Former West Wareham Academy building to become condos

The halls of West Wareham Academy that once held hundreds of students will be seeing life once again, this time as condominiums. 

The property, located at 1073 Main Street, will be developed into condominiums by developer Schoolhouse Rocks, LLC and went in front of the Zoning Board of Appeals Wednesday, Dec. 10 to discuss site plans and further action.

The building on the property was originally a four-room schoolhouse serving first through fourth grade. It operated as the West Wareham Academy until 2014, offering a therapeutic learning environment for students in grades seven through 12.

Patricia McArdle with Schoolhouse Rocks said that the original footprint of the school will be staying the same with no additions being made to the structure. The developer had gotten the approval for the project in September 2023.

"It's had no problems that we know over the past 100 years or so," McCardle said.

The proposed project will feature seven units with six two-bedroom condominiums and one one-bedroom condominium. There will be a handicap accessible apartment in the basement of the building with necessary Americans with Disabilities Act compliant accommodations like a ramp.

According to the project's engineer, Brian Grady, the site will be updating exterior lighting, widening the entrance and updating the buildings storm water management. 

The final review of site plans will be reviewed at the Wednesday, Jan. 14 Zoning Board of Appeals meeting to ensure that the proposed development aligns with Wareham zoning bylaws.

According to McAradle, as soon as there is approval, the redevelopment will begin.