New Canton Middle School Begins To Take Shape As Steel Framing Starts

CANTON, MA — The new Galvin Middle School is beginning to take shape after months of site preparation.

Construction crews hoisted the first steel beams into place this week, launching a 60- to 90-day effort to erect the building’s frame. The work follows a September groundbreaking ceremony for the $241 million school project.

The first delivery included 69 tons of structural steel from Structure SBL, a company based in Quebec. Between 40 and 50 tons of steel are expected to arrive each day during the framing process, according to Addison Nye, a senior superintendent with Consigli Construction.

About 1,900 tons of steel will be used to build the school.

“There are a few larger deliveries that SBL will coordinate, which will require designated escort vehicles to and from the site,” Nye said. “This first delivery contained steel that will be used in the gymnasium, which had some unique geometries that made it a challenge for shipping, so it took a lot of careful planning.”

Residents can expect to see a 182-foot crane operating at the construction site, Galvin Middle School Principal Jonathan Mulhern said.

Mulhern said crews have established strict protocols for the crane’s swing radius, meaning steel will not be lifted beyond the site’s fence line. Deliveries will also be scheduled for early mornings and late afternoons to limit disruptions on the loop road.

“While we can anticipate some increased noise, everything inside the building will remain business as usual,” Mulhern said.

Ironworkers from TCI Ironworks are installing the steel. Nye said the workers have taken “a tremendous amount of care” in planning the work safely.

The project has an approved cost of about $241.76 million, with an anticipated $74.35 million reimbursement from the Massachusetts School Building Authority. The existing middle school will remain in use during construction.

The new school is expected to open in September 2028, according to the project timeline previously published by officials. The existing building is then scheduled to be demolished to make room for athletic fields and parking, with the full project expected to be completed in July 2029.

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