Capital Campaign: Ensure Our Future
In the last decade, Manhattan Day School has grown exponentially, with enrollment increasing from 350 to 540 students. In 2007 we embarked on an ambitious and much-needed renovation project. This capital project redesigned the entire space of the school building over a period of two summers in order to accommodate the influx of students and to provide an environment that is conducive to a first rate education.
Some highlights of the newly renovated building are a larger and commodious lobby with dedicated stroller parking, a new state-of-the-art science laboratory, an updated computer lab with computers for 20 students to work simultaneously as well as a spacious and user friendly library filled with many new books. During the construction we also added a rooftop play area with over 7,000 square feet of play so our students could have a space to play during recess.
We also replaced our entire infrastructure, providing for greater safety and efficiency. Lighting, acoustics as well as a better utilization of space within the building have all created a warmer and friendlier environment which supports and enhances our values, goals and aspirations.
The total cost of our construction project was $14 million. We raised 30% of the funds through the Capital Campaign and 70% was borrowed through credit lines and short term loans. Through a strategic re-financing in 2010, we reduced our mortgage. Our current debt is $7.4 million.
The benefits of construction have had a positive effect on our students, faculty and parents and have created a more spacious environment for us to teach the next generations of MDS students.
Many dedication opportunities are still available. Please contact Joshua Caplan, Director of Development, (212) 376-6800 x 801, jcaplan@mdsweb.org, or Robert Insel, Executive Director at 212-376-6390 x800 or rinsel@mdsweb.org for more information on how you can join our growing list of donors and be part of this amazing campaign which transformed Manhattan Day School.
