Coyle School Residences Receives Paul & Niki Tsongas Award

Coyle School Residences, Taunton

Preservation Mass is pleased to announce that the Coyle School Residences has received a 2025 Paul & Niki Tsongas Award.

Originally constructed in 1933, the Coyle School was designed in the Gothic Revival style by local architect Joseph I. Higgins. It was commissioned in honor of Reverend James Coyle, pastor at Taunton’s first Catholic Church. Reverend Coyle firmly believed in the power of education to uplift his parishioners, leading to the establishment of Taunton’s first Catholic high school, the Monsignor James Coyle High School. The school was part of a broader movement to support the growing Roman Catholic and Irish immigrant population in Taunton, many of whom worked in the city’s thriving textile and silver industries. The school later evolved into Taunton Catholic Middle School; and over the years, the building also served various local community programs before becoming vacant. The redevelopment of the Property consists of two components: the historic rehabilitation and adaptive re-use of the existing 50,500 square foot Coyle High School into 32 apartment units, and new construction of a 20,650 square foot three-story, wood-framed structure consisting of 18 apartment units to be built behind the auditorium of the existing Coyle High School building.

The Coyle School Residences stand as a powerful example of what’s possible when we look at historic buildings not as relics, but as foundations for the future. By repurposing rather than demolishing, the project significantly reduced waste and carbon emissions while embracing energy-efficient design and prioritizing occupant comfort. The Coyle School Residences were designed to meet Executive Office of Housing and Liveable Communities guidelines, including universal design and green design initiatives. The poor performing retrofit windows provided an excellent opportunity to restore the grand historic facade with new double-glazed windows and entry door systems that matched the historic configurations. Apartment walls were insulated to improve occupant comfort and provide better compartmentalization between units – but this wasn’t without the challenge of salvaging and reinstalling original millwork to retain the historic character!