraising and our construction schedule run on time, we hope to open Kirby Family Hall for the Fall of 2026.

• What will happen to the Butterfly Garden?

  The Butterfly Garden is a special gift of the Class of 1969 and serves as a special memorial for class members. The Butterfly Garden will be relocated to the northwest side of Kirby Family Hall. The proximity of the Butterfly Garden to the Jaume Plensa sculpture “Marrakech’s Soul” the Founders’ Memorial, on the north side of the Chapel that recognizes students, faculty, trustees, and headmasters in Casady’s early years will be a fitting location for the Butterfly Garden.
  
  Classes in Primary and Lower Division frequent the Butterfly Garden, and it will be a delightful cross-divisional experience as they enjoy the beauty of the space next to the David W. Gorham Terrace where our Upper Division students will be spending time outside studying or gathering together.