Nelson Place Elementary School
The new Nelson Place Elementary School in Worcester, Massachusetts is a 600-student, Pre-K through grade 6 facility designed to support a diverse student population, including specialized programs for students with disabilities and autism. Developed in partnership with the Massachusetts School Building Authority, the project replaces an aging school with a modern, flexible learning environment featuring adaptable classrooms, integrated technology, and spaces that support a wide range of teaching styles.
Constructed directly behind the fully occupied existing school, the project required careful planning and execution to avoid disruption to daily operations. At its closest point, new construction occurred just 55 feet from the active building. Through strategic logistics, including designated “blackout hours” for deliveries and construction traffic, the project team maintained a safe and uninterrupted school environment throughout construction.
Approximately twice the size of the original school, the new building is designed to use significantly less energy, aligning with the City of Worcester’s broader sustainability and climate goals. Nelson Place Elementary School achieved LEED Silver certification and provides a high-performance, future-ready learning environment for the community.
“It was a great collaboration between the construction company, the architects, and the school system. We had no impact. We ran our school days like we normally did.”
Monica Poitras, Principal Nelson Place Elementary School
Client:
City Of Worcester
Architect:
LPA|A
Project Type:
New Construction
Market:
K-12 School
Sustainability:
Leed Silver
Size:
110,000 sq. ft.
