Hamden Hall Country Day School
Educating Students in PreSchool through Grade 12
Educating Students in PreSchool through Grade 12
“In 2008, we broke ground on our Beckerman Athletic Center at our Skiff Street Athletic Complex,” Izzo said. “As a result, our athletic center has had a tremendous impact on the region in terms of the number of organizations and groups who utilize that facility. I believe our new Middle School and indeed Hamden Hall’s third campus on Davis Street will have the same impact and far-reaching effects for both our school and the Greater New Haven community. Our mission of educational excellence will foster academic and economic advantages for the local area.”
- Head of School, Bob Izzo
- Head of School, Bob Izzo
Davis Street Project
Welcome to our Middle School Construction Update Page!
Follow along on the exciting progress of our new state-of-the-art learning space, designed to inspire curiosity, collaboration, and growth for our Grades 6–8 students. Check back often for the latest photos, videos, and milestones as we bring this vision to life.
The newly constructed Middle School at our Davis Street Campus is an impressive and versatile space that features a dynamic learning environment amid three stories of instruction rooms, specialty classrooms and labs, an assembly hall, learning resource center, and more. The total square footage of the facility is 36,000 square feet, which includes both the original storied mansion and a
21,000-square-foot addition.
Blended indoor and outdoor spaces will create seamless transitions to learning areas including a beautiful outdoor patio off of the second floor. Natural lighting is abundant given the myriad floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the facility.
A dramatic entryway for students on the west side of the campus leads to a stunning
two-story staircase.
Lucerne Mansion Quick Facts:
List of 3 items.
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Built in 1906
Built in 1906, this impressive 17,815-square-foot estate showcases Tudor Revival architecture, complete with crenellated towers. Set on 3.3 acres, the property offers stunning views overlooking Lake Whitney. -
Hamden Hall is the third owner of the property.
Designed by renowned New Haven architects Brown and Von Beren, the property was purchased in 1960 by prominent architect Eero Saarinen, who added 6,000 square feet for use as office space. However, Saarinen passed away in 1961 and never moved into the building. Following his death, his associates Kevin Roche and John Dinkeloo established their architectural firm in the mansion, where they remained until the property was sold in 2019. -
In the News
New Middle School Highlights
Hamden Hall’s new Middle School building will feature 18 spacious, state-of-the-art classrooms designed to foster collaboration, creativity, and engagement. These modern learning spaces will provide students and teachers with the flexibility to explore innovative teaching methods, encourage group work, and support individualized learning. The expanded environment ensures that every student has room to thrive, both academically and socially, in a comfortable and inspiring setting.
Hamden Hall’s new Middle School will feature two state-of-the-art science labs, designed to spark curiosity and bring learning to life. These innovative spaces will give students the opportunity to experiment, explore, and discover through hands-on experiences that go beyond the textbook. With expanded resources and room for collaboration, our labs will allow our Middle School Science, Innovation,
& Design program to continue to flourish.
Hamden Hall’s Middle School is being built with community at its heart. From an assembly hall and theater to vibrant art rooms and innovative MakerSpace labs, these new common spaces will bring our entire community together—fostering collaboration, school spirit, and endless opportunities to shine.
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Munger Construction Update!
September 2025Read MoreThe Hamden Hall Middle School project blends respect for tradition with a vision for the future. While preserving the architectural character of the original building, the renovation incorporates modern systems, code compliance, accessibility, and functional design. The reimagined interior, paired with a thoughtful new addition, will provide dynamic spaces for learning, collaboration, and support. With careful planning and execution, this project celebrates the school’s history while building a strong foundation for the years ahead.We’re inspired to see the “old” and the “new” come together to create a meaningful landmark for our community.
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A New Home in the Making!
Read MoreAugust 26, 2025
Our Middle School faculty and staff recently had the chance to step inside their soon-to-be new “home.” From walking the halls to picturing their future classrooms, excitement is building as the new Middle School takes shape. We can’t wait to see our community enjoying this new part of our campus!
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It's All Coming Together!
August 2025Read More
Classrooms, labs, and collaborative spaces are taking shape in our new Middle School building. We can already imagine the learning, laughter, and creativity that will fill these walls!
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Taking Shape!
July 2025Read More
The next exciting phase of our Middle School project is underway — steel frames are rising and walls are taking shape! Our vision for a vibrant, modern learning space is becoming a reality. It’s incredible to watch the new building come to life before our eyes.
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Digging into Our New Middle School!
October 2024Read More
We dug the ceremonial first shovelful of dirt at out Davis Street Campus to commence construction on the new home of our Middle School on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. Surrounded by Board of Trustee members, current and past parents, alumni, administrators, and faculty members, Head of School Bob Izzo acknowledged the project as a milestone for our Hamden Hall community.
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The Purchase!
Read MoreHamden Hall purchased the Lucerne Mansion in the summer of 2019 with the vision of transforming the property into a new Middle School for Grades 6–8. This exciting campus addition will provide room for growth and enhancements to our Whitney Avenue campus. In the meantime, the mansion played a vital role during the COVID-19 pandemic, serving as additional classroom space for our Upper School and allowing for greater distance and safety for our students.
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Three Generations
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Their Home Is Our Castle!
Designed by architects Brown and Von Beren and dubbed the Lucerne Mansion, the estate was built for Frederick D. Grave Sr, Fred’s grandfather, a German immigrant who arrived in America in 1861 and established for the family business in cigars. In 1960, the Grave family sold the mansion to prominent architect Eero Saarinen. Who at the time agreed to serve as department head for the Yale School of Architect. Hamden hall is now the third proud owner of the property.
The mansion was the childhood home to Past Parent Frederick “Fred” Grave III. Fred’s children, Frederick Grave IV, Class of 1972 and Dorothy Grave Hoyt, Class of 1979, and daughter-in-law, Sally Guyott, Class of 1973, all attended Hamden Hall.
The mansion was the childhood home to Past Parent Frederick “Fred” Grave III. Fred’s children, Frederick Grave IV, Class of 1972 and Dorothy Grave Hoyt, Class of 1979, and daughter-in-law, Sally Guyott, Class of 1973, all attended Hamden Hall.
1108 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, Connecticut 06517
Phone: 203-752-2600
Fax: 203-752-2651
admissions@hamdenhall.org
Hamden, Connecticut 06517
Phone: 203-752-2600
Fax: 203-752-2651
admissions@hamdenhall.org
Hamden Hall Country Day School, located less than two miles from Yale University, is one of the best private schools in Connecticut to enroll elementary, middle, and high school students. Our nurturing and inclusive community provides a dynamic learning environment that promotes academic excellence by understanding each child and fostering their individual growth.
