The following district presented on the progress of their proposed project at the December 2, 2020 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:

Town of Swampscott
Hadley Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: Hill International Company
Designer: LaVallee Brensinger Architects

The Town of Swampscott (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an overview of the options studied during the Feasibility Study and the District’s preferred solution to replace the existing Hadley Elementary School, Clarke Elementary School, and Stanley Elementary School with a new district-wide grades K-4 facility on the site of the existing Stanley Elementary School site The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) the number and location of sinks in the lower grade classroom; 2) consideration for involving maintenance staff in rooftop planning; 3) continued development of fully accessible and inclusive spaces and programs; 4) integration of technology throughout the building; 5) variations to the MSBA Space Summary guidelines; 6) appreciation of the complex and efficient site plan; 7) location of special education spaces; 8) use of support spaces on the first floor; 9) consideration of incorporating sustainability goals into the school’s curriculum; 10) the building’s architectural expansion; 11) the relationship between the lower and higher grades’ academic classrooms; and, 12) the building’s connection to outdoor spaces.

MSBA staff is currently working with the District to reach a mutually agreeable solution to recommend to the MSBA’s Board of Directors.

The following districts presented on the progress of their proposed projects at the November 18, 2020 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:

City of Boston
William E. Carter School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: Hill International Company
Designer: Perkins + Will

The City of Boston (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented their preliminary designs for the Carter School. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) appreciation for developing age-appropriate spaces; 2) the size of the proposed therapy pool; 3) layout of toilet rooms; 4) design and spatial considerations for students with visual and hearing impairments; 5) options for outdoor spaces and how each fits with the overall flow of the building; and, 6) evacuation plans.

The FAS requested that additional information regarding evacuation plans be included in the District’s next submission to the MSBA.

MSBA staff look forward to the District’s Preferred Schematic Report ahead of a February 2021 MSBA Board of Director’s meeting.

City of Lawrence
Francis M. Leahy Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: Atlantic Construction and Management, Inc.
Designer: Mount Vernon Group Architects, Inc.

The City of Lawrence (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an overview of the options studied during the Feasibility Study and the District’s preferred solution to replace the existing Francis M. Leahy Elementary School with a new facility serving students in grades K-8 on the existing site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) appreciation of work associated with community outreach and the Educational Program; 2) the thoughtful approach to outdoor play space; 3) further consideration of the distribution of Special Education spaces; 4) the number of sinks in the elementary grade classrooms to support project based learning; 5) consideration for involving maintenance staff in rooftop and courtyard planning and design; 6) the building’s effective separation of the lower and upper grades; 7) building access and egress; 8) variations to the MSBA’s Space Summary guidelines; 9) opportunity for further consideration of the entryway design; 10) square footage comparison to another MSBA project on a tight urban site; and, 11) appreciation for the incorporation of daylighting and the overall architectural plan.

MSBA staff are currently working with the District to reach a mutually agreeable solution to recommend to the MSBA’s Board of Directors.

The following districts presented on the progress of their proposed projects at the October 7, 2020 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:

City of Fitchburg
Crocker Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: Colliers Project Leaders NE, LLC
Designer: saam architecture

The City of Fitchburg (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an overview of the options studied during the Feasibility Study and the District’s preferred solution to replace the existing Crocker Elementary School with a new facility. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) appreciation for the educational program; 2) class sizes and the number of classrooms; 3) the proposed grade reconfiguration; 4) opportunities to enhance flexibility and configuration of the proposed cafetorium; 5) flexibility of the 5th grade classrooms; 6) appreciation of the connections to the outdoors and opportunities to expand engagement with outdoor learning; 7) flexibility in potential building expansion; 8) appreciation for the distribution of the special education spaces; 9) site constraints and the proposed building layout and orientation; and, 10) extended learning spaces.

MSBA staff is currently working with the District to reach a mutually agreeable solution to recommend to the MSBA’s Board of Directors.

City of Boston
Josiah Quincy Upper School
Current Phase: Schematic Design

Owner’s Project Manager: Skanska USA Building, Inc.
Designer: HMFH Architects, Inc.

The City of Boston (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented a summary review of the progress of the design of the Josiah Quincy Upper School project. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) appreciation for the site plan and design progress made since the Preferred Schematic, particularly with regard to the building exterior, massing and neighborhood connections; 2) building capacity; 3) variations from MSBA space guidelines; 4) community outreach; 5) code requirements and evacuation plans; and, 5) the location and proposed use of art, music and performance spaces.

The FAS requested additional information regarding: 1) spaces below MSBA guidelines; 2) meeting minutes/notes/recordings referenced during the District’s presentation; 3) written evacuation plans in the event of an emergency, and 4) the transportation, location, and secure storage of musical instruments and equipment from dedicated music/band/orchestra classrooms to the auditorium for performances.

MSBA staff is currently working with the District to reach a mutually agreeable solution to recommend to the MSBA’s Board of Directors.

