The renovated building includes expanded front and back lobbies and original details like wood paneling and a jail cell door to represent where musician Arlo Guthrie was jailed in 1965.
finished on time. It will be open for the first day of school on September 3, Sagarin says – coming in slightly under budget, since total costs were projected to be about 10 percent higher. Thankfully, there weren’ t any unexpected construction challenges because the structure was in really good shape, Sagarin says.
Over 300 donors have helped the renovation project become a reality, along with support from community preservation funds and foundations, according to White. The project was led by West Stockbridge architect Dana Bixby, who designed the program and classroom layout, and Stockbridge architect Pam Sandler, who helmed the historical renovation. The renovations were designed with a school in mind; the first floor hallway curves around the columns rather than a straight hallway, and the renovations opened up the front and back lobbies.
“ Even when the lights are off, you ' re always walking from light toward light,” Sagarin says.“ It ' s a little more artistic feeling than a government building.” The first floor includes six classrooms and
62 // BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE Fall 2025