HMFH Architects
Sprague School
- New 49,000 sf
- Renovated 16,000 sf
The 1920s Sprague School, closed for 30 years, was restored and expanded to house Wellesley’s growing elementary population. The addition’s roof lines and massing are scaled to match the original building and blend into the residential surroundings.
Because the site slopes steeply away behind the original building, the addition is a full two stories. A kiosk and covered walkway mark the new main entrance, which serves school buses, as well as parent drop-off. Pedestrian paths and a restored entrance serve children who walk to school.
At the heart of the restored building, a library opens up former attic space, exposing the original roof trusses above the vaulted ceiling. The cozy space features a sunny bay window with a bench where students can curl up with a favorite book. A new cafeteria and music and special education rooms also occupy the original building.
Parts of the original structure are revealed throughout the building; bold interior colors provide an exciting environment for learning; and large windows throughout provide plenty of natural light and contribute visually to the warm materials chosen by the architect. What a wonderful place for young people to be.