The following districts presented on the progress of their proposed projects at the August 5, 2020 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:

Town of Westwood
Paul Hanlon Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: Compass Project Management, Inc
Designer: Dore & Whittier Architects, Inc.

The Town of Westwood (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an overview of the options studied during the Feasibility Study and the District’s preferred solution to replace the existing Paul R. Hanlon Elementary School and the existing Deerfield Elementary School on the existing Paul R. Hanlon Elementary School site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) appreciation for the Educational Program; 2) the thoughtful design and flexibility of proposed spaces for community use; 3) distribution of Special Education Spaces; 4) the building’s orientation; 5) site constraints and building integration into natural topography; 6) consideration of providing full blackout capability to support the science program; 7) square footage of the gym and opportunity to provide increase frequency of physical education; 8) the district’s sustainability goals and reiteration of the needs to operate the Net Zero sustainable design system; 9) design consideration related to the current health crisis; 10) community outreach and support for the project; and, 11) the district’s targeted budget and cost drivers for the potential project costs.

The FAS requested additional information regarding the current estimated total construction cost per square foot after accounting for all adjustments.

MSBA staff is currently working with the District to reach a mutually agreeable solution to recommend to the MSBA’s Board of Directors.

Town of Andover
West Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: PMA Consultants, LLC
Designer: Symmes, Maini, & McKee Associates

The Town of Andover (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an overview of the options studied during the Feasibility Study and the District’s preferred solution to replace the existing West Elementary School on the existing site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) appreciation of Educational Program; 2) inclusion and location of a “flexitorium” space; 3) ongoing local discussions about potentially eliminating the proposed “flexitorium” and redundant spaces in the PK wing from the project; 4) the location and number of toilet facilities; 5) the opportunity to create an EEC Collaborative with neighboring towns; 6) the distribution of Special Education spaces; 7) the internal circulation of stairwell in PK wing; and, the location of play space in relation to vehicular circulation.

The FAS requested additional information regarding updated floor plans representing the District’s decision concerning the “flexitorium” and PK spaces, as well as any resulting changes to future expansion plans.

MSBA staff are currently working with the District to reach a mutually agreeable solution to recommend to the MSBA’s Board of Directors.

The following districts presented on the progress of their proposed projects at the June 3, 2020 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:

City of Lawrence
Oliver Partnership School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: Pinck & Co., Inc. dba Anser Advisory, In
Designer: Symmes Maini & McKee Associates, Inc.

The City of Lawrence (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an overview of the options studied during the Feasibility Study and the District’s preferred solution for an addition and renovation project at the Oliver Partnership School. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) opportunities and challenges associated with the Educational Program; 2) consideration of efforts to reduce class sizes; 3) appreciation for the K-8 model; 4) the importance of a World Language program and continued development of STEM/STEAM lab programs; 5) the vertical circulation between the lower and higher grades’ academic classrooms; 6) opportunity for further consideration of circulation and hallway design; 7) further consideration of the distribution of Special Education spaces; 8) site constraints; 9) consideration of historic and contemporary aesthetic features of the building; 10) opportunity for further consideration of the entryway design; 11) the District’s concurrent MSBA project; 12) potential opportunities for the District to seek additional funding sources; and, 13) community outreach and support for the proposed project.

MSBA staff is currently working with the District to reach a mutually agreeable solution to recommend to the MSBA’s Board of Directors.

Town of Somerset
Somerset Middle School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: CGA Project Management
Designer: Ai3 Architects LLC

The Town of Somerset (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an overview of the options studied during the Feasibility Study and the District’s preferred solution to replace the existing Somerset Middle School on the existing site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) appreciation of the clear presentation of the Educational Program reflected in the design; 2) appreciation of the proposed layout of academic neighborhoods and distribution of Special Education spaces; 3) the importance of World Language programs; 4) consideration of backstage access to auditorium; 5) consideration of acoustics related to the placement of lavatories; 6) site circulation; 7) appreciation of outdoor learning spaces including proposed use and maintenance of the greenhouse; 8) consideration for involving maintenance staff in outdoor gardening efforts; and, 9) the separation and security of the building during community after-hours use.

The FAS is interested in: 1) the District’s further development of the proposed site circulation by reducing vehicular hardscape as part of the Schematic Design submission; and 2) continued conversation and involvement as the Project Schedule progresses.

MSBA staff are currently working with the District to reach a mutually agreeable solution to recommend to the MSBA’s Board of Directors

The following districts presented on the progress of their proposed projects at the May 20, 2020 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:

Groton-Dunstable Regional School District
Florence Roche Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: Leftfield
Designer: Studio G Architects

The Groton-Dunstable Regional School District (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an overview of the options studied during the Feasibility Study and the District’s preferred solution to replace the existing Florence Roche Elementary School with a new facility serving grades K-4on the existing site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) appreciation of the educational program; 2) distribution of the Special Education spaces, and further exploration of Special Education adjacencies; 3) consideration of proposed staffing and time allotment for the innovation lab spaces; 4) the maintenance and use of project areas; 5) further alignment of the Proposed Project and educational program; 6) orientation of the building; 7) consideration of number and location of access points to outdoor learning spaces; 8) importance of alignment between the landscape and the educational program; 9) appreciation of outdoor STEM spaces; 10) development of outdoor learning spaces; and, 11) further development of corridors and project areas.

