“Friendships and relationships are very important in adolescence. Social media can really only supplement, and cannot replace, in-person relationships. We need to have both of these.” – Adam Hoffman, an assistant professor of psychology at Cornell University
Local News
With the help of Alumni and San Francisco-based Build Group, the students at Marin Academy are enjoying a revamped courtyard providing for both academic and social gatherings.
Guided by feedback from students and staff, this renovation reflects the Marin Academy’s Vision 2050 plan, with an emphasis on creating vibrant, communal gathering spaces across campus.
The new space required the demolition of the previous underutilized courtyard and landscaping and a creative vision of how to optimize sloped land. The finished courtyard has tiers of seating that allow for twice the gathering space than the previous layout. The curved seating allows for multiple groups to meet in distinct configurations or focus on a primary speaker/event at the apex of the curves. Six mature trees have been planted to improve both shade and beauty. Students are enjoying the space to discuss group projects, listen to guest speakers, gather for spirit rallies and enjoy their lunch!
Adding to the excitement of the project is the fact that two Marin Academy alumni played key roles in making it a success. Garth Herrema ‘06, a Project Executive for Build Group, led the project, bringing his experience full circle after he began his construction management career at Marin Academy, later earning his degree at Cal Poly SLO. Gracie Felsenthal ‘24, now studying engineering at Tufts, joined as an intern, contributing hands-on support throughout the project’s fast-paced nine-week schedule.
A dedication of the new Marin Academy courtyard is being planned for Spring 2025.
About Build Group
Build Group is a privately-owned commercial general contractor, construction manager, and design/builder. The company has offices in San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Idaho. Build Group executes ground-up core and shell and tenant improvement (TI) projects, as well as portions of jobs led by other reputable commercial general contractors, where they leverage their self-performing capabilities through wholly owned subsidiaries in the following areas:
- Structural Concrete
- Shoring and Formwork
- Drywall, Insulation, Framing, and Fire Stopping
- Exterior Skin Systems and Façades
- Light Framing, Mass Timber, CLT, Modular Installation, and Siding
- Flooring, Cabinetry, and Finished Carpentry
Build Group is structured to be nimble, employing the processes of a large corporation where appropriate, while sidestepping the complexities and bureaucratic delays often associated with larger organizations. This allows for quicker decision-making and more efficient project execution—it’s why over 80% of their projects are for repeat clients.
Interested parties may contact Julie Baccelli, VP of Acquisition and Corporate Affairs, Build Group via email or LinkedIn.
About Marin Academy
Founded in 1971, Marin Academy is a co-educational, independent high school in Marin County. The multidimensional nature of MA’s educational approach creates an environment in which our students thrive as scholars, athletes, and artists. Students experience the value of working with others as they grow their appetite to pursue their own passions, questions, and paths. Marin Academy’s mission statement “asks every individual to think, question, and create in an environment of encouragement and compassion, and challenges each person to accept the responsibilities posed by education in a democratic society.”
