Schoolhouse Lofts is a project comprised of two late-nineteenth-century brick grammar schools in Worcester, to be renovated into 45 residential units. Both schools are registered historical properties; the Dartmouth Street School is on the National Registry of Historic Places, and the Adams Street School is on the Massachusetts Registry. Given the remarkable existing character of the each building, the project seeks to take a “light touch” approach to renovation. The typical classroom unit itself—a 35-foot-by-22-foot module—offers a simple and direct conversion into an entry-level one-bedroom condominium for the targeted demographic: young first-time homebuyers, researchers at the nearby Medical Center, and recent graduates from Worcester’s many universities.

In both schools, the units were designed to maintain a relatively untouched window wall (in many cases, due to the crenelation of the plans, the units enjoy multiple exposures). The new bathroom and kitchen cores and bedroom partitions stand away from the existing walls to allow for salvage of original trim details, chalkboards, built-in shelves, and cabinetry.

The schoolhouse before the renovation.