We worked with the Dioceses of Springfield and CBT Architects to rebuild this historic school, operating since 1883, and to transform that area. As site topography was challenging, careful coordination with CBT allowed the building to be set into the hillside, opening up the site for greater design improvements.
Fuss & O’Neill was responsible for site design, engineering, and landscape architectural components. We designed solutions for traffic and pedestrian control. The entryway was designed to facilitate heavier pedestrian traffic with wide walkways and private seating areas. We provided design and construction of tennis courts, baseball and softball fields, a practice field, and a synthetic turf multi-sport field with a track and a press box/bleacher system. We designed and detailed school signage. As we look to integrate green infrastructure into every project, we used bio-retention basins at the shallow end of the site.
This school was designed to be airy and inviting. It boasts a 480-seat theater, aquaculture tanks for raising fish, a technology workshop, and a centrally-located learning commons with bleacher-like seating. This seating was mimicked outside the school, as stepped seat walls were designed as an outdoor classroom and gathering space in an area that separates the student entry and gymnasium.