The following Districts presented on the progress of their proposed projects at the October 10, 2018 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:
Town of Westborough
Annie E. Fales Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: Vertex Companies, Inc.
Designer: HMFH Architects, Inc.
The Town of Westborough (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented its overview of the options studied during the Feasibility Study and the District’s preferred solution to replace the existing Annie E. Fales Elementary School with a new K-3 elementary school facility on the existing site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) an appreciation of the educational program, academic neighborhoods, and building scale; 2) location, use, and maintenance of the proposed project space; 3) further development of the proposed ground floor layout; 4) impact of noise to classroom areas located above the gymnasium; 5) delivery of special education; 6) proposed location and use of special education and literacy breakout spaces; 7) sheltered handicapped access at the front entrance; 8) site topography and the proposed accessible path; 9) access to the gymnasium; 10) consideration of the scale of the media center from the exterior of the building; 11) massing of the west side of the building; 12) the location of the main entrance and loading dock; 13) the location of the stage; 14) the natural light provided within interior spaces; 15) incorporation of sinks in classrooms; 16) storage provided within the music and kiln rooms; 17) the proposed project schedule; and, 18) opportunities for future expansion.
The FAS requested additional information regarding: the future expansion of the proposed facility and the impact to site circulation.
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 West Springfield
Philip G. Coburn Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: NV5
Designer: TSKP Studio, LLC
The Town of West Springfield (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented its overview of the options studied during the Feasibility Study and the District’s preferred solution to replace the existing Philip G. Coburn Elementary School on the existing site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) further development to the educational plan and its relation to the proposed building layout; 2) the importance of professional development to prepare for the proposed changes to teaching methodology; 3) further development of the proposed site plan; 4) site circulation and location of pick-up/drop-off areas; 5) location of the outdoor play areas; 6) main entrance and separate access to the building for the PK and alternative education programs; 7) the District’s plans for the future use of the Cowing School; 8) status of site acquisition of four adjacent residential properties; 9) use and location of the S.T.E.A.M. room, multi-purpose room, and community room; 10) layout of the administration suite; 11) location of the OT/PT rooms and gym office; 12) adaptive physical education; 13) use of the learning stair; 14) daylighting on the upper floors; and, 15) an appreciation for the building’s compact layout.
The FAS requested: 1) an updated site plan with an increased level of detail and labeling; and, 2) updated floor plans that clearly depict and label all spaces including those associated with the Alternative Day School.
MSBA staff is currently working with the District to reach a mutually agreeable solution to recommend to the MSBA’s Board of Directors.
Central Berkshire Regional School District
Wahconah Regional High School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: Skanska USA Building, Inc.
Designer: Drummey Rosane Anderson, Inc.
The Central Berkshire Regional School District (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented its overview of the options studied during the Feasibility Study and the District’s preferred solution to replace the existing Wahconah Regional High School on the existing site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) an appreciation of the organization of the proposed layout and site plan; 2) the architectural intent regarding the character of the building and the prominent location of the fitness/weight room at the entry of the proposed building; 3) relationship between the learning commons and the dining commons; 4) use of the learning commons; 5) shape and size of the general classrooms and associated professional development; 6) location of special education spaces; 7) use and distribution of small group spaces; 8) size of the proposed building and the accommodation of educational programming; 9) location of the OT/PT room in relation to the gymnasium; 10) an appreciation of the District plans regarding professional development to support the proposed changes to teaching methodology; 11) consideration of transitioning from macro chemistry to micro chemistry and offering biotech; 12) educational programming opportunities for high school seniors; and, 13) an appreciation of the advantages of a small enrollment and a design that fosters collaboration.
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 September 26, 2018 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:
Town of Marblehead
Elbridge Gerry Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: Leftfield, LLC
Designer: Raymond Design Associates, Inc.
