SHAWMUT TOPS-OFF NEW ACADEMIC BUILDING AT WORCESTER ACADEMY

BOSTON, MA - October 2, 2000 - Shawmut Design and Construction, Worcester Academy, and Ann Beha Associates recently celebrated the completion of the steel erection phase of the New Academic Building with a topping-off ceremony. Despite an extremely wet New England summer, the project team has maintained the scheduled by working extended days and weekends to make this important milestone.

With four stories of steel in place, the next phase of the project involves laying the foundation and then installing the steel, for the raised, connecting terrace between the new building and existing Dexter Hall. The project team will then focus on the integration of the mechanical and electrical systems in the new building and upgrading the existing systems in Dexter Hall.

As the project progresses to completion on May 31, 2001, the interior of the new building will then be fit-out. The scope of the project also includes extensive sitework that will restructure the focus of its campus buildings. Aside from the classroom and faculty space, the new 27,000-square foot building will include library facilities and an elevator.

Once completed, the terrace will serve to integrate the new building with historic Dexter Hall. In addition, the terrace will accommodate classroom space beneath it to serve increased academic programs. Also, included in the sitework will be upgrades to the campus' infrastructure.

Servicing New England, Shawmut Design and Construction is a builder and construction manager specializing in difficult and demanding projects. The company provides customer-oriented services in industry niches including academic, corporate, restaurant, retail, healthcare, museums and historic preservation. Shawmut has completed or is under way on notable projects for such clients as Phillips Academy Andover, Phillips Exeter Academy, The Fessenden School, Noble and Greenough School, Harvard University, Babson College, MIT, Tufts University, Trinity Church, Deloitte & Touche, LLP, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, Legal Sea Foods, Equity Office Properties, Boston Properties, The Capital Grille, NIKETOWN, and FAO Schwarz. ### --

Contact: Margaret Neil Shawmut Design and Construction 617.338.6200 mneil@shawmut.com

Karen S. Jarrick Fuessler Group, Inc. 288 Shawmut Ave. Boston, MA 02118-2125 (617) 451-9383-phone (617) 451-5950-fax Visit Fuessler Group's award-winning web site: http://www.fuessler.com