At OLSON LEWIS + Architects, we believe that Beautiful Places are built on a foundation of genuine relationships. Our recent collaboration at Tenacre Country Day School in Wellesley, MA, is a testament to that philosophy: a complex, multi-phased project realized through a trusted partnership with Erland Construction and Scalora Consulting Group.
We are proud to see this project featured in the New England Real Estate Journal (NEREJ).
The Vision: Creating with Purpose
The goal was to reimagine over 17,000 square feet of educational space to support Tenacre’s "whole-child" approach. The design challenge involved balancing the preservation of the school’s historic character with the need for modern, forward-thinking creative spaces.
Project Highlights:
- Honoring History (The Appledore Relocation): We coordinated the complex relocation and renovation of "Appledore," a cherished 1880s building. Now positioned as the welcoming new home for Admissions and Development, it blends historical integrity with modern functionality (4,120 sq. ft.).
- A Home for Innovation (The Design Center): Integrated into the site's natural slope to maintain a modest footprint, this new 9,480 sq. ft. facility is a hub for hands-on learning. It features light-filled art studios, a technology classroom, and a full woodshop.
- Supporting the Team (The Learning Hub): Recognizing that excellent design must serve the entire community, we transformed 3,100 sq. ft. into a Learning Hub & Teacher Support Center, prioritizing faculty well-being and small-group instruction.
A Word from the School
As Will Crissman, Tenacre’s Head of School, shared regarding the project:
“The Design Center is a bold investment in creativity and innovation... And the new Learning Hub & Teacher Support Center strengthens both academic programming and faculty collaboration.”
For a deeper dive into the construction details, the architectural challenges, and the full scope of this transformation, read the full feature in the New England Real Estate Journal.
