Stratton Mountain faculty building and dormitory project.

For many, Vermont’s premiere four-season destination resort community at Stratton Mountain is all about skiing. For a number of talented and enthusiastic adolescents, the Mountain provides a backdrop for the technical challenges associated with world-class ski terrain, and for college preparatory studies. While a part of their ski classroom experience involves the expert slopes of Stratton Mountain, and their individual passion may be to compete in the national and international sports arena, many of these student-athletes value the rich academic experience and scholastic fulfillment of study through the Stratton Mountain School (SMS). Here, they complement the physical rigors and intense regimen associated with championship skiing with an education to rival most top prep schools. Challenging each student to create success in all areas of their lives, the School’s teachers and coaches work to foster an environment that encourages individual success…in both academics and sports. This has been a part of the School’s mission for over three decades. And toward this end, the Stratton Mountain School community is expanding both its residential and training facilities. Recently, the School entered into the second phase of its master plan, bringing additional faculty and student housing to the campus, and adding approximately 16,000 square feet to the Peter Burtcher Fieldhouse. Trumbull-Nelson Construction Company is serving as Construction Manager for both Projects.

“Bob Allen proved to be an invaluable troubleshooter, and superior coordinator of construction site activities.”

Over the past year, Trumbull-Nelson has worked closely with the SMS Headmaster, Christopher Kaltsas and other School officials on two projects that will enhance existing facilities located within the state-of-the-art campus. The recently completed Faculty Residence and Dormitory Project, designed by J. Graham Goldsmith Architects P.C., of Burlington, Vermont, is an architecturally pleasing accompaniment to existing facilities. The Project has created 6 new housing units for faculty, and dormitory space for ten additional students.

And on the southwestern edge of the campus, work crews are putting the finishing touch on the Fieldhouse addition. Upon completion, the building will include a training and weight room, stretching and storage areas, locker, and laundry and tech room. The buildings second floor includes the gymnasium, gymnastics equipment area, and room for a future climbing wall. The addition offers approximately 3 times the currently available fieldhouse space, and brings the School’s gymnasium facility “online” in a readily available campus setting (the current gymnasium is located about 1 mile away from campus).

Peter Burtcher Fieldhouse addition.

Christopher Kaltsas is no stranger to the challenges associated with school building construction. Ongoing funding challenges and strict budget requirements are Project givens. He knows that effective management and field coordination is paramount to success. He gives much credit to Trumbull-Nelson Project Manager, Michael Rosa, and Field Superintendent, Bob Allen. “The Company ‘delivered’ on the Stratton Mountain School Projects…across the board,” remarked Kaltsas. “Bob Allen proved to be an invaluable troubleshooter, and superior coordinator of construction site activities. His very clever thinking about all aspects of the building project brought added value to the process.”

Just as SMS students are reaching new levels by maximizing their potential through integrated academic and athletic programs, the School’s building program is helping it to reach a new level of maturity. And just as the campus masterplan helps to direct and shape the built environment, the Phase II and future construction is helping build a solid foundation to meet the needs of the next generation of exceptional student athletes.