FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: – Chrissa Gannon, Director of Marketing & Events at 508.234.8184 ext 123 or [email protected]
Whitin Community Center Purchases Historic
Aldrich School to Expand Childcare Services
WHITINSVILLE — The Whitin Community Center (WCC) is proud to announce the official purchase of the historic Aldrich School Building at 14 Hill Street in Whitinsville, MA. The acquisition marks a major step forward in addressing the region’s critical childcare shortage, while preserving a beloved local landmark and strengthening the social and economic fabric of the Blackstone Valley.
A cornerstone of the community for 102 years, WCC has served generations of families through its robust programming, including the Blackstone Valley Children’s Place (BVCP), which has provided high-quality early education and care for 49 years. With current operations at capacity—serving 237 children across four locations and maintaining a growing waitlist—the expansion into the Aldrich Building will significantly increase childcare access in the region.
Following the Town of Northbridge’s approval of the building’s sale in October 2024, WCC submitted a successful proposal through the RFP process in February 2025. The sale was officially finalized on June 27, 2025.
The expansion project will transform the vacant Aldrich School into a vibrant childcare center, adding 20 new preschool slots and 65 additional school-age care slots—nearly doubling BVCP’s capacity. More than 40% of current BVCP children receive state vouchers, and over 50% rely on public subsidies. The expansion will increase access to affordable, subsidized care for working families, further supporting the local workforce and economy in a post-COVID landscape.
“By renovating this historic building, we are not only preserving a vital piece of our town’s heritage – we are opening doors to families and supporting local business,” said Heather Elster, Executive Director of the Whitin Community Center, “Expanding access to childcare in this space reflects our deep commitment to building a stronger community in the Blackstone Valley.”
WCC’s vision has garnered widespread support from the local community, including endorsements from the Whitinsville Downtown Crossroads Historic District Commission, the Northbridge Historical Commission, municipal leadership, the local police department, and area schools. The initiative blends historic preservation with urgent community needs.
Constructed in 1890 by the influential Whitin family and named in honor of beloved educator Ella W. Aldrich, the building has been a fixture of community life for more than 130 years. Once Whitinsville’s first high school, the Aldrich School symbolizes a proud legacy of learning and civic responsibility—values that WCC is honored to continue.
The renovation of the Aldrich School Building is part of WCC’s $10 million Legacy Capital Campaign, launched to commemorate the organization’s centennial. To date, the campaign has secured 54% of its goal, with a majority of funds coming from federal, state, and local government sources.
“This project is not only about bricks and mortar,” added Elster. “It’s about opportunity—ensuring that every child has access to quality early education, that families have the support they need to thrive, and that we preserve and repurpose a historic community asset for generations to come.”
For more information, or to contribute to the Legacy Capital Campaign, please visit www.WhitinCommunityCenter.com or call 508-234-8184.
The Whitin Community Center is committed to enhancing the health and well-being of individuals and families and building a strong community in the Blackstone Valley. We offer social, recreational, educational, and outreach programs that bring community members of all ages and backgrounds together. The Whitin Community Center is the Blackstone Valley’s most complete family and recreation center with two swimming pools, a gym, fitness center, early learning programs, summer camps and a seven and a half acre park. For more information call 508.234.8184 or visit www.WhitinCommunityCenter.com.
