Gloucester’s Ware Academy was nearing its 75th anniversary and stood at a crossroads. Enrollment at the school had skyrocketed in recent years, and existing infrastructure couldn’t meet the demand. Expansion was the obvious answer—but to make room, a 19th-century farmhouse known as Nolan Hall would have to go.
The wooden building had seen many evolutions through the years, initially housing classrooms and, more recently, administrative offices. Its antiquated layout made renovation options expensive and unfeasible. The board of trustees opted for demolition to make way for 5,000 square feet of new classroom space, a state-of-the-art technology lab, an outdoor learning center, and an overhauled pickup, drop-off, and parking complex.
The decision to raze the building “has not been made lightly,” said Head of School Dawn Fleet, in a statement announcing the launch of the ongoing Ware Build campaign, which funded the $3 million expansion. “This change does mark the end of a chapter, but it also allows us to plan thoughtfully for the future use of the space—one that honors our past while serving the evolving needs of our school community.”
Construction for the project’s second phase was completed in March 2025, enabling Ware to clear its waitlist and expand student enrollment to more than 230. A commemorative exhibit in the new facility pays homage to the history of Nolan Hall.
Photos by Sarah Harris Photography. This article originally appeared in the April 2026 issue.
