Conservatory Lab Charter School (CLCS) is a tuition-free public Charter School serving grades K-8 located in the Boston neighborhood of Dorchester. CLCS’s mission is to empower a diverse range of children as scholars, artists, and leaders through rigorous academic and music education inspired by El Sistema & Expeditionary Learning.

To accommodate the growing needs of its students, Arrowstreet designed CLCS a new Elementary/Upper School facility to house 275 students in grades 3 through 8. The three-story building includes core and specialty classrooms, media center, gymnasium, music rehearsal rooms, administrative offices, and a multi-purpose cafeteria for concerts, special events, afterschool programs, and community events.

Located along a busy street, the site is designed to improve vehicular circulation, pedestrian safety, and green space. 20% of the entire site is planted with native plants and regionally appropriate turfgrass. The overall effect provides shade to pedestrians, reduces urban heat island effect, and provides a visual green connection between the site and the neighboring open spaces.

Project Details

LOCATION

DORCHESTER, MA

CLIENT/OWNER

CONSERVATORY LAB CHARTER SCHOOL

SIZE

42,000 GSF

OCCUPANCY

275 STUDENTS

Awards

RETHINKING THE FUTURE

Signages Design (Built), Winner, 2023

Quote

“It will be exciting to watch CLCS breathe new life into 395 Columbia Rd. and the surrounding community in the weeks, months and years to come.”

–James Elcock, Colliers Boston Vice Chair

Photos by Horne Visuals, Ben Gancsos Photography

Architectural Plans / Process