While a principal at Tappé Associates, Jeffrey Davis, AIA, led multiple projects for Norwell Public Schools, beginning with a Facility Master Plan. To develop the Facility Master Plan, Jeff’s team completed a comprehensive assessment of physical conditions of overall educational physical plant in Norwell. Additionally, the team confirmed projected enrollment and reprogrammed the grades PK-12 educational infrastructure. This nine-month process—conducted through a series of facilitated visioning workshops—led to the re-alignment of grade groupings and the re-vitalization/replacement of all of Norwell’s school buildings.
The following projects stemmed from the Facility Master Plan:
Norwell High School
The architectural team re-programmed and re-planned the 600-student high school to incorporate new and emerging educational delivery methodologies. Redevelopment of all core facilities provided “right-sized” resources for the entire grades 9-12 student population.
Norwell Middle School
As part of the system-wide grade re-alignment, Norwell Public Schools added a new 75,000-SF middle school. This new facility accommodates the town’s 600+ grades 6-8 students. Logically organized around flexible learning communities, the building design encourages multiple learning environments.
Grace Farrar Cole Elementary School
The rehabilitated and expanded Cole Elementary School provides an educational home for half of Norwell’s +/-1,100 grades PK-5 students. The original 1956 facility underwent a complete rehabilitation along with a 25,000-SF expansion. This expansion included classrooms, art/music spaces, and a gymnasium and expanded outdoor education and play areas.
Vinal Elementary School
The rehabilitated and expanded Vinal Elementary School provides an educational home for half of Norwell’s +/-1,100 grades PK-5 students. The original 1967 facility underwent a complete rehabilitation along with a 30,000-SF expansion. This expansion included classrooms, art/music spaces, administrative areas, and a gymnasium. The redeveloped site plan provides for safe pickup/drop off areas, parking, new septic systems, and expanded outdoor education and play areas.
*Jeffrey R. Davis directed this project for Tappé Associates, Inc., Boston, MA