MARLBOROUGH, Mass.—Boston-based Finegold Alexander Architects has just announced the groundbreaking of the Advanced Math and Science Academy Charter School’s new Academic Building in Marlborough. The firm was selected in 2021 to design the new 17,000-square-foot classroom and science lab building with expanded learning opportunities and with state-of-the-art classroom technology. A ceremony to mark the occasion took place on November 14. Featured attendees and speakers include Chairperson of the AMSA Board of Trustees, Raul Porras, Executive Director Dr. Lisa C. Mobley and student speaker Angelina Dasilva of grade 9.

Originally opened in 2005 to bring quality education to an underserved area, AMSA is a public charter school that serves students in grades 6-12 from over 30 communities in the greater Boston area. The school currently owns and occupies a three-building campus located at 165, 199 and 201 Forest Street in what used to be an office park. Finegold Alexander is working closely with AMSA to align the school’s campus facilities to support their rigorous, college-oriented educational program. The first step is the design of the new 17,000-square-foot Academic Building. This first phase also includes the redesign of the campus site circulation to improve the pick-up and drop-off system for students and their families, while providing a defined separation between vehicular and pedestrian traffic

“We are excited to embark on this significant partnership with AMSA to creatively address the design challenges that the school is currently facing,” said Regan Shields Ives, Principal and K-12 studio leader at Finegold Alexander. “Our goal is to support its mission of integrity, excellence, and community through innovative and welcoming design,” said Christopher Lane, Principal and Project Manager at Finegold Alexander.

Finegold Alexander has a long history of designing educational spaces, whether it be renovating and transforming existing buildings or new construction, into inspirational and future-forward learning environments. Their impressive portfolio of K-12 projects in New England includes the Eliot Innovation School in Boston, the Gibbs School in Arlington, and the new Gladstone Elementary School in Cranston, Rhode Island. ASMA selected Finegold Alexander for the firm’s expertise and understanding of the school’s needs as it continues to offer excellent academics, ranking as the #3-rated public high school in Massachusetts.

“We are thrilled to partner with Finegold Alexander on transforming our campus into a 21st century educational institution,” said Dr. Lisa C. Mobley, AMSA Executive Director. “Their experience working with other K-12 schools will be invaluable in helping us improve our facilities for our students.”

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CRANSTON, R.I.—Representatives from Boston-based architect Finegold Alexander Architects were on hand recently for the groundbreaking of Gladstone Elementary School, an entirely new ground-up educational facility. Finegold personnel were joined by Cranston Mayor Kenneth Hopkins, Cranston Superintendent of Schools Jeannine Nota-Masse, Principal Amy Vachon and Assistant Principal Amy Corso-Latos, as well as officials from the Rhode Island Department of Education.

“Finegold Alexander has been eager to break ground on the new Gladstone Elementary School and [we are] excited the day has finally come,” Finegold Alexander Principal Regan Shields Ives said at the groundbreaking. “This innovative design creates opportunities for each child to learn in a unique environment that suits their learning needs, and we are honored to be a part of this transformational project.”

The new Gladstone Elementary School, located in the Cranston suburb of Providence, will consolidate under one roof the existing Gladstone and Arlington Elementary Schools, for a total complement of some 800 students. Finegold Alexander’s design for the 100,000-square-foot, three-story elementary school features six individual Learning Communities, each of which offers a suite of interconnected rooms dedicated to a specific discipline. In addition, several Curiosity Centers will focus on art and music—while linking together the Learning Communities on each floor.

On the school’s first floor, communal gathering spaces in the cafeteria and other areas are meant to foster a sense of community and social interaction for students, teachers, parents and other visitors to the new Gladstone.

Finegold Alexander’s plans entail a compact edifice whose layout is meant to promote energy efficiency and utilize the site’s natural topography to reduce the construction’s overall carbon footprint. And by positioning the school to take advantage of as much sun as possible, the interior will be blessed with natural light throughout the day.

For the school’s exterior, Finegold Alexander has designed three outdoor learning areas, several sports fields, a community garden and multiple playgrounds.

Finegold Alexander is working in conjunction with Providence’s own Gilbane Building Company on the educational project, which is anticipated to be completed sometime during the summer of 2025.

“Designing Gladstone Elementary School has been an inspiring journey of collaboration and innovation,” Finegold Alexander Principal Christopher Lane said in a subsequent statement. “Finegold Alexander is proud to contribute to the evolution of educational spaces by creating an environment that fosters curiosity, engagement, and growth.”

