It's always fun to start the school year with new supplies and books and even better when the year begins with fresh new classrooms and learning spaces. Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, in Fells Point did just that as the school officially opened the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Academic Center.
The Weinberg Center was once a convent, which housed the Felician Sisters who served Holy Rosary School. A total of $7.4 million was spent on renovations to convert the former residence into a functional learning space in time for the start of the 2010–11 school year.
The renovated 13,670-square-foot building includes: Cristo Rey Jesuit High School’s library, computer lab, four new classrooms, and offices for college counseling, information technology, and volunteer coordination. The building also houses the school’s Corporate Internship Program, a work component that enables students to earn part of the cost of their tuition by working one day per week in the offices of companies throughout the Baltimore area.
Weinberg gift is largest to Catholic School
Improvements to the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Academic Center and neighboring Healy Hall were made possible thanks to $500,000 gifts from both The Charles T. Bauer Foundation and Mary Catherine Bunting, and a $1.2 million commitment from the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation. This is the largest capital gift that the Weinberg Foundation has ever made to a Catholic school.
“We are deeply grateful to our generous benefactors for their tremendous support of our students—students who through lives of accomplishment and service will help to create a brighter future for themselves and for Baltimore City," said Rev. John W. Swope, SJ, president of Cristo Rey Jesuit. "The facilities of the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Academic Center will create an outstanding learning environment for our students as they prepare for college.”
At a ceremony to thank benefactors and friends of the school, Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien blessed the renovated building. The three-story brick structure is a landmark at the corner of Eastern Avenue and Chester Street. Built in 1951 by noted construction firm John McShain, Inc. of Philadelphia, it now supports contemporary teaching and learning needs while maintaining a distinct character. Warm wood tones, stained glass accents, and a palette reflecting the school’s black and yellow colors all contribute to a college prep learning environment.
An installation designed by Baltimore firm Novak & Birch honoring the Weinberg Foundation will be located on the first floor outside the admissions offices and the boardroom. Additionally, a new three-story walkway connects the Weinberg Center with Healy Hall, the second building on the campus; and courtyard space is available for quite reflection and gatherings. Finally, a new elevator makes the entire campus accessible to individuals with disabilities.
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