The following Districts presented on the progress of their proposed projects at the December 14, 2011 MSBA Facilities Assessment Subcommittee Meeting:

Franklin Public Schools
Franklin High School
Current Phase: Model School Program 

Owner’s Project Manager: Daedalus Projects, Inc.
Designer: Ai3 Architects

The District, owner’s project manager, and design team presented a brief overview of the process that was undertaken to determine that new construction of an MSBA Model School is the District’s preferred solution.  They also provided information regarding the status of the Schematic Design.  The Facilities Assessment Subcommittee inquired about the location and utilization of certain programmatic spaces unique to the District’s educational curriculum.  The District and design team explained how these spaces help deliver the District’s curriculum.  Also, the District explained that it will confirm with the MSBA that site issues raised previously by NEASC are addressed in the proposed project.  The MSBA is currently working with the District and will determine an agreed upon solution to recommend to the Board of Directors.

Lexington Public Schools
Estabrook Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: RFWalsh Collaborative Partners
Designer: DiNisco Design Partnership

The District, owner’s project manager, and design team presented on the progress of the feasibility study.  The team briefly presented the options that were explored and then focused on potential layout schemes for new construction options.  The District’s proposed preferred solution, which is under final review locally, is for construction of a three story elementary school on the northeast portion of the current site.  Following the District’s presentation, the Facilities Assessment Subcommittee expressed concern regarding the size and utilization of the shared project areas at the entrance of the classrooms.  Ensuing discussion included how the District intends to use these spaces, how they are being used in other schools, and the District’s commitment to utilizing these areas to deliver its curriculum.  The District agreed to provide supporting material regarding utilization of the spaces identified as project areas.  The MSBA is currently working with the District and will determine an agreed upon solution to recommend to the Board of Directors.

Lincoln Public Schools
Lincoln K-8 School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study 

Owner’s Project Manager: Skanska
Designer: OMR Architects

The District, owner’s project manager, and design team presented on the progress of the feasibility study.  The team discussed the work conducted during the feasibility study and presented a variety of addition and renovation options, including the preliminary options, the final evaluation of options, and the District’s preferred solution.  The District discussed how its preferred solution supports its educational vision for the school.  Following the District’s presentation, the Facilities Assessment Subcommittee raised concerns regarding dissonance between the District’s desired educational goals and the architectural floor layout contained in the District’s submittal.  The Subcommittee also raised concerns about the proposed project costs.  The District will provide additional materials to address these concerns and MSBA staff will continue to work with the District to better understand the connection between the proposed project and the District’s educational needs.   The MSBA will continue working with the District to establish an agreed upon solution to recommend to the Board of Directors.

Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical High School
Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School District
Current Phase: Design Development

Owner’s Project Manager: PMA Construction Services
Designer: Design Partnership of Cambridge

The District, owner’s project manager, and design team provided a status update and spoke about the progress of the design and the efforts undertaken to merge the two existing schools into a single Regional School District.  Following the District’s presentation, the Facilities Assessment Subcommittee noted that the District should consider incorporating design concepts from the MSBA’s science classroom/lab guidelines to enhance flexibility with potential programmatic adjustments in the future.  The Subcommittee also commended the District’s ongoing collaborative efforts to realize expanded student opportunities and increased operational efficiencies.  The Subcommittee encouraged the district to continue to strive for interaction between the academies.

The following Districts recently presented on the progress of their proposed projects at the November 2, 2011 MSBA Facilities Assessment Subcommittee Meeting:
Greenfield Public Schools
Greenfield High School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: Construction Monitoring Services, Inc.
Designer: Dore & Whittier Architects, Inc.
The District, the owner’s project manager, and the design team presented on the progress of the Feasibility Study phase and discussed the areas that will require upgrades. The team found that the building has undersized classrooms, circulation issues, and will need to upgrade to current code and accessibility requirements. The team presented the potential solutions which include:  (1) code upgrades only, (2) “light” renovation, (3) “medium” renovation, (4) “heavy” renovation, (5) renovation/reduced program, (5a) renovation/reduced program, and (5b) renovation with partial reduced program. As a result of the Feasibility Study, the District’s preferred solution is Option 5b.
Following the District’s presentation, the Facilities Assessment Subcommittee raised concerns about the size of the building, the long term operational costs, and the costs associated with the renovation. The MSBA is currently working with the District and will determine an agreed upon solution to recommend to the Board of Directors.
Lynnfield Public Schools
Lynnfield High School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study  
Owner’s Project Manager: Heery International, Inc.
Designer: Edward Rowse Architects
The District, the owner’s project manager, and design team presented on the progress of the Feasibility Study phase. The team presented the layouts of the options studied during the Feasibility Study which all included variations of a proposed addition to address overcrowding. Following the District’s presentation, the Facilities Assessment Subcommittee expressed that they are comfortable with the addition, but raised concerns about the proposed pedestrian bridge, site costs, and the ability for the District to stay within its budget. The MSBA is currently working with the District and will determine an agreed upon solution to recommend to the Board of Directors.
Wakefield Public Schools
Galvin Middle School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study  
Owner’s Project Manager: Joslin Lesser and Associates, Inc.
Designer: Tappe Associates, Inc.
The District, the owner’s project manager, and design team presented on the progress of the Feasibility Study phase. The team discussed the work conducted during the Feasibility Study and presented the details of the preliminary options, the final options, and the preferred option. The six options initially studied include: (1) gut renovation/limited addition, (2) renovation auditorium and gym only, (3) renovation auditorium only, (4-6) new construction.  The District then narrowed the options to: (1) gut renovation/addition, (2) renovation/addition which retains the existing auditorium and gym, and (3) new construction.  The District’s preferred solution is Option 2.
Following the District’s presentation, the Facilities Assessment Subcommittee raised concerns about the District’s plan to salvage the gym and the auditorium, the need for the second gym, the overall site in regards to building configuration and traffic, and the overall costs associated with the project. The Subcommittee asked that the District and the designer revisit the design before the MSBA decides to recommend a proposed solution to the Board of Directors.