The Town of Marblehead (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented its overview of the options studied during the Feasibility Study and the District’s preferred solution to replace the existing Elbridge Gerry Elementary School, L.H. Coffin Elementary School, and Malcolm L. Bell Elementary Schools with a new PK-3 elementary school facility on the existing Bell Elementary School site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) the importance of a continued look at the overall cost of the building; 2) consideration of reducing the window and skylight area; 3) importance of consistency in presentation of the design’s cost to the community; 4) solar orientation and glare; 5) relationship between the size of the bus/traffic loop to the number of busses needed; 6) noise level of air hand dryers in bathrooms; 7) benefits of the additional time spent refining the preferred option; 8) efficiency of the building design and dual entrances; 9) function of the hard play outdoor classroom; 10) access to the building for individuals with limited mobility; 11) use and function of the additional green space; 12) adjacency of the multi-purpose room and art room; 13) general orientation of the organic garden and its connection to the school; 14) integration of SPED classroom spaces throughout the design; 15) use of the Extended Learning Areas; 16) consideration of split-face block on building exterior and other potential means to reduce cost; 17) benefits of visiting other schools to aid in refining proposed solution; 18) scale of the gymnasium and elevation change; and; 19) the use of non-toxic materials in the art room.
MSBA staff is currently working with the District to reach a mutually agreeable solution to recommend to the MSBA’s Board of Directors.
Pentucket Regional School District
Pentucket Regional High School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: Vertex Companies, Inc.
Designer: Dore & Whittier Architects, Inc.
The Pentucket Regional School District (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented its overview of the options studied during the Feasibility Study and the District’s preferred solution to replace the existing high school facility with a new Middle-High School on the existing site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) the complexity of designing a project with a 7-12 grade configuration; 2) progress of the conceptual design; 3) potential for efficiencies in a middle-high school; 4) site constraints; 5) other districts’ experiences with similar proposed design features; 6) the construction phasing and the constraints that not allowing phasing places on the design; 7) District’s adherence to community feedback; 8) complexity and cost of the project and considerations for reducing the cost of the project; 9) size, location, and logistics of student dining areas; 10) educational program and its relation to the proposed building layout; 11) concept of “learning on display”; 12) community outreach for the proposed project and the community’s understanding of the educational program; 13) examination of 7-12 schools in other districts; 14) concept of the school’s community and how departments relate; 15) location and use of “public realm” spaces; 16) proposed utilization of the academic spaces and variations to the MSBA guidelines; 17) use and maintenance of the proposed courtyard; 18) how students experience/travel around the building; 19) site circulation for bus and car drop-off; 20) storage for art rooms; 21) study options; and, 22) local vote schedule.
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 Weymouth
Maria Weston Chapman Middle School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: Hill International, Inc.
Designer: HMFH Architects, Inc.
The Town of Weymouth (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented its overview of the options studied during the Feasibility Study and the District’s preferred solution for an addition and renovation project to the Maria Weston Chapman Middle School. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) an appreciation of the educational program and the proposed academic neighborhoods; 2) the function and utilization of the proposed project areas and exploratory labs; 3) the proposed number of 6th grade science classrooms; 4) the impact of noise throughout the building as a result of the open concept cafeteria; 5) the location and function of the media center; 6) the use of the proposed outdoor learning areas; 7) the proposed class schedule for a team-teaching model; 8) the potential for creating a more efficient building envelope; 9) the location of renovated and new construction areas; 10) the long-term operating costs of the proposed building; and, 11) site topography and draining.
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 8, 2018 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:
Town of Arlington
Arlington High School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: Skanska USA Building, Inc.
Designer: HMFH Architects, Inc.
The Town of Arlington (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 Arlington High School on the existing site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) an appreciation of the educational program; 2) the incorporation of social studies, science, and math class wings to further develop integrated learning; 3) the scheme for assigning students into academic houses; 4) teacher professional development; 5) the incorporation of English language learner students in world language classes; 5) design and building functionality; 6) parking locations and green space; 7) sheltered drop off/pick up area; 8) acoustical challenges of the performing arts space; 9) the location of Special Education spaces; 10) inclusion of the LABBB Collaborative and Pre-K; 11) the character and location of the building; 12) the functionality of the library and its relationship to maker spaces; and, 13) community outreach and support.
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 Holyoke
H.B. Lawrence School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: Pinck & Co., Inc.
Designer: Jones Whitsett Architects, Inc.
