Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall School celebrated the opening of The Landry Center on Saturday, May 31st, marking the completion of the largest capital campaign in the independent school's 197-year history.

The ribbon-cutting followed the Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2025, and drew alumni, parents, trustees, and community members to witness the unveiling of the School's newest academic building.

The Landry Center replaces the former Atwood building and will serve as the primary home for the School's 9th-grade program throughout the school year while hosting a variety of senior electives, and for various activities for Running Brook Camps in the summer. The state-of-the-art facility features interior modern classroom spaces, a science room, faculty work spaces, and additional outdoor gathering and teaching spaces. 

This new addition to campus represents a significant step in sustainable education as CH-CH's first solar-powered building. Other areas of environmental sustainability include pollinator gardens, rain gardens, and several outdoor spaces designed for both learning and social connections. These features align with CH-CH's commitment to “Campus as Classroom”, connecting education with the natural environment.

"The new orientation of the building creates a connection to other teaching and learning spaces, in essence, expanding our campus," said Sara Masucci, Director of 9th and 10th Grade Programs. "The flexible classroom setups will encourage and support innovative teaching practices. The faculty workroom will enhance teacher collaboration. The gathering spaces will invite connection and laughter. I can't wait!"

Head of School Lance Conrad, Ed.D., opened the ceremony with a unique piece of school history, a 52-year-old letter from Green Acres Day School, the original occupant of the building site, which was mysteriously delivered to his mailbox by a former classmate whose mother had preserved the correspondence.

From the left, CH-CH Trustee Alden Harrington, Lance Conrad, Ed.D.

CH-CH Trustee Alden Harrington has a unique connection with the history of the site, as it is located only a few feet away from his childhood home: “I was a counselor at the (Green Acres) camp for a number of years, my mother (Louisa Harrington) worked there, who ultimately served on the CH-CH Board for a number of years.”

"Today is a demonstration of our School's commitment to our core enterprise: differentiated teaching and learning, while connecting with our outdoor environs in a sustainable and accessible way," Conrad said during his remarks.

The project was made possible through a leadership gift and matching challenge from the Landry Family Foundation, led by Kim and Mark GwinnLandry P’27. Their foundation's generosity helped leverage an additional half-million dollars in campaign contributions during the final months of fundraising.

“As a parent of a recent alumna, and someone who is fortunate enough to serve on the board, I’ve seen firsthand how CH-CH meets students where they are and helps them grow into who they are meant to be,” said Bob Donnelly P’24, Trustee. “The Landry Center deepens that commitment.”

The GwinnLandry Family

Campaign Co-Chair Joe Cannistraro P’22, Trustee, emphasized how this project highlights CH-CH’s mission: “I’m so proud to be part of this project and it’s great to see the School’s commitment to learning and community.”

Using the moment to look ahead to the School’s future, Campaign Co-Chair Laura Cabot Carrigan P’19, Trustee, sees this not only as a new building, but as a mindset focused on growth: “The Landry Center is going to be a critical addition to the CH-CH experience. And it's also going to be a reminder of what happens when we commit to giving back, to investing in the future, and to embracing the act of giving.”

From the left, CH-CH Trustees Joe Cannistraro P’22, Bob Donnelly P’24, and Laura Cabot Carrigan P’19

The construction project involved numerous local partners, including Delphi Construction, Costa Architects, and Vanaria and Sons Site Development, with project management led by CFO Gwen Pojasek and former Director of Buildings & Grounds Al Umina.

Conrad recognized over 120 donors to the "Growing Minds, Growing Community" campaign, as well as the members of the campaign committee and the extensive team of trustees, parents, and community members who contributed to the project's success.

See a full album of photos from the Ribbon Cutting here.

The building also features nature photography by current student Nicholas Sui, Class of 2028, and a donor recognition wall incorporating artwork by 2024 graduate Isabel Marsette.

As part of the School's ongoing campus master plan, The Landry Center represents a significant investment in 21st-century learning spaces designed to support innovative teaching practices and environmental stewardship.