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

  • Vanderbilt to Partner with ABM for Campus Preservation and Modernization

    Vanderbilt University recently announced that it has selected ABM Performance Solutions for a preservation and modernization project at its New York City campus, according to a news release. ABM will deliver its end-to-end ABM Performance Solutions (APS) model to manage critical operations during renovation and maintenance.

  • 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.

  • Pitzer College

    Designing for Change in Higher Ed Learning Environments

    Higher education will continue to evolve, and learning environments must evolve with it. By prioritizing adaptable infrastructure, thoughtful reuse, strong energy performance, and wellness-centered design, campuses can create spaces that support learning today while remaining flexible for the future.

  • Harvard Announces Replacement Facility for Native American Program

    Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass., recently announced that construction will begin this spring on a new home for its Native American Program, according to university news. The 6,500-square-foot, all-electric building will stand three stories and serve as the central hub for the Harvard University Native American Program (HUNAP).