By: Melody Simmons

The transformation of a former convent in Fells Point has led to two things – a newly renovated Cristo Rey Jesuit High School and an award of excellence for Mullan Contracting Co. for its construction.

Mullan received the award this month from the Baltimore chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors for work at the school, located at 420 S. Chester St.

Renovations totaled $7.4 million and included the overhaul of the former Holy Rosary convent as well as installation of an elevator system and a three-story breezeway to connect the existing school building to the former convent.

Cristo Rey now has updated classrooms, a computer lab and library for its students, who come from some of the city’s poorest neighborhoods to study under a thorough college prep curriculum. Students also work in part-time jobs in the community, and employers pay the school directly, which funds their tuition as part of the school’s unique model.

The school has an enrollment of 320.

Mullen was founded in 1904 as a general contracting firm that specializes in commercial office, retail, hospitality, healthcare and institutional industries.