German Gerena School
Springfield, MA
The German Gerena Community School, built in 1972 for 1,100 students, features a unique design due to its challenging site, with sections of the building extending under a major highway and a railroad crossing. These underground areas double as public pathways, linking Springfield's Main Street to the school’s playing fields and nearby parks.
Following extensive flooding from a 1994 water-main break, the school underwent major renovations. Structural repairs were made, a vibrant color scheme was introduced, and natural light was added to brighten the underground areas, transforming the concrete structure into a colorful, engaging learning environment.
