Classical High Condominiums
Classical High School, or Central High School as it was known until 1934, was designed by the Boston architectural firm of Hartwell, Richardson and Driver. The cornerstone was laid by the local contracting firm of Morrissey and Shea on Memorial Day, 1897. Completed in September 1898, at a cost of $472,725, the building represented what may have been at the time, the grandest public school in all of Western Massachusetts. A base of granite from Maine and limestone from Indiana, buff-colored brick, limestone cornices, copper trim, and a slate roof defined the exterior. Entry floors and walls were finished in marble, and interior stairs were elaborately detailed in steel and oak. There was also German glass, Italian ceiling tiles, bronze light fixtures and hardware, oak wainscotting and paneled doors, and abundant skylights. In 1923, an architecturally compatible addition extended the building 115 feet to the west.
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The Atrium at Classical Condominiums
Classical High School closed its doors as a public school in 1986 and was converted to condominiums by R. Kirk Noyes, an architect from Gloucester, MA, who had great sensitivity and respect for the building's historic features. Many of these elements are still intact and grace the building today. What were the grand auditorium and cafeteria are now a dramatic public lobby and atrium, visually reminiscent of the building's Victorian-period beginnings. All reconstruction was completed under the direction of local contractor, Fontaine Brothers, Inc.
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Upper Atrium
From the 3rd floor hallway connecting the front of the building to the back of the building.
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The Main Entrance to Classical Condominiums
The Classical High building has a unique history. Its residents appreciate the building's landmark contributions and status, not only as a magnificent structure, but also as an important educational institution to be remembered. Classical's place in the Lower Maple Historic District will forever ensure that its architectural integrity is respected and preserved. From Dr. Seuss or Theodore Geisel to William Manchester, Timothy Leary, and Taj Mahal as well as many other thousands of graduates, we are sure they would be proud to know that Classical still stands as a symbol of this City's greatness. Classical's current place as a premier downtown residence also makes it as vital and vibrant today as it was in the past. Those of us who live at Classical recognize its importance. We are proud to call Classical our home, and we have made our individual homes as special as Classical itself.
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