DRACUT CENTRE SCHOOL, Dracut, MA

DRACUT CENTRE SCHOOL

Affordable Housing for Veterans

Built in the 1890’s, The Centre School is one of a few remaining structures built to educate area children in the town of Dracut, MA. It had been repurposed to a public administration use in the 1980’s before being abandoned and falling into disrepair. Using grant funding from The Massachusetts Historical Commission, The local Community Preservation Corporation, and various other funding sources, The Coalition for a Better Acre (CBA) renovated this building to provide affordable housing opportunities for Veterans. ACS’ design created nine apartments with 2-bed, 1-bed and studio layouts. The project has been featured on ‘This Old House’ and received a preservation award from the National Tax Credit Association in 2023. 

Check out some of the links here:

New Windows

An Outdoor Oasis

Pantry Problems

Smooth Finishes

Client

Coalition for a Better Acre

Use

Affordable Veteran Housing

Location

Dracut, MA

Photography:

Jay Mason

Size

13,000 sf

Project Photos

Historic full renovation of 1898 woodframe schoolhouse designed by architect Jay Mason.

Outside View of The Dracut Centre School

Gut re-hab of an historical school building to Veteran’s apartments.

 This Old House filmed many times. Here you can see the director and the cameraman getting ready for a shoot.

Front Elevation- Restored to its’ Original Splendor

Dracut Centre Schoolhouse entrance with This Old House Crew getting ready to film.

Front Walkway at South face of building

Areaway created to bring light into lower level units.

View from the street

Crew celebrates completion!

The Centre School

View looking north.

Interior Foyer and stair

This common space was preserved and restored to align with Mass Historical Commission requirements.

Second Floor Hallway

Notice the south light entering the space at left.

Former Classroom

Apartments created from existing classrooms like this. Note the tall ceilings in the gathering spaces.

Typical Living Room

Large windows with original, restored trim. Mechanical systems hidden in loft above kitchen and bathroom.

Bedroom

Beautifully restored flooring over 120 years old.

Hall to Lower Level

Railings and life-safety upgrades throughout.

Lower Level apartment

Granite-surfaced island in Kitchen-Living Room space.

Areaway at Left of Building

Brings light and view into living spaces.

Original side door

Easy access to Lower Level Units. Note restored, bracketed roof hood.

The Centre School

A former school house transformed into nine residential apartments.

Interested in working with us?

Schedule a Consultation