Students Sign Final Beam for McFall Hall

Construction continues on schedule for the renovation of McFall Hall, Collegiate School’s Middle and Upper School cafeteria, and today, students literally and figuratively made their mark on the design.

Students in Grades 5-12, and some faculty and staff, had an opportunity to visit the sidewalk in front of McFall and sign the final steel beam of the new section of the building. A beam signing is a common tradition through which individuals leave their mark (or name, in this case) on what is traditionally the highest beam of a building project.

“While the beam will not be visible once the project is complete, our community members who had an opportunity to sign it will always remember their participation in the renovation of this significant building on campus,” said Kristen Williams, Collegiate’s Vice President of Development.

Of special note was the signing of the beam by Charlie McFall, Collegiate’s now-retired Athletic Director and former varsity football coach, for whom the cafeteria is named.

“It’s a great idea,” Coach McFall said. “It was nice of them to ask me, and I was honored to do it.”

Renovation of the 55-year-old McFall Hall began last summer, and the building is still in use while construction is underway. When completed in August 2017, the updated space will feature additional serving line capacity; kitchen/prep and storage space; and a larger dining area for students and faculty that expands seating capacity from 300 to 450 people. The renovation will also create two flex spaces that can convert from dining areas to seminar or meeting rooms, as warranted.
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