Construction firm turning old tavern into school facility

Construction has begun on the renovation of an 18th-century tavern into a new facility to be used by the Riverbend School in Natick. 

Nauset Construction in Needham announced Monday the beginning of the project at 33 Eliot St., which will provide new science and math classrooms, an office and multi-purpose space for Riverbend’s expanding campus.

The project, designed by Piatt Associates in Boston, includes the conversion of the 1748 Peletiah Morse Tavern, which was built as a residence, tavern and rest stop for travelers to the Old Hartford Road.

Construction includes a two-story, 4,200-square-foot addition. A previous addition from 1901 was demolished to make way for the new one. 

Nauset said the historic character of the tavern will be preserved by installing replica windows and a hand-hewn front door.