Methuen, MA Finegold Alexander Architects has received a Citation Award for Education Facilities Design from the Boston Society of Architects’ annual Design Awards. The project transformed an outdated high school through a 324,000 s/f renovation and a 40,000 s/f addition, into a state-of-the-art facility. The multi-phased $75 million project was completed while the building was occupied.

The existing 1975 school was innovative for its time, but was outdated for modern teaching methods; its open classroom design did not provide an optimal learning. Finegold Alexander’s design provides a fresh identity, reconfigures the interior, improves the user experience, introduces energy and water efficiency, and meets program requirements for a four-section educational system.

“Our team is extremely proud of the design and construction of Methuen High School. We hope it will be a model for similar future projects,” said Regan Shields Ives, principal, Finegold Alexander Architects.

Program goals included new science classrooms, a media center, enhanced arrival and circulation, and putting a new ‘heart’ into the building. There is a new arts and music wing and a 750-seat auditorium and stage, updating technology to professional-level equipment. An infusion of natural light improves the learning environment and reduces electricity. Open common areas, flexible learning spaces, and lively finishes are featured. The main entry now features an atrium, a grand staircase, new signage and lighting. Landscape improvements provide a more welcoming entry and secure circulation.

The design team included: Trident & KBA Architects, Engineers Design Group, RDK Engineers, ART Engineering Corp., Nitsch Engineering, Inc., Haley & Aldrich, ATC Associates, Copley Wolff Design Group, Stefura Associates, Inc., Acentech, Faithful + Gould, Crabtree McGrath Associates, Martin Vinik Planning for the Arts, RW Sullivan, Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. Consigli Construction served as the construction manager for the project.