Project

A Nook for Learning

A classroom addition adds up to academic success for the Town of Arlington

All
In Progress
Adaptive Reuse
FA Energy
Preservation
Civic
Development
Higher Ed
K-12
Religious
Hardy School

Hardy School

Town of Arlington
Arlington, Massachusetts

The Hardy School was a cutting-edge facility when it first opened in 1926; with a thoughtful intervention designed by Finegold Alexander, it remains so to this day. Record student enrollment propelled Finegold Alexander’s design for a new 3-story, 6 classroom addition. Programming and design took Arlington School District’s operational needs into account, with safety as a paramount consideration. Plans factored in the careful coordination of construction schedules; neighborhood traffic and pedestrian access; and noise abatement to minimize impact on the fully operational school. Project highlights include technology-rich, flexible classrooms; large projected windows that create interior seat nooks – the most coveted spot in the classroom; and a building-wide accessibility upgrade.

(Photo credit: Raj Das Photography)

Size
5,900 SF
Scope
Addition, Renovation
Program
Classrooms, Playground
Sustainability
Awards
No items found.
In the news
No items found.
Project EUI
Three elementary school students in bright red window nook reading.
Students at their desks in a classroom with the teacher in front of the whiteboard on the green wall, with streamers hanging from the ceiling.
No items found.
“The Hardy School Community is excited about the completion of the additional six new classrooms as well as accessible upgrades throughout the existing facility. The school now allows us to fulfill our educational mission to support our school goals and provide for an ever-increasing student enrollment.”
Kate Peretz, Hardy School Principal

‍

Kids running around and climbing on the play structure outside a brick school building.
Students running on the pavement in front of the addition to the Hardy School.
No items found.

To accommodate the new addition, the adjacent playground equipment was reconfigured, a new playground was added, and landscape and site improvements were made. Community and parent focus group meetings were held throughout the design process to ensure all voices and ideas were heard.  

Teacher standing in front of students teaching violin or viola in front of colorful yellow and red cubbies.
Students running in front brick rectangular structure, with six offset windows and tree pattern formed by extruding bricks.
No items found.
“The expansion and renovations bring the Hardy School to a level on par with other school buildings in Arlington. The result is a well-integrated academic environment with improved classroom and outdoor play areas.”
Regan Shields Ives, Principal, Finegold Alexander
Hardy School
You may also like this
view other project categories
In Progress
FA Energy
Adaptive Reuse
Preservation
Civic
Religious
Higher Ed
K-12
Development