Arlington, MA A new 3- story, 6-classroom addition to the existing Hardy Elementary School building, designed by Finegold Alexander Architects, has been completed. The project is one in a series of school building projects for the town. E. A. Colangeli Construction Co., Inc. served as the general contractor.

“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.” said principal Kate Peretz.

In the past 10 to 15 years, the town has seen significant student population growth. The Hardy School project, along with the expansion of the Thompson School, renovations to the Stratton School, complete overhaul of the Gibbs School (also designed by Finegold Alexander), and the forthcoming new Arlington High School, are all part of the town’s educational master plan to expand and improve the highly regarded school system.

“The expansion and renovations accommodate the growing student population and brings the building to a level on par with other school buildings in the town,” said Regan Shields Ives, principal, Finegold Alexander. “The result is a well-integrated academic environment with improved classroom and outdoor play areas.”

The new addition exterior has a brick façade that compliments the existing building and features large projected windows with interior seat nooks in each classroom. Each room has flexible teaching walls with digital displays and whiteboards as well as storage cubbies for students. Outside, the adjacent playground equipment was reconfigured to allow for the new addition and landscape improvements to create safe, accessible play areas for all ages. 

Project Team
Finegold Alexander Architects - Architecture
JLL - Owner’s Project Manager
RSE Associates, Inc. - Structural Engineering
BLW Engineers, Inc. - MP/FP Engineering
ART Engineering Corp. - Electrical Engineering
Nitsch Engineering, Inc. - Civil Engineering
Jensen Hughes - Code Consultant
Daedalus - Cost Estimating
Deborah Meyers - Landscape Architecture
Stefura Associates, Inc.- Interior Design
Fuss & O’Neil EnviroScience, LLC - Hazardous Materials
Kalin Associates, Inc. - Specifications
Lahlaf Geotechnical Consulting, Inc. - Geotechnical Engineer