For many years Holten and Richmond were two separate schools sitting side-by-side on Conant Street and educating students in grades 7-12. The Conant Street buildings served as a junior high through the 1960s until they were closed in 1981 and the Dunn Wing at Danvers High School became the new middle school.

The retrofit of Holten-Richmond began in 2004, as the Dunn Wing was no longer deemed suitable to house the middle school. After the two adjacent 80-year-old buildings were gutted, renovated, joined together and 59,000 square feet were added to the rear, Holten-Richmond Middle School opened to sixth- to eighth-graders in 2006, boasting a state-of-the-art academic complex with a restored historic facade.

In addition to core academic studies, more than 900 students take exploratory courses in art, computers, health, public speaking/drama, music, physical education, technology education and languages.

The complex utilizes green technology, is highly energy-efficient and has systems to display real-time solar energy and weather data. 

Part of the project was to allow after-hours public access to its auditorium, media center and athletic facilities. The property contains a cafeteria, full kitchen, administrative offices, a full baseball field and basketball court. Students and the public also have easy access to 30 acres of ball fields, tennis courts and a playground at Plains Park.