By Madison Butkus
Hometown Weekly Reporter
Located just outside the heart of downtown Needham, the town’s oldest public building, originally East Needham High School, has a storied history. Opened in 1864, the building has undergone several transformations, culminating in its rededication on Saturday, November 23.
By 1924, increased enrollment at East Needham High necessitated the construction of a new high school (now Needham High School), and the original building was renamed the Emery Grover Building. Over the years, it served various purposes, including as an elementary school, the Superintendent’s office, and administrative offices. In 1987, its historical significance was officially recognized when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places, cementing its legacy as a symbol of the importance of public education.
Between 1990 and 2020, seven Town of Needham Faculty/School Master Plans had recommended renovating the building. Superintendent of Schools, Daniel Gutekanst, stated during this time, “…without a plan to renovate the building, we must vacate the structure due to the continued lack of accessibility and for reasons of health and safety.” This led to presentations to the Town being conducted in 2021. The proposal was approved for a full renovation of the Emery Grover Building. Renovations promptly started in 2022 resulting in the Needham Public School Administration moving back into the building on October 1st, 2024.
This enormous project was 125 years in the making in which the goal was to still preserve the history of the building while also making it more functional / era appropriate. With the recent updates made to the Emery Grover building, it is still currently the oldest public building still in public use, but now also the most energy efficient building in Needham.
For the rededication ceremony, members of the community, as well as multiple chair members, filed into the third floor of the newly constructed building. While the ceremony was originally scheduled to be outdoors on the lawn, the rain redirected everyone inside. There was a silver lining within this change of plans as this was the first time in 80 years that the third floor had been opened for a public ceremony.
Before the start of the rededication, the raising of the flag was conducted by six Elementary school students: Zachary & Jacob Riley, Henry Malcolm, Kayla Ivy, Ariella Appolon and Ryan Staunton. Gutekanst then introduced the Needham High School Brass Quintet consisting of Seth Feigenbaum, Spencer Seidel, Corbin Seidel, Charlie Richmond and Zach Wiesch. They performed beautiful renditions of the National Anthem and “Puttin’ on the Ritz.”
Following this, multiple community speakers took to the podium to express their thanks and gratitude for all who contributed to this extensive project. These speakers included: School Committee Chair, Elizabeth Lee; Select Board Chair, Kevin Keane; Permanent Public Building Committee Chair, Richard Creem; previous Community Preservation Committee Vice Chair, Peter Pingitore; Needham History Center Executive Director, Gloria Greis; and Needham Public Schools Superintendent, Daniel Daniel Gutekanst.
Once the ceremony had concluded, attendees were welcome to take a self-guided tour of all four floors of the building. Gutekanst explained that the lower level is geared towards teaching and learning, the main level includes the lobby and public-facing amenities, the second floor holds the Superintendent’s office as well as other business-type offices, and the top level includes multiple conference rooms. Refreshments were located in the break room on the second floor for those who wanted them.
It can be said with ease that those working within the Emery Grover building, along with many community members, are utterly thrilled with this renovation of such a historic and monumental structure. Within this building, Needham youths will benefit and strive for years to come.
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