#USA #CTA Construction #Fort River School #DiNisco Design #Amherst, MA

CTA Construction Managers Celebrates Topping Off of Fort River Elementary School

CTA Construction Managers has recently celebrated a remarkable achievement in its ongoing project, the Fort River Elementary School, located in Amherst, Massachusetts. On August 13, 2025, the company joined various dignitaries and stakeholders, including town officials and representatives from the school, to mark the topping off ceremony. This event signifies a significant step forward in the construction phase, highlighting the commitment to creating a state-of-the-art educational environment for the community.

The new Fort River Elementary School, spanning approximately 105,750 square feet and consisting of three stories, is designed by the Boston-based architectural firm, DiNisco Design. According to Donna DiNisco, the Principal of the firm, the placement of the final steel beam illustrates the project's dedication to sustainability and innovation. She noted, "This project reflects the town's strong commitment to sustainability, equity, and educational excellence." The design aims not only to provide a modern learning environment but also to be a model of ecological responsibility.

The Fort River Elementary School will cater to students from Kindergarten through the fifth grade and will be recognized as a Net Zero Energy facility. It is equipped with building-mounted and canopy-mounted photovoltaic solar panels, alongside a high-efficiency HVAC system powered by 85 geothermal wells, ensuring its position as a leader in environmental design within the Commonwealth. Jeff Hazelwood from CTA Construction Managers expressed pride in being associated with such an impactful project, which not only prioritizes the future of education but also embodies a strong commitment to environmental stewardship. He added, "It’s especially rewarding to continue our long-standing collaboration with DiNisco Design on our 9th school together."

The collaboration between CTA Construction and DiNisco Design has yielded numerous educational facilities, each reflecting a shared commitment to excellence. Previous projects include Brookside Elementary School, Howe-Manning Elementary School, and more, all aimed at enhancing educational opportunities in the region. The current project is positioned to be completed as planned, with the state-of-the-art educational facility scheduled to open its doors to the community shortly.

Founded in 2000, CTA Construction Managers is a leading construction management and general contracting firm in Waltham, Massachusetts. With a focus on municipal, academic, and commercial facilities, CTA has built a reputation for excellence, boasting a portfolio that includes over $2 billion in projects. Their commitment to social responsibility is evident, with over $150 million contracts awarded to various certified partners, including veteran, disadvantaged, minority, and women-owned businesses, demonstrating a focus on promoting diversity within the construction industry.

As CTA Construction continues its work on the Fort River Elementary School, it reflects the broader goals of creating educational spaces that are not only functional but also aligned with sustainable practices that will benefit future generations. The completion of this project promises to deliver a nurturing and innovative environment for young learners in Amherst, setting a benchmark in educational infrastructure design.

For those wanting more information about CTA Construction Managers and their projects, you can visit their website at CTA Construction.