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The Intersection of Engineering and Sustainability

The Intersection of Engineering and Sustainability

Why did students in our Engineering class and Sustainability Club team up for a field trip to New York City? They were visiting 270 Park Avenue, the new state-of-the-art global headquarters for JPMorgan Chase (JPMC). The 1,388-foot, 60-story skyscraper is set to be New York City’s largest all-electric tower, with net zero operational emissions and indoor air quality that exceeds the highest standards in sustainability, health, and wellness. 

Led by Science Teacher and Digital Communication, Design, and Innovation Teacher Rodrigo Avila Hernandez, the group spent quality time with two members of the Canterbury family who are deeply involved in the project… 

  • Students were greeted by James Shea P ’25, part of JPMC’s Global Real Estate leadership team, who is the Head of Program Execution for the facility. Jim’s daughter, Gracen ’25, was in attendance as an Engineering student.

  • The visitors also engaged in an enlightening discussion with Christa Rotolo ’07, Director at AECOM Tishman, the company that is the Construction Manager of the state-of-the-art building.

“It was a privilege to welcome Mr. Avila and the talented students from Canterbury to our new headquarters project,” Jim said. “Their enthusiasm and curiosity about the design and construction were truly inspiring. We are excited to see these future leaders shape the industry with their innovative ideas and passion for sustainability. I look forward to keeping in touch with them.”

The itinerary featured a presentation from AECOM Tishman representatives on the construction and engineering challenges that come with such a complex building in New York City—including planning for 75 percent of the building being situated above Grand Central Terminal tracks and the need for exchange elevators due to the structure’s weight distribution.

Students then enjoyed a tour of the dazzling top floor, where the company will host clients for special events and meetings, and the sprawling entryway featuring stone imported directly from Italy. They also discussed the wellness centers and other employee-friendly amenities located throughout the building.

The day’s activities certainly piqued the interest of the young guests. “It was fascinating to learn about the design and engineering for this building,” said Kaelyn Darrin ’26. “The timeline and attention to detail are impressive.”

Christa saw herself in the students as she chatted with them. “Canterbury has always held a special place in my heart. It was where I developed my foundational interest in engineering—an interest that ultimately shaped my current career path,” she shared. “That is why I feel deeply compelled to give back in meaningful ways and directly contribute to the success of future generations. Giving students real-world insights during project visits like this is such a rewarding way for me to share my passion.”