Shawmut Breaks Ground on New $326M Pawtucket High School on Site of Historic McCoy Stadium

Shawmut joined elected officials, community leaders, and students to break ground on the new Pawtucket High School, a $326 million, 375,000 square-foot learning complex on the historic site of the former McCoy Stadium.

Developed in collaboration with the City of Pawtucket, the Rhode Island Department of Education, and Pawtucket School Department, the project represents the single largest school project in Rhode Island’s history. Once completed, the new campus will serve approximately 2,100 high school students, delivering cutting-edge academic facilities and community-focused spaces designed to meet the evolving needs of 21st-century learners.

“As we start construction on the new Pawtucket High School, we do so with deep respect for the history of this site and a shared commitment to what lies ahead,” said Chris Maury, Head of Preconstruction, New England Region / Head of Rhode Island Operations at Shawmut. “McCoy Stadium has been a beloved part of this community for generations, and we recognize how much it has meant to so many. This next chapter builds on that legacy—a modern, forward-looking high school that will serve as a vibrant hub of learning and opportunity. We’re honored to help bring this vision to life and to deliver a space that meets the needs of today’s students and the future of Pawtucket.”

Located at 1 Columbus Avenue, the new Pawtucket High School will be built with a focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and flexibility, providing academic spaces that foster collaboration, student engagement, and a deeper connection to the local community. The design will feature modern classrooms, science and technology labs, arts and music spaces, and robust athletic and wellness facilities.

In addition to Shawmut, the project team includes Colliers Project Leaders as the owner’s project manager and Jonathan Levi Architects as lead architect. Construction is now underway, with project completion anticipated in December 2028.

The groundbreaking ceremony Thursday brought together state and local leaders including the governor, mayor, House Speaker Joseph Shekarchi, Rhode Island Commissioner of Education Angelica Infante-Green, Acting Superintendent Randy Buck, School Committee members, and student representatives.

“My administration is committed to partnering with local communities to create high-quality learning environments that foster innovation and support student success,” said Governor Dan McKee. “Together with other state-supported projects—like the new soccer stadium, train station, and housing developments such as Dexter Street Commons—this new school represents a vital investment in Pawtucket’s future: its people, its neighborhoods, and our local economy.”

“Today is a great day for the students of Pawtucket who deserve a modern, 21st century learning environment that prepares them for success,” said Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien. “McCoy Stadium holds a special place in the hearts of so many, filled with cherished memories of baseball games, concerts, and community events. While we honor and celebrate that rich history, we also move forward and focus on what’s next for our city. Today, we break ground on a state-of-the-art new high school that invests in our students, our families, and our entire community. This project will provide transformative opportunities for generations of Pawtucket Schools students to come, and we thank our residents for their support and patience as we embark on this exciting project.”