J.G. Petrucci Co. Inc. and its subsidiary, Iron Hill Construction Management, recently joined Plainfield city officials to mark the opening of Koinonia Academy, a 45,000-square-foot school specifically designed for children with special needs, and First Children School, an institution offering a faith-based and comprehensive learning experience for enrolled children. — All photos courtesy: J.G. Petrucci Co. Inc.
By Joshua Burd
Two new schools have opened their doors in Plainfield this year with the support of J.G. Petrucci Co. Inc. and its subsidiary, Iron Hill Construction Management.
The firms joined Mayor Adrian O. Mapp last month to unveil the facilities, having completed the development and design-build of both projects at 1040 Plainfield Ave. They include First Children School, a 45,000-square-foot school specifically designed for children with special needs, and Koinonia Academy, an institution offering a faith-based and comprehensive learning experience for enrolled children.
Those on hand also included Plainfield Economic Development Director Zenobia Fields and City Council President Steve G. Hockaday, as well as First Children School President Joseph Hess and Koinonia Academy Board President Michael Temple.
“We are so proud of our new, state-of-the-art special educational facility in Plainfield, NJ,” Hess said. “The new building enhances our program and its more than 40-year history of providing educational and therapeutic services to children with complex medical, behavioral, and developmental challenges. It was a pleasure working with J.G. Petrucci, particularly Greg Rogerson and Dominick Baker, in the planning, design, and ultimately delivery of this incredible property that will serve as our home, delivering on our mission of providing Life Changing Outcomes to Exceptional Kids for years to come.”
Petrucci, which recently developed a 90-unit affordable housing property in the city, noted that it completed construction for the schools last December. The firm and its Iron Hill team worked with Cerminara Architect on both projects.
First Children School welcomed students in January, according to a news release. For Koinonia Academy, the firms built a 10,700-square-foot annex to accommodate eight classrooms, allowing the facility to accept 36 additional students and four additional staff members for enrollment.
“I am immensely proud of the collaborative effort that has brought the First Children School and Koinonia Academy to fruition,” said Rogerson, a principal at J.G. Petrucci. “These institutions are a testament to our dedication to creating spaces that inspire learning and growth. We are honored to have played a role in shaping the educational landscape of Plainfield.”
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