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Check List #1
Wellesley High School – the 1938 building

Preservation and Repair

The 1938 building with its Wilbury Crockett Library is the centerpiece of Wellesley High School and should be viewed as a working, unified whole. The architect should be sensitive to specific areas for preservation and restoration. This approach, rather than imposing limitations, offers us an opportunity to upgrade an educationally functional building to the highest standards.

The exterior stone and brickwork should be cleaned and re-pointed if needed. Repairs in keeping with the architectural exterior should be made. The roof needs replacement. The windows should be repaired or replaced, making them energy- efficient and capable of climate control. Where replacement is necessary, it is important to keep the original 1938 architectural style as executed by the Hope’s Window Company Inc. of Jamestown, New York. All decorative panels between the windows should be refinished as well as all barreled window trim.

Attention should be given to interior architectural elements, including doors, trims and casings, interior brickwork, slate sills and tile. All these are essential to the warm and welcoming atmosphere achieved by the original architect. Corridor wall tiles should be cleaned. Fire doors with safety-glass encasements should be installed. A room-by-room, floor-by-floor analysis would ensure that proper repair and restoration techniques are applied. A coherent architectural approach is needed to bring to the fore the unique features and functionality of this classic New England educational institution.

The 1978 Wilbury Crockett Library, looking out on neighboring woodlands, is a place for research and reflection in a busy school setting. Arrangement of student working areas and conference spaces could be made to maximize this already attractive and functional library. (See Reference: Review Report Wellesley Public Schools Library Dept.) The Library can also be considered for town-wide use. A new attractive entrance to the Library that replaces the present entrance and connecting ramp is in order. The unsatisfactory stairwell and elevator that were installed when the library was built in 1978 should be replaced. Space should also be allocated for the Wellesley High School Archives. Climate-controlled rooms are needed to house important historic high school records, as well as research and exhibit areas.

The 1938 Upstairs Gymnasium is widely used by the school and community for educational and recreational activities. (WHSPC article of December 21, 2006). Repairing windows, refinishing the solid wood paneling, and utilizing the folding wooden partition would keep this gymnasium functional for many years to come. Repairing the water fountains and installing accessible restrooms would further enhance this facility. Updated lighting and sound systems should also be considered.

The Lobby, which forms the main entrance to the High School and the auditorium, is in need of refurbishment (WHSPC article of 11/2/06 and 12/21/06). Imaginative restoration of this welcoming space should be undertaken. Attention should be given to such original elements as the exterior doors and other attractive appointments, many of which were given by former graduating classes. Putting back the AUDITORIUM letters over the auditorium doors would add much to the dÈcor. Raising the ceiling to its original height and restoring appropriate ceiling lights would also add to the ambience. The exterior auditorium lights and decorative exterior national, state and local seals over the doors need to be cleaned.

The Wellesley High School Auditorium is representative of the unique architectural character of Wellesley High School, (WHSPC article of 11/2/06). Recognized by the architects as “a beautiful space,” this special place has a seating capacity of 645. We advocate that a theater architect be consulted to address certain updates. These include handicap access, seating, lavatories, backstage space, and storage areas. Also, upgrades need to be made to acoustics, lighting, and the sound system. A creative and imaginative approach would enable this space to continue to serve the High School and the community in the 21st century.

The space over the existing Auditorium was originally built to house a cafeteria for the 1938 school. After 1962, when the present cafeteria was built, the space was converted to classrooms. We advocate using this area as a large, open flex-space. This would entail removing the existing classrooms, restoring the window wall setback to its original location and raising the ceiling. Removing the paint from the original glazed wall tiles and adding appropriate lighting would create a fine educational space with multiple uses.

The tower stands as the symbol of Wellesley High School. (WHSPC article of 10/26/06). It requires a new roof, rehabilitation of the large exterior clock, and repair of the cupola with its balustrade. Refurbishing the “soaring eagle” weathervane can be done according to the original architectural plans. A new use for the tower room should also be explored. And finally, funded with private donations, the floodlighting of both the interior and exterior of the tower would add visibility to the High School as a continuing source of pride to the Town of Wellesley. (See Reference: The New Wellesley Senior High School.)

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