By Charles Paullin

Staff Writer

BERLIN —  What was once the location of the Kensignton Grammar School is now the location of a new pavilion.

Finished with a top-off ceremony last Thursday morning, the pavilion will be part of St. Paul Church, right across Ailing Atreet. With a new parking lot and green space with a garden, it will be used for community concerts, movies and other events, as well as recess for children attending St. Paul Catholic School. A prayer area is also available.

“This is a long time coming,” said the Rev. Robert Schlageter. “We’re very grateful for all the support.”

The pavilion is about 30 feet wide on a 2-acre lot. Schlageter said 90 percent of the funding for the $2 million project came from fundraising and donations. Additionally, Manafort Brothers, the New Britain-based construction company, provided equipment and expertise, and Berlin Steel provided steel and expertise, all at no cost.

“We’re saving a lot of money, which we can add to our savings and use for other projects,” said Schlageter.”We’ve never been able to do anything without the resources and support of the people.”

The idea for the pavilion, Schlageter explained, came after the old school building was deemed unable to be restored due to asbestos and lead concerns. Following failed proposals for housing developments, St. Paul Church, with the understanding and support of the Berlin Historical Society, decided to buy the land in March 2013.

After a capital campaign that generated $1.8 million, Manafort Brothers began demolition, removing the hazardous waste and beginning construction in mid-2015. Earth Contractors provided help with the parking lot and green space.

Charles Paullin can be reached at 860-801-5074 or cpaullin@centralctcommunications.com.

Photograph courtesy of Wesley Bunnell, Staff Photographer, New Britain Herald