The City of Holyoke (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 H.B. Lawrence K-3 school facility with a new middle school serving grades 6-8 on the Chestnut Street site (adjacent to the existing site) and the existing Peck School with a new middle school serving grades 6-8 on the existing Peck School site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) an appreciation for the challenges the District is striving to overcome in its Turnaround Plan and the unique advantages as well as the challenges of funding and managing the proposed solution of two schools; 2) the educational program and its focus on an equitable middle school experience for all students; 3) community outreach and support for the proposed reconfiguration from K-8 schools to a middle school model; 4) the need for additional development of the site plans, in particular how the buildings connect to the site; 5) efficiencies of a single design adapted to each site; 6) securing ownership, control, and exclusive use of each site; 7) the flexibility of academic clusters and possibility of mixed grade-level clusters; 8) existing dual language programs; 9) potential future expansion; 10) on-going implementation of the Newcomer Program; 11) the media center’s location, staffing and curating of materials; 12) teacher certifications; 13) team teaching and launch of middle school STEM Academy; 14) the current use of the Holyoke High School and Dean Technical High School facilities; 15) project schedule; 16) energy rebates; 17) the capacity of the consultants to complete the work required for a schematic design submittal that includes two separate buildings on different sites; and, 18) the financial readiness for the preferred solution.
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 July 25, 2018 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:
Town of Danvers
Ivan G. Smith Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: PMA Consultants, LLC
Designer: Tappé Architects, Inc.
The Town of Danvers (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 Ivan G. Smith Elementary School with a new K-5 facility on the existing site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) the location of the elevator; 2) use of the ensemble space; 3) site planning as it relates to solar orientation; 4) constraints of the site; 5) the location of existing and new play spaces; 6) the location and use of wetlands interpretive trail; 7) access to the building for individuals with limited mobility; 8) media center staffing and storage considerations for the music room; 9) logistics of the adaptive PE program; 10) audio assistance throughout the building for hearing-impaired individuals; 11) use and location of the STEAM space; 12) safety considerations for the art room; 13) the relationship of the learning stair to the media center and lobby; 14) circulation of students between the “academic zone” and “community zone”; 15) the location of cafeteria; 16) logistics and timing of future redistricting; 17) opportunities for expansion of the building; and, 18) an appreciation for the building’s layout.
The FAS requested additional information regarding: 1) a building section through the lobby and learning stair to better demonstrate variations in the proposed floor height; 2) a narrative that further describes how site constraints have influenced the proposed building orientation as well as design opportunities relative to solar orientation; 3) the local process, timeline, key milestones, and approvals associated with anticipated redistricting as a result of the preferred solution; and, 4) opportunities for building expansion associated with the District’s preferred solution.
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 Marblehead
Elbridge Gerry Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: Leftfield, LLC
Designer: Raymond Design Associates, Inc.
The Town of Marblehead (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 Gerry, Coffin, and Bell Schools with a new PK-3 elementary school facility on the existing Bell Elementary School site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) the educational program and its relation to the proposed building layout; 2) progression of the conceptual design and potential for an “L-shaped” floor plan versus the bar layout included in the District’s Preferred Schematic Report; 3) the benefits of the District adjusting its schedule to allow additional time for concluding on a preferred option; 4) potential roofing options; 5) the proposed addition of parking and the opportunities instead for landscaping in the potential “L-shaped” option, and the potential for additional green space both as a buffer for the building and as a play area close to the PK/K side of both building options; 6) the general orientation of the classrooms and play areas; 7) the benefit of an increase to dedicated Mechanical/ Custodial/ Receiving space; 8) the scheduling and outfitting of the gymnasium to accommodate adaptive PE; 9) an appreciation of the integration of the SPED classroom spaces throughout the floor plans, as well as the Extended Learning Areas and their uses; 10) continued look at the overall cost of the building, including a detailed look at site cost versus building cost; 11) accessibility to the building for individuals with limited mobility; and, 12) the MSBA’s continued look at the capacity of Marblehead’s elementary schools impacted by the proposed project.
The FAS requested additional information regarding: 1) an updated Educational Program along with the District’s second complete Preferred Schematic Report submittal; and, 2) confirmation of an updated project schedule.
MSBA staff look forward to working with the District to reach a mutually agreeable solution
Town of Tewksbury
Louise Davy Trahan Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: CBRE| Heery
Designer: Flansburgh Architects
The Town of Tewksbury (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 Louise Davy Trahan Elementary School with a new facility on the John F. Ryan Elementary School site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) the educational program and its relation to the proposed building layout; 2) the location of special education spaces; 3) use and scheduling of the proposed STEAM rooms; 4) professional development and collaboration opportunities for staff; 5) the planning and preparation required for implementation of project-based and interdisciplinary learning; 6) opportunities for flexible use of academic clusters and integration of audio system and sinks in general classrooms; 7) an appreciation for the campus concept and thoughtful use of outdoor learning space; 8) use and maintenance of the courtyard; 9) solar orientation of the proposed building; 10) site circulation and location of pick-up/drop-off areas; 11) access to the building for individuals with limited mobility; 12) adaptive PE offerings; and, 13) accessibility of the front entrance and size of the main lobby.
