A Schoolhouse Reimagined
Once known as the Calvin Coolidge School, 12 Bancroft Street has been a cornerstone of the Maynard community for over a century. Built in 1906 as an elementary school, it opened with a single story before expanding in 1910 with a second floor to accommodate the town’s growing population. Renamed in 1932 as The Calvin Coolidge School to honor President Coolidge who spent many summers nearby, the school educated generations of local children in its spacious classrooms until closing in 1981 due to declining enrollment. During the 1930s, it even benefited from upkeep through the Works Progress Administration, reinforcing its role as a vital civic hub. For decades, it stood as both a place of learning and a beloved neighborhood landmark.
After its closure, the building sat quietly in the heart of the neighborhood—an untapped relic of Maynard’s past. Today, it’s being thoughtfully reimagined into a boutique 12-unit community that preserves the building’s historic charm while producing modern, attainable housing. Just steps from downtown’s cafés, art spaces, restaurants, and shops—and with easy access to the Assabet River Rail Trail and Summer Hill’s peaceful hiking paths—12 Bancroft offers a rare blend of heritage and convenience.
Inside, a mix of one- and two-bedroom residences including income-restricted and wheelchair-accessible options reflect a commitment to thoughtful, inclusive design. This transformation breathes new life into the once-dormant schoolhouse, reconnecting this piece of Maynard’s history with the present-day community and ensuring its legacy continues for generations.