The new Conners Emerson elementary school under construction in Bar Harbor will incorporate geothermal energy to power water-cooled modular heat pumps for the new 100,000-square-foot building.
Wright-Ryan Construction, of Portland, is managing the project. Installing the 80 well closed-loop geothermal system will be a joint project by Orono-based Sargent Corp. and ABM Mechanical, which has offices in Westbrook, Bangor and Hancock.
When completed in the fall of 2026, the new school will house pre-K through 8th graders and replace the current Conners and Emerson schools.
The $60.4 million building is designed by Harriman, which is headquartered in Portland and has offices in Auburn, Portsmouth, N.H., and Boston.
Wright-Ryan Construction recently held a festive ‘topping out’ ceremony at the site of the new school by the placement of one of the final structural steel beams, which students and community members were invited to sign before it was hoisted into position.
“The history of Wright-Ryan’s work with local communities across the state spans more than 40 years,” said Wright-Ryan President Alan Sparn, who spoke after putting his signature on the beam. “Serving the Bar Harbor School community through this transformative project is among the most rewarding work we do. We are grateful to be celebrating this milestone with you.”