The FAS requested additional information regarding: 1) an updated Educational Program that provides clarity on how the educational program translates to the proposed building layout and expands on both professional development and project-based learning; and, 2) updated floor plans demonstrating the reorganization of the proposed special education 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 June 6, 2018 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:
Town of Shrewsbury
Beal Early Childhood Center
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: PMA Consultants
Designer: Lamoureux Pagano & Associates, Inc.
The Town of Shrewsbury (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 Beal Early Childhood Center with a new K-4 facility on the Glavin Center site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) an appreciation for the educational program and how it informs the proposed building layout; 2) the location and function of the media center and proposed use of the associated maker space; 3) the potential for coordination between the proposed maker space and adjacent art classrooms; 4) site topography and opportunities for outdoor learning; 5) interior circulation and the length of the main corridor; 6) location of the service entry; 7) flexibility of academic neighborhoods; 8) considerations associated with the location of the stage; and 9) community outreach and timeline for site acquisition.
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 Wareham
Minot Forest Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: PMA Construction Services
Designer: Mount Vernon Group Architects, Inc.
The Town of Wareham (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 Minot Forest and Decas Elementary Schools with a new PK-4 elementary school facility on the existing Minot Forest Elementary School site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) the Special Educational Program and its relation to the number of proposed spaces; 2) the District’s intended use of the break out spaces; 3) the lack of alignment between the Educational Program and the proposed design; 4) the District’s intent to mitigate the large feel of the school; 5) how specialized instruction can be included in the general classroom; 6) the use, circulation, and scheduling of the Innovation Hub; 7) natural light access in the art classrooms; 8) school capacity across the District as well as enrollment forecasts; and, 9) budgetary concerns of the proposed project.
The FAS requested an updated Educational Program reflecting the District’s intended use of 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.
The following Districts presented on the progress of their proposed projects at the May 23, 2018 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:
City of Framingham
Fuller Middle School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: Symmes Maini & McKee Associates, Inc.
Designer: Jonathan Levi Architects LLC
The City of Framingham (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 Fuller Middle School with a new facility serving grades 6-8 on the existing site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) appreciation of the District’s educational program and building design; 2) safety and security of both the main entrance and community entrance; 3) efficiency and compactness of the floor plan; 4) location of the break-out spaces and how the visual and collaboration work described in the educational program is delivered; 5) project-based work and physical space requirements for ‘Maker Spaces’; 6) conducting ‘Maker Space Activities’ in larger science classrooms as a means of reducing overall building size; 7) adjacency of the S.T.E.A.M., Band, Music, and Art rooms to the auditorium; 8) the District’s special needs population; 9) transitional bi-lingual program and learning acquisition; 10) role of City officials in the planning process; 11) clarification regarding the MSBA’s potential participation in a base repair option; and, 12) further project development during the Schematic Design.
The FAS requested additional information regarding updated pricing information reflecting potential MSBA reimbursement for a base repair option.
MSBA staff is currently working with the District to reach a mutually agreeable solution to recommend to the MSBA’s Board of Directors.
Dennis-Yarmouth Regional School District
Mattacheese Middle School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: PMA Consultants, LLC
Designer: Perkins Eastman, DPC
The Dennis-Yarmouth 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 Mattacheese Middle School on the Station Avenue site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) the District’s educational program; 2) organization and concept of the proposed building layout; 3) overall massing of the proposed building, and its relation to the Station Avenue Elementary School; 4) proposed site layout and circulation; 5) incorporation of the science curriculum within the general classrooms; 6) the spaces and schedule associated with the Art and World Language programs; 7) the location of the media center; 8) the location, form, and function associated with ‘Maker Space’ areas; 9) the function of the courtyards; 10) community outreach and support; 11) the local funding process; 12) the District’s timeline associated with finalizing the organization of the grade levels; 13) the overall project schedule; and, 14) clarification regarding the MSBA’s potential participation in a base repair option.
The FAS requested additional information regarding updated pricing information reflecting potential MSBA reimbursement for a base repair option.
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 May 9, 2018 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:
City of Lowell
Lowell High School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: Skanska USA Building, Inc.
