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	Preservation Questions & Answers - I (The Wellesley Townsman – 11/23/06) Q. What is the historical significance of the 1938 Wellesley High School and why should its preservation be a goal in the current building project? A. As we have stated in previous articles, the 1938 Wellesley High School has unique architectural credentials. It was designed by the internationally acclaimed firm, Perry, Shaw and Hepburn of Boston. Its execution was recognized nationally as an extraordinary breakthrough in high school architecture. The decorative brick, glazed tiles, and high quality woodwork lend a classic style and a functionality that serve the school and community to this day. The Wellesley “W,” which is repeated in patterns on the upper tower and in the limestone balustrades of the auditorium and upper gymnasium, stands as the signature of the building. The tower itself identifies our high school. Because this school is so much a part of Wellesley’s overall educational heritage, its architecture not only invokes the past, but also it instills a sense of continuity between generations and thereby strengthens our community. Historical considerations, rather than be isolated, should be welcomed as part of the current planning process. Existing rooms and spaces throughout the building rather than undergo radical alteration, can and should be incorporated into the vision of our educational future. Preservation, restoration, and respect for the environment all play a role in planning a state-of-the art high school for the twenty-first century. Q. Won’t putting Wellesley High School on the National Register of Historic Places limit our capacity to make improvements? A. Not at all. The National Register is the official list of American cultural resources worthy of preservation. Because of its significance to our community, the 1938 High School is highly deserving of this honor. We have stated before the benefits of including the High School on the Register. Most important, this process reflects our pride in creating and preserving an invaluable educational asset. In no way does inclusion in the National Register prevent updates and improvements, but rather it challenges the architect to produce a result that will preserve the intent of the original design. NOTE: A number of schools can serve as models for the kind of preservation and restoration we envision for Wellesley High School. One of these schools is Boston Latin School on the Fenway. Interest has been expressed in visiting Boston Latin to see how it has successfully integrated its historic building with accommodations that enable it to meet 21st century needs. If you are interested in joining us on this visit, please e-mail us at whspreservation@yahoo.com. Join us for a tour of the interior of the 1938 Wellesley High School, Saturday morning, December 2, 2006 at 9AM. Gather in the Lobby.

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