Finegold Alexander has received numerous awards for its work on both public and private K-12 construction projects throughout New England.

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LEICESTER, Mass.—The Board of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) recently approved the Leicester Middle School Schematic Design Study Project for the Town of Leicester.

The goal of this study was to evaluate the existing Leicester Middle School and determine the most cost-effective option for renovating or potentially creating a new school building. The study investigated options for grades 5-8, 6-8, or PK-8 on the existing Leicester Middle School site.

The MSBA approved an Estimated Maximum Total Facilities grant of $41 million for the project. With the total project budget slated for $91.4 million, the Town of Leicester will vote to put funding the balance of the cost on the ballot at a town meeting on September 26. If approved, this will be followed by a community vote to continue the project into full design and construction. This important decision for the town’s residents will take place on Election Day–November 3.

Finegold Alexander Architects was selected back in 2018 by the Town of Leicester and the MSBA as the architects for the Feasibility Study and Schematic Design phases of the Leicester PK-8 School project, and will continue to serve as the Architect of Record upon a favorable town vote.

These phases required in-depth coordination with the school district and school building committee to create detailed reports submitted to the MSBA for review and approval. These requirements included, among many others, preparing a full educational program addressing PreK-8 needs, site and geotechnical testing to understand the subsurface conditions, evaluation of building and site design options, preliminary energy-efficient building systems, a building maintenance plan, and cost estimates.

“We are thrilled to have reached this important milestone in the project,” said Marilyn Tenzca, Superintendent, Leicester Public Schools. “After participating in an extensive community visioning process for the school, and considering many design options, we feel that Finegold Alexander Architects understands our community and created a comprehensive and cost-effective solution for a dynamic school to educate our students now and for the future.”

With the new PK-8 facility replacing three outdated schools, the benefits are creating a unified school campus adjacent to the high school and a facility that houses two schools – elementary and middle – under one roof. The community will have access to spaces such as the gym, health and wellness studio, and cafetorium after hours.

“Early in the design process the community participated in multiple Educational Visioning Workshops that allowed us to translate the feedback from teachers, administrators, parents, students and community members into guiding principles for design,” said Regan Shields Ives, principal, Finegold Alexander Architects.

“The workshops provided the basis for the approved schematic design. We look forward to continuing our work with the community to further develop a future-forward learning environment that is safe, inspirational, cost-effective, energy efficient and child centered.”

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BOSTON—A $15 million renovation project for Eliot Innovation School—the oldest continuously operating school in the United States—was completed in September.

The school—which serves students in grades PK- through 8— now has a dedicated middle school facility which is located at 585 Commercial Street. Eliot School has been located in the North End for its entire history and was originally opened as the North Writing School in 1713 educating many famous Bostonians, including Samuel Adams and Paul Revere.

“I am thrilled to celebrate the opening of a new Eliot School building,” said Boston Mayor Martin Walsh. “This school is a big part of the North End’s history and will remain the heart and soul of this community for decades to come. Thank you to all our partners who made this possible.”

Finegold Alexander Architects served as the design architect and architect of record. The project team included: Daniel O’Connell’s Sons (Contractor); RSE Associates (Structural Engineer); RW Sullivan Engineering (MEP/FP Engineer & Code); Bryant Associates (Civil Engineer); Copley Wolff Design Group (Landscape Architect); Acentech (Acoustics); Sladen Feinstein Integrated Lighting (Lighting); Crabtree McGrath Associates, Inc. (Food Service); Kalin Associates (Specifications); Bourne Consulting Engineering (Environmental & Permitting); Fuss & O’Neill (Hazardous Materials); McPhail Associates (Geotechnical Consulting); and Tavares Design Associates (FF&E Consultant)

“The Eliot Innovation School offers students a truly unique experience,” said Rebecca Berry, president, Finegold Alexander Architects.

“The waterfront location affords harbor, Zakim Bridge and USS Constitution views, with the Freedom Trail steps from the front door connecting students to their natural and historical environment and significantly enhancing the learning experience.”

The Eliot K-8 School now consists of three facilities, all in the North End. The Lower School, located at 16 Charter Street, serves pre-K, Kindergarten and first-grade students; the Intermediate School at 173 Salem Street serves students in grades 2-4; and the recently completed Upper School at 585 Commercial Street serves students in grades 5-8.

