DOBBS FERRY, NY The Masters School, an independent coed day and boarding school for grades 5 -12, has opened the Maureen Fonseca Athletics and Arts Center. Designed by Peter Gisolfi Associates and built by Shawmut Design and Construction, this vibrant new center was designed to reflect and elevate the school's distinctive teaching methodology, encouraging diverse opinions and shared experiences.

The 75,000-square-foot Fonseca Center (FC) houses new and expanded athletics and arts facilities, a café, and other spaces that will allow the students to converse and share ideas. The FC has glass walls throughout to foster transparency among students, faculty and visitors. The glass walls will allow students to see their peers pursuing various athletic and arts activities, encouraging them to try something that they previously may not have considered attempting.

"I think the new facility only strengthens our mission to bring a diverse group of individuals into our community and provide them the opportunities to grow in mind, body, and spirit," said Matthew Kammrath, an Upper School Math Teacher and Head Coach of the boys' varsity basketball team. "Our mission statement's phrase, "˜to learn, to strive, to dare, to do,' is on display daily on the courts, in the dance studios, the art gallery, and theater. It truly is the hub of all campus activity."

The Fonseca Center enhances and expands the School's offerings in many ways. Squash and swimming programs are available for the first time, thanks to the facility's four squash courts and six-lane competition swimming pool. Meanwhile, the dance studios, digital media lab, experimental theater, music rehearsal and performance space, and art gallery support and enrich Masters' dance, drama, music, visual arts and video programs. The tri-level Center also features a state-of-the-art fencing studio, a fitness center, a suspended indoor running track, and a gymnasium with a regulation basketball court, two practice courts and two volleyball courts.

In addition to having a dynamic, open layout, the complex is a "green" facility, with solar panels and double-insulated, low-E glass panels.

"We worked with The Masters School to add rooftop solar panels and an energy-efficient heating and cooling system," said Tony Miliote, Vice President of Shawmut Design and Construction. "As a result, the facility is expected to achieve Gold LEED certification. We are excited to be working with an academic institution that not only focuses on the education of its students, but also on sustainability."