Massachusetts Elementary School Enters Final Stage of Construction

Studio G Architects recently announced that a new elementary school in Groton, Mass., has reached the final stage of construction. Florence Roche Elementary School (FRES) will cover about 110,000 square feet and was designed to embody the district’s educational pedagogy of Universal Design for Learning. The facility will have the capacity for about 645 students between grades K–4 and is set for completion during summer 2024, according to a news release.

The Groton-Dunstable Regional School District is also partnering with Leftfield Project Management as the owner’s project manager and Gilbane as the Construction manager, the news release reports. Studio G brought its focus on sustainability to the project, creating modern and energy-efficient learning spaces, the news release reports.


Rendering courtesy of Studio G Architects

Reflecting UDL principles of design, the building is organized into grade-level learning neighborhoods each featuring a shared project area, pull-out spaces, and integrated special ed support. “This environment supports Universal Design for Learning with the spaces and features needed for the engagement, teaching representation, and learning expression for all students,” said Studio G Architects’ Marylee Mercy, Project Architect and Accredited Learning Environment Planner.

“At Studio G, we believe that great design begins with a deep understanding of our clients' needs and aspirations,” said Gail Sullivan, Managing Partner at Studio G Architects. “Through extensive collaboration with Groton-Dunstable Regional School District, teachers, students and the community, we have developed a design that embodies the district's vision for 21st-century learning.”

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Arizona District Breaks Ground on Community Training, Learning Center

    The Tolleson Union High School District (TUHSD) in Tolleson, Ariz., recently broke ground on a new Training & Learning Center (TLC) for both district professionals and the community at large, according to a news release. The 90,000-square-foot facility has an estimated completion date of spring 2027.

  • Miami University Approves New $242M Multipurpose Arena

    Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, recently announced that its Board of Trustees has approved construction of a new multipurpose arena at Cook Field, according to university news. The $242-million project will serve as a new centralized hub for student life and create space for economic development on campus.

  • LAN, Inc. Opens Office in College Station, Texas

    Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. (LAN) recently announced the opening of a new office in College Station, Texas, to support its regional client base, according to a news release. The organization provides engineering, design, and program management services for water, wastewater, transportation, stormwater, and education clients in the Brazos Valley.

  • Spaces4Learning Trends & Predictions for Educational Facilities in 2026: Part II

    As education leaders look toward 2026, the design of K–12 and higher education facilities is being reshaped by powerful, converging forces. Survey respondents point to the rapid growth of Career and Technical Education, deeper alignment with workforce and industry needs, and the accelerating influence of AI and emerging technologies.