Arlington, MA According to Finegold Alexander Architects and the town, construction of a new 3- story, 6-classroom addition to the existing Hardy Elementary School has begun. Designed by Finegold Alexander Architects the project is the next in a series of school building projects for the town. The project team, including Jones Lang LaSalle as the owner’s project manager, have been working closely with the superintendent, Kathleen Bodie, and principal, Kristin DeFrancisco, to develop the design to suit the needs of the growing student population.  E. A. Colangeli Construction Co., Inc. has been selected as the general contractor.

“We are excited that this project is underway. The expansion will create a compatible addition to the existing building fabric which will bring the building to a level on par with other school buildings in the town,” said Regan Shields Ives, principal, Finegold Alexander. The addition is a 3-story structure with two classrooms at each level and will be fully integrated with the exiting building. The exterior envelope will have a brick façade and will feature large projected window with interior seat nooks in each classroom.  Each classroom will have a teaching wall with projectors and whiteboards as well as storage cubbies for students.  The adjacent playground equipment will be reconfigured to allow for the new addition and landscape improvements to the site will be made.

As construction begins, safety is of paramount importance and the design incorporates elements to ensure the building and site are well controlled throughout the project. A separate playground project along Lake Street will take place in parallel to the building project.  

“The Hardy School Community is excited about the start of construction and the work toward our six new classrooms.  We are making plans now for alternative recess space so that children will still have ample outside time to play as the spring approaches,” said principal Kristin DeFrancisco.

In the past 10 to 15 years, the Town of Arlington has seen significant population growth with numerous projects underway including the renovation of the Gibbs Building into a new Middle School, expansion of new Thompson School, and the high school project due to begin later in the fall.