FAIRFIELD, CT — Gilbane Building Company announces the groundbreaking of the Fairfield College Preparatory School’s new Barron Center for Arts & Recreation project. Over 100 guests attended the ceremony, including officials from Fairfield College Preparatory School, Fairfield University, Newman Architects, Gilbane, and Fairfield Prep students.
Gilbane recently demolished the existing Brissette Gymnasium to make way for the new Barron Center for Arts & Recreation building. In addition to constructing the Barron Center, Gilbane will renovate Arrupe Hall to enhance visual and performing arts facilities and upgrade the school entrances to increase accessibility and connectivity at all building levels.
“What do we do as educators? We accompany our youth on a hope-filled future," said Dr. Mark Nemec, President, Fairfield University. "The Barron Center is about amplifying that and making sure all of us in this community support our young men as they go forward and change the world and set it on fire."
Spanning over 47,000 square feet, the Barron Center for Arts & Recreation is designed to cater to a wide range of athletic and artistic needs. Located on Fairfield University’s campus, the facility includes a gymnasium dedicated to Fairfield Prep Athletics, featuring a strength and conditioning center and locker rooms capable of accommodating all the athletic teams. For the arts, Fairfield Prep will now have a black box theater with 200-plus seats and dedicated band rooms, among other arts-oriented spaces. The facility is scheduled to open in the fall of 2026.
“We are pleased to continue our 25-plus year partnership and work on the school’s campus," said Eric Cushman, Vice President at Gilbane. "This project represents a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to enhancing educational facilities and supporting the school and university community.”
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The Barron Center for Arts & Recreation will serve as Fairfield Prep’s anchor for arts, athletics, school Masses, and special events. Fairfield University and community partners will also utilize the space for programs aligned with the school’s shared missions. For the first time in Fairfield Prep’s history, students will have their own dedicated theater performance space, gymnasium, and a venue capable of holding the entire student body.
