Located in Malden’s Central Business District, the 475,000 square foot high school is a complex of three four-story buildings covering an entire city block. The primary goal for the school’s renovation was to counter its imposing scale and create a small school atmosphere for a projected student body of 2077. 

Flansburgh created a “Learning Village” by dividing grades 9-12 into four distinct houses. Each house has its own educational program, entrance, headmaster, classrooms, administrative space, and theme to distinguish it from the larger school, which is reinforced with color, graphics and material changes. Houses share the cafeteria, athletic facilities, and science classrooms.

Another goal of the project was to integrate the high school with the larger community. To achieve this, Flansburgh design includes a welcoming entry and entry plaza and designated community space, including a fully restored 1,412-seat art deco auditorium and an arts center with outdoor art display and exhibition space and an indoor gallery.

The renovation includes updated security and mechanical systems, including the addition of air conditioning and improved ventilation to the oldest part of the building, resolution of ADA accessibility requirements, and many green features, including insulated windows, energy efficient lighting, and a recycling program.