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Lamoureux Pagano Associates | Architects 39 Fontaine Bros.: Adaptability Leads to Success I n 1933, more than 30 years after migrating to the United States from Canada, brothers Eudore and George Fontaine realized their dream of founding their own construction company. e men chose an inauspicious time to found a business – the country was in the throes of the Great Depression – but they managed to weather uncertain economic times with unwavering determination and a commitment to quality work. Eighty-seven years and four generations later, Fontaine Bros., Inc. has become one of the largest and most respected commercial construction firms in Western and Central Massachusetts while never losing focus on quality, relationships and family values. Currently, Fontaine has more than $400 million of work underway in Central Massachusetts. ey work hard to utilize and provide opportunities for local subcontractors, tradespeople, unions and suppliers. Fontaine believes deeply in serving the communities in which they work and live. roughout the years, Fontaine has found creative ways to connect their staff and resources in a variety of ways to support the needs of Worcester-based nonprofits like Preservation Worcester, Nativity School of Worcester, Recreation Worcester and the relocation of the historic Stearns Tavern. ey also participate in an annual toy drive with friends and family donating hundreds of toys to kids in the Worcester Public Schools daycare program. Fontaine's commitment to Worcester dates back to 1970 when they built the $50 million UMass Medical School, which at the time, was the largest single contract in Massachusetts history. roughout the decades that followed the firm continued to build its reputation for excellence in Central Massachusetts, eventually opening an office just off Shrewsbury Street to further cement its roots in Worcester. No partner has been a greater part of Fontaine's success in Central Massachusetts than LPA|A. For close to 20 years, Fontaine and LPA|A have been delivering projects to a wide range of public and private clients. In the academic realm, they have successfully delivered Burgess Elementary School in Sturbridge, Auburn Middle School, Rutland Elementary School and Nelson Place Elementary School in Worcester. e Shrewsbury Public Library and the Holy Cross Contemplative Center in West Boylston also bear the fingerprint of both firms. More recently, Fontaine and LPA|A have joined forces to work on the new Beal Elementary School in Shrewsbury, which will be located at the site of the former Glavin Center. is school, which will accommodate 790 students in grades K-4, replaces the 100-year old building at the center of town and is slated to open in 2021. Fontaine and LPA|A are also currently engaged in the construction of the new Worcester South Community High School. e $170 million high school is scheduled to welcome students in September of 2021 and will integrate career and vocational education programs to better prepare students for emerging and future needs. David Fontaine, Jr., vice president, explained that Fontaine and LPA|A's professional relationship is built on a shared philosophy. "ere are several cultural similarities between our two companies. e executive leadership in both our firms is very involved in day-to-day operations and the delivery of services to clients," he said. "e leadership at both Fontaine and LPA|A understand the value of having the ability to make decisions and commitments without a lot of red tape. e client experience is personal, streamlined and very effective. It is truly a pleasure to work with a team as dedicated, professional and competent as the group at LPA|A. Everyone at our firms loves their work, enjoys the people that we work with, and is tirelessly committed to providing seamless projects for our clients," Fontaine added. Additionally, both Fontaine and LPA|A are deeply committed to Central Massachusetts. e consultants and employees of both firms live and work locally and have great familiarity with the area. ey have developed a network of subcontractors that knows one another and has formed strong working relationships whose goal is "to do good work in their own back yard." n Fontaine Bros., Inc. 510 Cottage Street, Springfield, MA 01104 12 E Worcester Street, Worcester, MA 01604 T: 413.781.2020 T: 508.796.5133 www.fontainebros.com Product/service: Construction Manager/ General Contractor Number of employees: 60 Company head: David Fontaine, Sr., President; David Fontaine, Jr., Vice President Year founded: 1933 Holy Cross Contemplative Center Worcester South High School aerial view Shrewsbury Public Library Nelson Place School