Andover, MA – BW Kennedy & Co. announced it recently completed the renovation of Graves Hall at Phillips Academy in Andover.
Graves Hall was added to the campus in 1883, originally constructed as a science building. In 1983, the historic structure was repurposed for music education and performance, serving for decades as a central hub for the campus music community, hosting everything from the Chamber Music Society to student-led coffeehouse concerts.
As part of Phillips Academy’s Campus Master Plan, the building was fully renovated and retrofitted to become a modern home for multiple administrative departments, including the Business Office and Human Resources. With the opening of the new Falls Music Center, Phillips Academy was able to transition its musical programming into a purpose-built facility, allowing Graves Hall to be thoughtfully reimagined as a centralized administrative hub that better supports the school’s evolving operational needs.
The 17,000sf Graves Hall renovation brought the historic building up to current codes while preserving its structural integrity and architectural character. Construction began in February 2025 and was completed at the end of November. The project included new mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems; the installation of a full-building sprinkler system; and energy-efficient upgrades throughout. Each floor now features a mix of open office workspaces, private offices, and conference areas designed to support collaboration and day-to-day operations.
Event space
Additional improvements included a new entry canopy, lobby and ADA-compliant ramp facing the Falls Music Center. The project also replaced the building’s existing windows with historically matched replicas, maintaining the exterior’s original appearance while improving thermal performance space for current and future students.
The project was accomplished through a collaboration with Annum Architects, AHA Consulting Engineers, Samiotes Consultants, LeMessurier, WSP, Sladen Feinstein, Stimson, Phoenix Mechanical Contracting Inc., North Shore Mechanical Contractors, Nappa Electrical Contractors, and A&E Fire Protection Inc.
