November 12, 2024

DURHAM, N.C. – Monteith | Balfour Beatty, a joint venture in association with Right Build International, celebrated the groundbreaking of Durham Public Schools’ (DPS) new Durham School of the Arts (DSA) on November 8. The $210 million state-of-the-art performing arts school replaces and relocates the existing high school campus, upgrading the 100-year-old learning space for approximately 2,000 students in grades 6-12.

"As part of the Monteith | Balfour Beatty joint venture, we are honored to partner with Durham Public Schools on this transformative project for the school district and the community," said Jeff Sandeen, Balfour Beatty president in the Carolinas. "Our team will leverage its extensive expertise in K-12 construction and ongoing commitment to operational excellence to support the delivery of the new Durham School of the Arts on time and on budget. We look forward to working with our industry partners in providing this state-of-the-art facility that will serve students’ evolving needs for generations to come."

The groundbreaking ceremony was hosted by DPS and Durham Public Schools Board of Education with attendees including school administrators, the Board of County Commissioners and representatives from construction and design team comprising of Balfour Beatty, Monteith, Right Build International and O'Brien Atkins Associates.

The new state-of-the-art DSA facility will be located three miles north of downtown Durham on a 54-acre site. At approximately 337,500 gross square feet, the three-story building will feature new classrooms and dedicated spaces for theater, performing arts, music, physical education, dining, administration, and more. Construction is underway with completion expected in Fall 2027.

Commenting on the new DSA, Dr. Lewis, DPS superintendent said: "We have now taken the first steps toward creating a school designed for the future—one that will honor our commitment to student learning, exploration, and creating ways we could only dream of a hundred years ago. This new facility will be a place where the arts and academics unite seamlessly, where our students will have room to innovate, collaborate, and follow their passions in a setting that truly supports them."