Woonsocket, RI Following their acquisition of the former Woonsocket Middle School building at 357 Park Place, Boston-based developer The Goldman Group has engaged the team at David Sisson Architecture (DSA) to redesign the historic property into a luxury mixed-use complex featuring market-rate rental apartments.

Originally constructed in 1914 as the local high school, it became the middle school in 1967, the largest in New England at the time. The school was closed in 2009 when new smaller middle schools were built nearby. Vacant since 2010, city officials had been looking for a new purpose for the historic building when The Goldman Group developed their vision and completed the purchase in late 2022. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2017.

Now tasked with the design, the David Sisson Architecture team will aim to preserve and restore the integrity of the historic Classical Revival architecture while redesigning the interior for its new intended use. Working with approximately 200,000 s/f of space, the design will also include an upscale community recreation center, featuring gaming courts, a gym, a competition-grade indoor lap pool, as well as saunas, locker room and shower facilities. 

Founder and principal architect, David Sisson, AIA, LEED AP said, “We are very excited to be partnering with The Goldman Group to renovate this fabulous historic building, which is a spectacular example of early 20^th century public construction. We are committed to preserving the historic character of the building while transforming it into a vibrant and luxurious living space.”

Construction of this development is to begin in late 2023 and projected to be ready for rental by mid-2025.

David Sisson Architecture is a full service professional architecture firm. With decades of experience in both commercial and residential architecture as well as historic preservation, DSA is honored to be a part of the revitalization of historic New England cities like Woonsocket. It is a privilege to contribute to the preservation of its rich industrial and architectural history and to work with exceptional clients and partners like The Goldman Group who are committed to the same ideals.