MSBA staff is currently working with the District to reach a mutually agreeable solution to recommend to the MSBA’s Board of Directors.

Town of Ashland
David Mindess Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: Compass Project Management
Designer: Flansburgh Architects

The Town of Ashland (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an overview of the options studied during the Feasibility Study and the District’s preferred solution to proceed into Schematic Design to replace the existing David Mindess Elementary School with a new facility serving grades 3-5 on the existing site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) Appreciation of the Educational Program, alignment with the Preferred Schematic, and the movement towards Project Based Learning; 2) the location and number of larger doors near the outdoor learning spaces and music rooms for access to students and maintenance of the spaces; 3) consideration for FM sound assistance throughout the building; 4) appreciation of the music program; 5) appreciation for the use and maintenance of the proposed STEAM space and its adjacency to the media center; 6) location of toilet rooms; 7) location of Special Education classrooms; 8) appreciation for the integration of the building and site; 9) consideration of proximity of the service road to mature woodlands; 10) appreciation for the continuation of landscape design, including integrating nature both outside and inside the building; and, 11) appreciation for the courtyard.

MSBA staff are currently working with the District to reach a mutually agreeable solution to recommend to the MSBA’s Board of Directors.

The following district presented on the progress of their proposed project at the March 25m 2020 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting held via Zoom Conference:

City of Boston
Josiah Quincy Upper School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: Skanska USA Building, Inc.
Designer: HMFH Architects, Inc.

The City of Boston (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an overview of the options studied during the Feasibility Study and the District’s preferred solution to construct a new Josiah Quincy Upper School on the existing Josiah Quincy Upper School annex site at 900 Washington Street, Boston. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) the educational program and its relation to the proposed building layout; 2) appreciation for the District’s presentation and the progress of the conceptual design since the November 20, 2019 FAS Meeting; 3) appreciation for the proposed layout; 4) opportunities and challenges for future expansion of the building; 5) site constraints; 6) proximity to the Josiah Quincy Elementary School; 7) variations to the MSBA Space Summary guidelines; 8) school assignment process and opportunities for expanding International Baccalaureate programming in the District; 8) site circulation, student arrival and pedestrian approach; 9) safety and security; 10) use of the proposed robotics room; 11) use of the proposed project areas; 12) distribution of Special Education spaces; 13) vertical circulation throughout the building; 14) building massing, scale and integration into the neighborhood; 15) project costs, including costs relative to other school projects in the District on a cost per student basis; and, 15) importance of community outreach.

As the Proposed Project moves forward, the MSBA looks forward to active and continued conversations with the District through Schematic Design to understand 1) further refinements to the floor plan during Schematic Design; 2) the balance of construction costs, total square footage and grossing factor, utilization efficiencies and program needs; 3) how the design enrollment of the building informs the total building capacity, including the core academic spaces, cafeteria and gymnasium; 4) how the exterior envelope will be developed to recognize the importance of the building to the neighborhood, thinking through the intersection of the building to the adjoining streets and sidewalk areas, and considering the perspective of the pedestrian and adjoining properties; and, 5) community outreach, process and community concerns.

MSBA staff is currently working with the District to reach a mutually agreeable solution to recommend to the MSBA’s Board of Directors.

The following district presented on the progress of their proposed project at the January 22, 2020 Massachusetts School Building Authority (“MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (“FAS”) Meeting:

City of Worcester
Doherty Memorial High School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: Tishman Construction Corporation of Massachusetts
Designer: Lamoureux Pagano Associates | Architects, Inc.

The City of Worcester (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an overview of the options studied during the Feasibility Study and the District’s preferred solution to replace the existing Doherty Memorial High School with a new facility on the existing site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) the proposed gymnasium design with movable partitions and MSBA’s gymnasium square footage policy; 2) storage of gym, wellness, and adaptive physical education equipment; 3) the relationship between the Educational Program and building design, including makerspaces, science programs, adjacencies of the Biotechnical program, student class sizes, grade and departmental groupings, and, student navigation of the building; 4) the location of the Performing Arts Makerspace relative to the auditorium; 5) appreciation of the building’s compact design and relationship between public and academic spaces; 6) distribution of Special Education spaces; 7) district’s plan to simultaneously incorporate three additional Chapter 74 approved programs; 8) development of the site plan including the connection to Elm Park and the approach to the building; 9) the number and location of parking spaces; and, 10) the District’s schedule related to subsequent submissions and local vote authorizations.

The FAS requested that any associated action items would be noted in the Preferred Schematic Report Review Comments due to the MSBA as part of the District’s updated Preferred Schematic Report on or before February 13, 2020.

MSBA staff is currently working with the District to reach a mutually agreeable solution.