New American School for the Deaf Building to Open This Fall

Construction has been proceeding for nearly a year at the American School for the Deaf's new state-of-the art facility on North Main Street in West Hartford, and according to an ASD spokesperson the project, which now incorporates additional security systems as a result of the Sandy Hook tragedy last December, is still on track for a fall 2013 opening.

The American School for the Deaf held a ground-breaking for the new building in front of the iconic Gallaudet Hall structure in May 2012. The 60,000 square foot state-of-the-art education facility will support the school's needs with an open and accessible floor plan, and the ability to accommodate specialized equipment.

ASD moved to West Hartford in 1921, and although Gallaudet Hall has been known as a local landmark, it was determined that it could no longer accommodate the needs of the students even with extensive renovations. Last week, the State Bond Commission approved the sale of $4.2 million in bonds to be used for the building's demolition, as well as relocation of ASD's central heating facilities and roadway reconstruction.

“The American School for the Deaf is immensely grateful for the friendship and support we have received from the State of Connecticut since our founding in 1817. We thank them for the recent commitment of bonding funds which will allow us to continue to deliver excellent educational opportunities to deaf and hard of hearing students throughout Connecticut and beyond,” said Director of Institutional Advancement Marilyn Rettig.

State Rep. Brian Becker (D-19th) said in a news release, "The state is making this investment in ASD because the school is an important part of our education infrastructure and an important part of West Hartford’s identity. ASD provides critical services to the deaf and hearing impaired community and draws students from all over the town and from all around the country." 

Becker added, “This commitment to education for the hearing impaired unlocks the potential of thousands of students who will attend ASD and supports economic and job growth in Connecticut. The project also provides the immediate benefit of supporting construction jobs and local businesses.”