Energy Efficient Investments (EEI) Celebrates Major Milestone in Burlington with Integrated Arts Academy Ribbon Cutting
Energy Efficient Investments (EEI) is proud to celebrate the grand opening of the Burlington School District’s Integrated Arts Academy (IAA) after the completion of a transformative renovation that is delivering a vibrant, 21st-century learning environment for students, educators, and the local community.
Burlington, VT —The celebration highlighted the remarkable effort behind retrofitting a historic 1920s school building with a cutting-edge geothermal system—an achievement made possible by the dedication and expertise of EEI’s Vermont team. “Retrofitting a nearly century-old building to a modern geothermal system and having it ready for the first day of school is nothing short of incredible,” said Mike Davey, President of EEI. “We’re honored to support Burlington’s commitment to healthier, more efficient, and more inspiring learning spaces.”
The Integrated Arts Academy renovation is part of a $17 million investment by Burlington School District, funded through remaining dollars from the District’s 2017 10-Year Capital Plan and $10 million in ESSER funds. Construction began in spring 2024, with students temporarily relocated for the duration of the work. The project remains on budget and on schedule to be fully completed in spring 2025, with students and staff returning to the finished building in fall 2025.
A recently released project video offers an inside look at the progress and the craftsmanship that is shaping this innovative educational space.
Preserving History While Enhancing Learning
The renovation thoughtfully blends historic preservation with modern performance upgrades:
- Removal of the outdated heating plant and installation of new geothermal systems significantly reduce noise, improve comfort, and enhance acoustical performance throughout the building.
- In the 1904 classrooms, original ceiling heights and volume have been maintained to preserve natural daylight from the historic windows, while new acoustical ceilings dramatically improve sound quality for a better academic experience.
- New ceilings also discreetly house ventilation, cooling, efficient heating, compliant sprinkler systems, and upgraded power and technology infrastructure.
- Select areas—including the main lobby corridor—will retain their original tin ceilings, preserving the building’s historical character. In other locations, tin ceilings will remain intact above the new systems, allowing for long-term preservation.
- The 1965 classroom wing is receiving similar acoustical improvements, replacing exposed roof decks with new ceilings that minimize reverberation and enhance learning conditions.
- New window designs will provide vast improvements in natural daylighting across the facility.
A Model for Vermont School Modernization
The Integrated Arts Academy project exemplifies how Vermont districts can modernize historic school buildings while honoring their architectural legacy. EEI is proud to partner with Burlington School District on a project that supports student well-being, energy efficiency, and long-term facility resilience.