Designer: Perkins Eastman Architects, DPC
The City of Lowell (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented its overview of the District’s updated preferred solution for an addition and renovation project to the Lowell High School. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) the travel time required within the building for the mobility challenged individual; 2) the design of the bridges over the canal; 3) the separation and security of the building during community after-hours use; 4) the opportunities for daylight within internal spaces; 5) the separation between the stage/auditorium and the costume shop; 6) the proposed vehicle and pedestrian site access and site circulation, student transportation and parking opportunities; 7) sheltered drop-off/pick-up area; 8) opportunities to engage the community and connect the design of the school to the canal and history of the City; 9) landscaping strategies immediately adjacent to the buildings and working with the City to ensure student and public safety; 10) the potential for engaging students in the design process; 11) variations to the MSBA Space Summary guidelines; 12) community outreach and support for the project; and, 13) the eminent domain schedule.
The FAS requested additional information regarding: 1) The location of the current loading dock and consideration of adding a second; and 2) the plans for the current Freshman Academy building.
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 Belmont
Belmont High School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: Daedalus Projects, Inc.
Designer: Perkins+Will
The Town of Belmont (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented its overview of the District’s updated preferred solution or an addition and renovation project to the Belmont High School. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) increased school population and potential impact to traffic on Concord Avenue, and site circulation; 2) aesthetic features of the building; 3) the view of the building from the street and upon approach; 4) the location of and public access to the community path; 5) use and views of the pond; 6) acoustics in the building, most notably in the open circulation and cafeteria areas; 7) flexibility of spaces; 8) number of lockers; and, 9) an appreciation for the District and their consultant’s efforts to advance the design and reduce cost.
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 March 21, 2018 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:
Bristol County Regional School District
Bristol County Regional Agricultural High School
Current Phase: Schematic Design
Owner’s Project Manager: Colliers International, Inc.
Designer: HMFH Architects, Inc.
The Bristol County Regional School District (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented updates to the District’s preferred solution of additions/renovations and new construction of various buildings at the Bristol County Agricultural High School campus. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) the status and process for securing local funding; 2) further development of the proposed site plan; 3) building orientation and exterior material selection; 4) improved distribution of special education spaces; 5) addition of a new program (“Air Aggie”); 6) proposed vehicle parking and adjacencies; 7) future flexibility of proposed laboratory spaces; 8) capacity of laboratory spaces; 9) the Animal Science building space utilization including safety and sterilization learning opportunities; 10) proposed utilization of ‘Maker Spaces’; 11) proposed location/orientation of media spaces and possible design modifications; 12) how students with mobility issues can move through the campus; 13) potential safety measures at Center Street crossing; and, 14) scope and budget increase since pre-feasibility study discussions with the District
MSBA staff are currently working with the District as they develop their Schematic Design for submission to the MSBA.
Town of Belmont
Belmont High School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: Daedalus Projects, Inc.
Designer: Perkins+Will
The Town of Belmont (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 to the Belmont High School. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) the scope of the project, continuing progress, and District input regarding the conceptual design; 2) spaces beyond those included in the MSBA guidelines and eligibility for reimbursement; 3) community outreach and support for the project; 4) the percentage of the project that is a new building versus a renovation; 5) identities and organization for students in grades 7-8 and grades 9-12; 6) the design of the third floor garden; 7) the expense and utilization of atriums; 8) the location of the science classrooms; 9) discussion of the METCO program; 10) teacher collaboration spaces; 11) flexibility of the proposed art spaces; 12) consideration of location and number of lockers; 13) the project schedule; 14) collaboration between MSBA and the Town of Belmont; and, 15) the increased scope over the life of the project.
MSBA staff are currently working with the District to receive updated plans, sections, cost estimates and an updated space summary.
Manchester Essex Regional School District
Manchester Memorial Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: Dore & Whittier Management Partners
Designer: JCJ Architecture
The Manchester Essex 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 proceed into Schematic Design to replace the existing Manchester Memorial Elementary School with a new PK-5 facility on the existing site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) the compactness and efficiency of the preferred solution; 2) proposed construction phasing sequence; 3) alignment of the educational program and the preferred solution; 4) solar orientation of the building; 5) variations from the MSBA space summary guidelines; 6) locations and utilization of the STEM classrooms; 7) adaptive physical education; 8) delivery of the world languages curriculum; 9) proposed vehicle and pedestrian site access and site circulation; 10) separation and security of the building during community after-hours use; 11) combination of the cafeteria and gymnasium with the stage and accommodating for the district’s desire for a large gathering space; 12) sustainability and resiliency of the proposed project; and, 13) how site constraints and the reduction of riverfront encroachment impacted the project.
