City on a Hill, a public charter high school renowned for its inventive, academically rigorous curriculum, commissioned Arrowstreet to create a new academic facility from an obsolete school building. School administrators wanted the new construction, including the new entrance, to reflect their forward-thinking attitude towards education. The program includes the addition of a 7,200 square-foot auditorium, which will double as a lunch room and special event area, a new entry lobby, classrooms, and administrative offices. The façade consists of large areas of glass and aluminum storefront to make the school inviting with horizontal tongue-and-groove cedar siding intended to blend with the residential neighborhood. The existing 20,000-square-foot historical building was completely renovated with new rooms, interior finishes, and building systems.

Project Details

location

Roxbury, Boston, MA

client/owner

City on a Hill Charter Public School

size

renovation – 24,000 SF; new construction – 7,200 SF

 

Awards

AIA New England

People’s Choice Award, Place I’d Most Like to Study, 2009

Architectural Portfolio

American School and University, 2006

Quote

“City on a Hill’s new facility exactly matches – and even enhances – our program! Arrowstreet was responsive to the unpredictable permitting demands of a mixed renovation and new construction project, and we’re thrilled with the final result.”

– Erica Jamison-Brown, Executive Director, City on a Hill Charter School

Photos by Ed Wonsek ArtWorks Inc.

Architectural Plans / Process