BOSTON—Officials from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, ARC/Architectural Resources Cambridge and Shawmut Design and Construction recently recognized the mid-point construction of a five-story, 95,000-square-foot vertical addition above the Dental School’s existing 10-story building in Boston’s Chinatown.

“This is a significant milestone for both the project and for Tufts Dental School,” said Joe Castellana, Executive Associate Dean at the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. “When the glass façade installation is completed next month, we will really start to see the realization of this expansion. We’re thrilled that our project is moving full steam ahead and that we’re getting closer to completion.”

The project is scheduled for occupancy at the end of 2009.

The $64 million addition at One Kneeland Street is designed by ARC/Architectural Resources Cambridge, a nationally recognized architectural, planning and interior design firm specializing in educational, science, sports and corporate facilities. Shawmut Design and Construction, a leading ENR top 100-ranked national construction management firm, serves as general contractors for the project.

 “We are especially pleased to be working together as a team with Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and Shawmut Design and Construction on this important and exciting project,” said Rob Quigley, AIA, a principal at ARC who is leading the design team for this project. “This expansion will better position the Dental School to deliver on its mission of service and, most importantly, allow Tufts to continue its tradition of offering high-quality and affordable dental care for the city of Boston and the greater New England community.”

“Renovating and simultaneously adding five stories to a downtown Boston building is a huge challenge with many logistical considerations,” added Tony Miliote, Shawmut’s Managing Director of Healthcare and Science. “Shawmut has the expertise to keep the classroom and clinic doors open during construction and safely deliver what will be an outstanding project for both Tufts and its neighboring communities.”

The original building for Tufts was envisioned in 1972 to be a 16-story structure; however, due to budget restraints, the building plan was revised to construct only 10 floors at the time. ARC’s design, which will now add five additional floors, includes two new clinical patient floors, an expanded simulation lab and teaching facilities for students, as well as a continuing education conference center and administrative offices.

The new vertical addition adheres to the modular order of the original building’s facade while introducing new materials and forms that complement the precast concrete materials of the existing building. Creating a new overall image for the Dental School, a beacon at the corner of Washington and Kneeland Streets marks a gateway to the Tufts Health Sciences Campus.

As part of Boston’s mandate that all new construction be sustainable, ARC is designing the addition and renovation with the goal of LEED certification.