MSBA staff are currently working with the District to reach a mutually agreeable solution to recommend to the MSBA’s Board of Directors.
City of Springfield
Brightwood Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: Skanska USA Buildings
Designer: DiNisco Design Partnership
The City of Springfield (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 consolidate the existing Brightwood Elementary School and the Lincoln Elementary School on the Plainfield Street site, abutting the existing Chestnut Middle School. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) alignment between the educational program and the proposed layout; 2) potential for some movable partitions that would allow for “looping” in each of the clusters; 3) the need for additional work on the layout at each entryway; 4) accommodating site circulation, parking and outside play space on the tight site; 5) importance of safe walkways for students and anticipated construction schedule of the proposed tunnel; and, 6) community outreach.
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 January 24, 2018 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:
Town of Foxborough
Mabelle M. Burrell Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: Colliers International
Designer: Kaestle Boos Architects
The Town of Foxborough (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented its overview of the options studied during the Feasibility Study and the District’s preferred solution to proceed into Schematic Design for an addition and renovation project to the Mabelle M. Burrell Elementary School. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) appreciation of the educational program; 2) overall site plan development including use of mid-scale plans to enhance understanding of site features; 3) the location of the proposed loading dock area and proximity to the Pre-K entrance; 4) the proposed utilization of green space; 5) the proposed distribution of special education spaces; 6) the location of OT/PT/Adaptive PE activities and proximity to the gymnasium; 7) potential opportunities for increased flexibility and communication between the art classroom, music classroom and computer lab; 8) the delivery of Spanish curriculum and opportunities for interdisciplinary instruction; and, 9) acoustical considerations of airport-style toilet entries in close proximity to instructional spaces.
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 Northbridge
W. Edward Balmer Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: Symmes Maini & McKee Associates
Designer: Dore & Whittier Architects, Inc.
The Town of Northbridge (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented its overview of the options studied during the Feasibility Study and the District’s preferred solution to consolidate the existing W. Edward Balmer Elementary School, the Northbridge Elementary School, and fifth grade students in a new facility, on the existing site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) appreciation of the building’s design; 2) reconsideration of the maker spaces and how these spaces compare with delivery of project based learning in homerooms, particularly in the lower elementary grades; 3) the importance of professional development as it relates to the proposed changes to teaching methodology; 4) the flexibility of the design for the delivery of the District’s current and future curriculum, including traditional and looping set-up; 5) delivery of the science and core curriculum in homeroom and specialized programmatic spaces; 6) opportunities for improved efficiencies as the design is further developed; 7) appreciation of the massing and solar orientation of the proposed design; 8) alignment of the design and the educational program; 9) the school schedule and its impact on curriculum delivery; and 10) the logistical challenges relating to site circulation.
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 Springfield
Brightwood Elementary School
Current Phase: Eligibility Period
Owner’s Project Manager: Skanska USA Buildings
Designer: DiNisco Design Partnership
The City of Springfield (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an overview of the City’s Elementary School Facilities Best Educational Use Study and how it informs near and long-term plans for the City in its plans to improve elementary school facilities city-wide. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) the Educational Program for the Brightwood Elementary School and how it relates to the District’s overall educational vision; 2) the use of subject specialists to support primary teachers in the delivery of Science and Social Studies curricula in elementary schools; 3) appreciation for the graphical presentation of the City’s district-wide review of existing elementary schools and plans for improvements; 4) the challenges and importance of providing educational equity across the City; 5) how the proposed concept of adjacent schools with shared core spaces can provide flexibility and efficiencies; 6) the educational benefits of full day preschool for urban students, and the City’s plans for centrally located part-time Pre-K programs serving three-year-olds while expanding opportunities for full day Pre-K for four-year-olds within boundary schools across the City; 7) the recent influx of students and potential impact to current and future enrollment; and 8) advocating for school funding and support that could allow for the District to implement targeted capital improvements outside of the MSBA’s grant program.
MSBA staff look forward to continued conversations with the District to better understand both the District’s progress on the Brightwood Elementary School Feasibility Study, and the District’s long-term plans specific to city-wide consolidations and optimal school sizes.
