Fairhaven High School was originally built in 1905. A monumental masonry structure influenced by Tudor and Gothic design, the school stands as a true architectural treasure. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981 and later named the most beautiful public high school in Massachusetts in 2017—an honor that reflects both its craftsmanship and its place in the community.
In 2025, Greenwood Industries and TWC Phoenix partnered on the restoration of Fairhaven High School’s main building, performing both interior and exterior work. The project exemplifies the strength of a complete building envelope approach, with teams working in close coordination across masonry, waterproofing, architectural metal, and roofing to restore and preserve a historic public landmark.
Interior Restoration with an Eye for Detail
TWC Phoenix artisans completed work throughout both the interior and exterior of the building. Inside, the team repaired classroom plaster and restored a large lecture hall—an especially striking space that feels more like a movie set than a public school. In fact, the school appeared in the film The Holdovers. Drawing on decades of experience, the team approached each space with care and precision, restoring these rooms to reflect their original character and beauty.
Preserving a Distinctive Historic Masonry Exterior
The majority of the work focused on the school’s distinctive brick and limestone exterior. An entire gable was carefully salvaged and rebuilt, along with extensive cutting and repointing of masonry and detailed limestone dutchman repairs. In addition, the connector between the historic main building and a newer addition was fully waterproofed to protect the structure for decades to come.
Given that the school remained operational throughout the project, safety and logistics were critical. The work required extensive scaffolding and fencing to ensure both crew and pedestrian safety. Staging areas and lifts were fully secured, and pedestrian walkways were covered to protect against the possibility of falling debris, allowing the school to function safely during construction.
Roofing and Architectural Metal Restoration
Greenwood Industries completed work at the top of the building envelope, re-roofing two small flat roofs and replacing slate roofing and architectural metal. The building’s copper detailing is one of its defining features, and Greenwood’s metal team took great care to replicate the original copper work. The result is a roofline that once again reflects the craftsmanship and materials befitting one of Fairhaven’s most iconic structures.
A Collaborative Approach to Historic Building Preservation
Fairhaven High School stands as a powerful example of what Greenwood Industries and TWC Phoenix can accomplish together. Both teams bring deep expertise in the specialized, detail-driven work required to restore historic buildings—balancing preservation, safety, and modern performance needs. This project is just one example of how collaboration across the complete building envelope helps protect historic landmarks while preparing them for future generations.