The renovations of both the Commercial Street and Salem Street locations were designed by Finegold Alexander Architects.

Construction began in 2017 on the school at 585 Commercial Street. The new, 42,000-square-foot school facility features a digital art studio, technology classroom with robotics lab and laser cutter, media center, and 18 new classrooms that promote collaborative learning. The building features eight brightly colored projecting bays, which create “learning nooks” geared for small group instruction and collaborative learning. Exterior upgrades include a new schoolyard with play structure, new sidewalks, and an accessible entry.

“Every student deserves access to a 21^st-century education and Boston Public Schools is committed to providing all of our youth with safe, joyful and innovative learning environments,” said Boston Public School Superintendent Brenda Cassellius.

“This is an exciting time for the Eliot School, and demonstrates the immense value and strength of coordinated community engagement and collaboration for the benefit of our children.”

Many of the building’s features promote sustainability and resiliency, including a new reflective roof, high R-Value insulation at the new building envelope, and glazing that maximizes natural light. Mechanical improvements include a new electrical service located at the second floor for climate resilience, a new fire protection system, and 98% efficient boilers.

The school was designed to meet LEED Silver V4 for schools’ standards. The cafeteria accommodates the My Way Cafe school meals program, which provides students with fresh, healthy food options. The building features a multi-purpose space that may be utilized by the community.

The new campus is located on the Harborwalk and is a short distance to public parks and all of the historic North End, with nearby MBTA access via North Station. The two other Eliot School campuses are also within walking distance, with students frequently traveling from one building to the others throughout the school day.

Eliot’s 730 students are evenly distributed among the three school buildings, with the Upper School currently serving nearly 250 students. The Eliot School has experienced renewal under Principal Traci Walker Griffith’s 12 years of leadership, transforming the school into a thriving, deeply connected K-8 school community.

“The opening of the new Upper School is a true testament to our community’s and the City of Boston’s belief in public education and commitment to the Eliot School’s expansion,” said Principal Walker Griffith. “As the proud principal of the Eliot School, I am forever grateful for a community deeply rooted in the mission that a great education can transform students’ lives.”

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“The LEED Building program exemplifies our commitment to sustainable development principles by lowering carbon emissions associated with construction, and demonstrates our focus on healthy, energy efficient and durable construction that reduces operating costs and prioritizes sustainable practices,” said Shane Conklin, associate vice chancellor for facilities and campus services, in a statement.

Built in 1885, the Old Chapel was designed by Steven C. Earle in the Richardsonian Romanesque style. The Old Chapel’s original structure consists of local timber and stone such as Pelham granite and Longmeadow sandstone. Since the 19th century, the building had undergone various use-case scenarios — from being a library and an auditorium, to a natural history collections and even a marching band rehearsal space.

The Old Chapel was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2015, and work began on a $21 million renovation, addition and preservation effort to restore the building after it had been shuttered in 1999 due to structural deterioration.

UMass Amherst and the UMass Building Authority hired Finegold Alexander Architects of Boston to design the restoration with an eye to preserving the building’s history as well as making upgrades align with the university’s vision for sustainability. Much of the original building material was used in the revitalized building including 83 percent of structural masonry, wood columns, beams, trusses and wainscoting trim. And 82 percent of new wood products were either locally sourced or Forest Stewardship Council (CSC) certified.

The renovated Old Chapel now boasts a student study, gallery exhibitions and community events on its first floor and a Great Hall suitable for performances, lectures, receptions and weddings.

The Old Chapel renovation is the 11th project within a sustainable building program at UMass Amherst that includes 10 other facilities totaling approximately 1.155 million gross square feet of LEED-certified space. With six more registered projects undergoing certification, sustainably designed buildings are projected to make up 13 percent of the total UMass Amherst building stock.

This October, the Old Chapel will receive a commendation from the Victorian Society in America, a national, non-profit organization committed to historic preservation, protection, understanding, education regarding the nation’s 19th century heritage, for its “comprehensive exterior restoration and adaptive use of the interior.”

The building “was the subject of a thoughtful planning process to find a contemporary use for the structure while preserving as much of the original architectural fabric as possible,” the society noted in a statement. “The goal was admirably accomplished by the subsequent rehabilitation that has met the highest standards of conservation practice.”

The award will be presented on Oct. 7 in New York City. As Conklin added in his statement, “Our campus and buildings serve as an invaluable educational tool for students to learn from innovative design, construction and maintenance practices that model community sustainability.”

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