A group of four people walk along a curved path on a grassy lawn toward a modern, multi-story brick and glass building under a clear blue sky.

K-12

Somerville High School

SQ. FT.

373,000

Owner

Somerville Public Schools

Architect

SMMA

A six story, 373,000-square foot high school

Somerville High School

The building itself was turned over to the City of Somerville in February 2021 to immediately allow in-person learning to students within the Somerville Public Schools during the ongoing COVID pandemic. Upon completion and occupancy of the new building, selective abatement and demolition of the remaining existing buildings occurred in a third ongoing phase to make way for a new play field. The challenging site constraints included logistics that are in a residential neighborhood and adjacent to MBTA railroad tracks and ongoing Green Line Extension construction activities.

A modern university building with large windows, orange and gray panels, and a covered entrance welcomes both K-12 visitors and students. People walk and gather outside on a sunny day; “WELCOME” is visible above the main doors.

A modern library with high ceilings, large windows, and bright lighting. Several people, some wearing masks, are reading or working at tables, while others sit and talk on red chairs and couches in a lounge area.

Preserving historical significance

Somerville High School

The project included work associated with two historically significant structures. The 1895 “central academic” building, which was stabilized, isolated, and made safe during the project, and the 1929 Memorial Hall, which is currently completing final renovations (including complete structural reconstruction) and was renovated and incorporated into the new building in time for the start of the 2021 academic year. The existing field house and space below, constructed in 1986, also underwent substantial renovations as part of the project. With the exception of COVID related periods, the high school remained occupied throughout the construction effort, with modular classrooms created to accommodate students during the complex phasing efforts.