The Story of Decas is Wareham's Story
Decas was built on land taken by eminent domain from the "Tobey Old Ladies Home" for "educational purposes." The Decas family then donated significant sums to support education in Wareham. When students move to the new elementary school in 2022, Decas will be vacant. Don't let another iconic Wareham landmark go!
The Case for Repurposing Decas
Honoring A Legacy
William and Esther Decas were early benefactors, donating $40K in honor of their son John William, killed in World War II. Their daughter, Georgia Decas Chamberlain, endowed a $300K fund in 2002, a record for the largest private gift to a public school in Massachusetts at the time.
A Quality Building Crafted for All
The prominent architecture firm of Alger and Gunn designed the Decas School, dedicated in 1969. Their firm was lauded for notable public buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. Decas was then expanded in 1974, and again in 1994. Decas houses incredible examples of mid-century wooded buttresses spanning the ceilings, an architectural element that would be unthinkable today due to the expense.
Public Funds Invested
In 2016, tax payers invested $2.4 Million in infrastructure improvements to the Decas School, including a new rubber membrane roof, asbestos abatement and a state of the art boiler system. These improvements were completed less than five years ago!
Changing Needs of a Community
Wareham, like other towns, has an aging population. At the same time, there is a great need for early childhood education, Head Start and school-age after school programming.
Studies have shown that intergenerational spaces and programs benefit young and old!
The Opportunity to Plan for Success
We only have one chance to get this right, Wareham. The 17+ acre site is well-suited to a multi-use community center. The need is great. The time is now.
What Would a Repurposed Decas Look Like?
Decas's existing floor plan totals 76000 sq.ft., includings the 1969 main structure (center), the 1974 annex (top left) and the 1994 modular addition (top center). Approx. 40,000 sq. ft. of classroom space (yellow and blue), 7000 sq. ft. of communal cafeteria/auditorium and gym space (green), 11,000 sq. ft. of courtyard, and 1300 sq. ft. of administrative space (pink).
Early phases would concentrate on 1) moving the Council on Aging's offices and activities to occupy former classroom and communal spaces in the main building, 2) establishing a multi-generational community / education center, 3) leasing additional classroom space to community and education oriented organizations, and 4) removing the modular buildings that have outlived their lifespan.
Following a feasibility study, later phases of the project would involve repurposing former classroom space into affordable senior housing units.
By this point, Decas will be a lively, age-friendly community hub engaging Wareham residents from 1 to 100 with community and educational opportunities, services and providing a one-stop shop for many of their needs.
At this point in the project, you might see the following all housed under one roof:
- early education daycare center
- senior center & Council on Aging programs
- after-school programs & summer enrichment for K-12
- Veteran's services
- food pantry
- Meals on Wheels
- adult continuing education classes including job readiness. GED and creative classes
- multigenerational fitness & wellness classes
- community theater & music
- dinner & a movie nights
- community organization offices (conservation, arts groups, literacy orgs, etc)
- a co-working space & small business incubator
You can see examples of spaces like this here and here.
Wareham Seniors "Make Do" in the Multi-Service Center Basement...
