Scott Weiner, CEO of SCC, stated, "This ceremony today marks a new beginning for efforts to provide 21st century schools for the students and staff of Camden. This project, to be followed in upcoming months with the launch of construction activity at nearby Morgan Village Middle School as well as Dudley Elementary School, signals the renewed commitment of the SCC to provide schools for which Camden has waited far too long. We look forward to our work as partners with the Camden School District in bringing these plans to fruition."

Currently, there are two other school projects – Octavius V. Catto Elementary School and the Camden City Early Childhood Development Center #25 – under construction in Camden. Catto, a state demonstration project that twice has received awards for promoting smart growth, is being managed by the Camden Redevelopment Agency and is scheduled to open this fall. Camden’s Early Childhood Development Center No. 25, which has suffered a number of delays, is on track for completion in spring 2008.

Contingent on funding authorization by the Legislature for New Jersey’s school construction program, the SCC plans to open a regional office in Camden early next year in light of the additional activity.

The new school at 8th and Woodland streets will be an 89,332-square-foot, two-story facility with such community features as a gymnasium, library/media center and playground that will be accessible to students and neighborhood residents alike. One wing of the school will be designated as a neighborhood emergency shelter.

During construction, students will continue to attend the existing H.B. Wilson School at nearby 9th and Florence streets. The old school will be razed after the new school is ready for occupancy, scheduled for early 2009.

Architects Gensler Associates designed the school. Ernest Bock & Sons, Inc. is the general contractor. Hill International is managing the construction project for the SCC.