Hardy School

Due to significant population growth over the past 10 to 15 years, the Arlington School District has seen record student enrollment. Based on the successful working relationship established during the District’s Gibbs School renovation project, Finegold Alexander was selected to design a new 3-story, 6 classroom addition to the existing Hardy School.

The building addition features a brick façade with the abstract pattern of a tree in the brickwork and large projected windows that create interior seat nooks in each classroom, evoking the idea of a learning tree-house. The new classrooms include a central teaching wall for digital display and white boards, as well as separate storage cubbies for students. The window configuration allows for natural light and views throughout the day. The existing cafeteria was renovated and reconfigured to accommodate the additional student population and to improve the lunchtime sequencing. Moreover, adjacent playground equipment was reconfigured, a new playground was added, and landscape and site improvements were made. The entire building is now fully accessible and up to code. The school remained occupied and operational during construction.