Shawmut renovated Arlington’s Gibbs School in Massachusetts, a 69,000-square-foot building originally built in 1928 and de-commissioned approximately 25 years ago due to a decrease in enrollment.

Shawmut, in partnership with Finegold Alexander Architects and NV5, transformed the building into a new sixth-grade-only facility to accommodate Arlington’s growing school-age population. The renovation created a high-ceilinged, open layout with tech-enabled and flexible classrooms, as well as breakout collaborative spaces for smaller group learning. A new, redefined main entrance and canopy on the Foster Street side of the school was designed to create a warm, safe, and inviting approach. An all-new media center was created in the former auditorium to create a flexible, multi-purpose learning space with group meeting tables, individual work areas, and a mezzanine large enough to accommodate a full class of students.

“The Town of Arlington is excited to complete the renovation and open the Gibbs School,” said Kristin DeFrancisco, Gibbs School Principal. “We are thrilled to be able to provide a school building that was carefully designed to meet the academic and social emotional needs of the sixth graders in Arlington, while being cost-effective and efficient.”

Additionally, the first floor contains a cafeteria, language and music classrooms, flexible theatre space, and technology lab. The second and third floor consists of classrooms with breakout spaces, a gymnasium, art studio, and digital media lab. Outside, the school now features an outdoor classroom, community garden, and a multi-purpose recreational area.