Study Completed by Allegrone Co. and AHF Boston Backs Russell School Revival
May 28, 2025
A feasibility study conducted by Allegrone Companies and AHF Boston confirms that Hadley’s historic Russell School can be rehabilitated into micro apartments, office space or classrooms and art studios. The building, though in need of repairs—including window replacements, partial roof work, and structural fixes—is structurally sound and ideal for adaptive reuse.
The Russell School Building Committee had advocated for the stabilization work, out of concern for continued deterioration of the building, including its foundation and slate roof. AHF Boston and Allegrone Companies completed the 24-page report on the 1894 building at 131 Russell St. The study was funded by the town and the Community Preservation Act.
“There’s work that needs to be done on the Russell School. However, it is a strong building, one that is ripe for redevelopment, and one that we think should have a future in this town, from our perspective,” said Jake Sanders, project executive for the nonprofit Architectural Heritage Foundation, or AHF Boston, of Brighton.
“In our research, we have found the Russell School is an ideal candidate for housing or a community use,” Sanders said, with four options ranging from active use to repairs to demolition. “We have a path forward for the town.”
Elise Keith, Allegrone, said a lot of time was spent examining the exterior and what is necessary to restore the building.
“We’re calling for full window replacement, some selective repointing, because full repointing isn’t necessary, 25% of the roof replacement, and we’re also calling for some structural repairs at all of the entries,” Keith said.
Anthony Allegrone, Director of Design for Allegrone “There is an extensive repair that’s required to bring it up to new construction standards, and a standard that would enhance the longevity”.
The building opened in 1894 as the home of Hopkins Academy, following a fire that destroyed the previous building the year before. It was used as an elementary school through 1996, and then as part of the Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter School campus for a decade, before finally being home to North Star Self-Directed Learning for Teens, which left the building in 2015.