Fontaine completed the Simmons Dormitory at Deerfield Academy in Fall 2022, delivering a new student residence that enhances campus life while respecting the Academy’s historic character. The project included construction of a 33,000 SF dormitory featuring 20 student rooms, four faculty apartments, and shared common spaces designed to support connection, collaboration, and day-to-day residential life.
The new building was constructed adjacent to the existing 17,000 SF DeNunzio Dormitory (1989), which was renovated and upgraded as part of the project to improve functionality and extend the life of the facility.
To accommodate the new dormitory, the 1949 Dewey Infirmary was demolished, allowing for improved site circulation and enhancements to the surrounding campus. The design aligns with the Academy’s campus aesthetic, incorporating traditional materials and detailing that blend seamlessly with surrounding buildings while supporting modern performance standards.
Construction took place on an active boarding school campus and was impacted by a one-year COVID-related delay. During that time, Fontaine remained engaged on site, completing health and safety upgrades across multiple campus buildings to support students, faculty, and staff.
The Simmons Dormitory reflects a thoughtful balance of new construction and renovation, combining modern residential amenities with the character and continuity of Deerfield Academy’s campus.
