Taunton breaks ground on long-awaited new Mulcahey school

Elementary students took part in the groundbreaking ceremony for the new James L. Mulcahey Elementary School by holding signs and leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Taunton Gazette photo by Charles Winokoor

TAUNTON – A little more than a year from now a new James L. Mulcahey Elementary School will be standing tall and proud on Clifford Street.

In anticipation of that momentous occasion a groundbreaking ceremony was held Friday morning on the site of the $65 million project.

The new L-shaped, combination three and single-story building is being built next to the existing school, which opened in 1954.

The new Mulcahey school will also replace the circa-1915 Hopewell Elementary School on Monroe Street in the city’s Whittenton neighborhood.

A total of 735 students from both locations will attend the new school.

“It will replace two great schools, each with their own storied history,” said Taunton Mayor Thomas Hoye Jr., as he addressed a crowd of local and state officials, city employees, construction company representatives and school officials.

The Massachusetts School Building Authority is covering $40.5 million of the project’s cost, with the city paying the balance of $24.5 million.

Read more at the Taunton Gazette