Spence School - Zubatkin Owner Representation

Founded in 1892, The Spence School is a private, all-girls K-12 institution on Manhattan’s Upper East Side with a reputation for academic excellence and a highly rigorous liberal arts program.

An opportunity developed when Spence acquired a townhouse to expand its core middle and upper school facilities. The project entailed the implementation of a three-year, phased renovation to create an overall campus environment. The final scope of work involved the development of a two-story glass connector from the existing building to the new townhouse. Located in a historic district, the project faced a series of complex approvals and logistical challenges and required careful planning and coordination to allow the school to maintain its day-to-day operations along with ongoing renovation and construction.

Role + Responsibilities

Crucial to the successful implementation of the program was conceiving the right plan for the project that would allow Spence to most effectively integrate the new facility and maintain ongoing operations during the construction. Zubatkin first developed a framework for the architect selection process, outlining specific design challenges that allowed Spence to more effectively evaluate candidates. Zubatkin also helped to develop the overall campus master plan and project implementation strategy, including project logistics, phasing alternates, costs, as well as neighbor and community relations. The firm was further retained to oversee the design, approvals and construction of the project.

Since the completion of this project, Zubatkin has been engaged by Spence to support the analysis and development of additional facilities for its campus.