History meets technology at the renovation of the Eliot Innovation School building at 585 Commercial Street in Boston. The oldest continuously operating school in the U.S., which serves students in grades five through eight, recently completed and debuted a $15 million renovation of its North End location.
Opened as the North Writing School in 1713, Eliot has educated many famous Bostonians, including Samuel Adams and Paul Revere. Today, the Eliot K-8 School 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 two through four; and the recently completed Upper School at 585 Commercial Street serves students in grades five through eight. The renovations of both the Commercial Street and Salem Street locations were designed by Finegold Alexander Architects.
“The Eliot Innovation School offers students a truly unique experience,” said Rebecca Berry, president of Finegold Alexander Architects, which served as the design architect and architect of record. “The waterfront location affords harbor, Zakim Bridge and U.S.S. 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 property at 585 Commercial Street was constructed in the 1960s as an FDA testing facility, more recently housing retail and office spaces. Construction of the school began in 2017 and the 42,000-square-foot school facility opened for the 2019 school year in September. Interior highlights include 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.
Numerous building features promote sustainability and resiliency, including a new reflective roof, high R-Value insulation at the building envelope and glazing that maximizes natural light. Mechanical improvements include an electrical service on the second floor, for climate resilience, a 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 healthy food options. A multipurpose space may be utilized by the community.