The Assabet Valley Regional School District presented on the progress of their proposed project at the October 19, 2011 MSBA Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (FAS) meeting:

Assabet Valley Regional Technical School District
Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School
Current Phase: Schematic Design

Owner’s Project Manager: Strategic Building Solutions
Designer: Design Partnership of Cambridge

The District, the Owner’s Project Manager, and Design team presented the progress of the Schematic Design phase. The team discussed the work conducted during the Feasibility Study and presented the necessary areas that will require upgrades. The team found that the building had antiquated systems and science labs, and will need to upgrade to current code and accessibility requirements. The team also discussed the proposed floor plans and cost options. Following the District’s presentation, the Facilities Assessment Subcommittee raised concerns about the level of testing and investigations conducted as part of the Schematic Design. This concern was raised as the Subcommittee would like to better understand the project cost estimates and the contingencies carried in the Schematic Design budget. The Subcommittee also asked that the District revisit the science lab classroom design. It was suggested that the District implement the MSBA’s science lab guidelines. The MSBA is currently working with the District and will determine an agreed upon solution to recommend to the Board of Directors.

The following Districts recently presented on the progress of their proposed projects at the September 14, 2011 MSBA Facilities Assessment Subcommittee Meeting.

North Reading Public School District
North Reading High School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owners Project Manager: PMA Consultants
Designer: Dore & Whittier Architects, Inc.

The District, the Owner’s Project Manager, and Design team presented the three options evaluated during the ongoing Feasibility Study and taking into consideration the conditions and constraints of the existing Middle School and High School sites. The three options include: (1) a new Middle School, (2) a new High School, and (3) existing Middle School renovation and addition for an integrated Middle/High School. The District has indicated that their preferred solution is the Middle/High renovation and addition option. The preferred solution includes the renovation of the existing Middle School and the construction of a new High School wing. Core spaces housed within the new construction will be shared by both the High School and Middle School students. The Designer noted that adding to the existing Middle School will improve traffic flow and increase overall natural day-lighting throughout the building, and that this option will minimize impact to the students during construction. Preliminary cost estimates indicate that this preferred solution is the most cost efficient.

The Facilities Assessment Subcommittee raised concerns about the location of the High School core academic wing in relation to the rest of the building and potential flooding at the athletic fields. The Subcommittee also inquired about cost savings opportunities. The MSBA is currently working with the District and will determine an agreed upon solution to recommend to the MSBA Board of Directors.

Stoneham Public School District
Stoneham Middle School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owners Project Manager: Joslin, Lesser & Associates
Designer: Tappé Associates, Inc.

The District, the Owner’s Project Manager, and Design team presented the options evaluated during the Pre-Feasibility Study and the Feasibility Study. The options were narrowed to three. The three options include: (1) addition to the High School (grades 6-8), (2) addition to the Central School (grades 5-8), and (3) new construction on the Central School Site (grades 6-8). During the Pre-Feasibility Study, the District found that the there are only two potential parcels of land that are suitable for this project; they include the existing Middle School site and the existing High School site. The District noted that the overall enrollment for the district is projected to decline and it will be able to reclaim existing elementary school capacity. This projected decline in enrollment informed the District’s preferred solution which is an addition to the Central School that will include relocating elementary students currently housed in the Central Elementary School and adding the fifth grade students to the Middle School. The Designer stated that the preferred solution will require less construction that the other options, will improve traffic in the morning and afternoon, and is the least costly option.

The Facilities Assessment Subcommittee raised concerns about the science labs and number of classrooms with running water, how the team structure is supported by the proposed program, the long-term usage of the classrooms, and adequate egress from the science labs. The MSBA is currently working with the District and will determine an agreed upon solution to recommend to the MSBA Board of Directors.

Williamsburg Public School District
Anne T. Dunphy Elementary
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owners Project Manager: Arcadis
Designer: Drummey Rosane Anderson, Inc.

The District, the Owner’s Project Manager, and Design team presented the options evaluated during the ongoing Feasibility Study. The Designer presented six options that have been evaluated throughout the study. The six options include: (1) modest renovations and code upgrades to the Dunphy Elementary School and the James Elementary School, (2) comprehensive renovations to both the Dunphy Elementary School and the James Elementary School, (3) renovation and addition to the James Elementary School, (4) comprehensive renovation and addition to the Dunphy Elementary School producing a courtyard, (5) comprehensive renovation and addition to the Dunphy Elementary School producing a split-grade scenario, and (6) new construction. The District noted that the preferred solution, consisting of an addition and renovation split-grade scenario at the Anne T. Dunphy School, which combines students from the both the Dunphy Elementary School and the James Elementary School, best supports the District’s educational program and is the most cost effective option according to the preliminary estimates.

The Facilities Assessment Subcommittee raised concerns about the number of classrooms with running water, the specific need for dedicated computer and science classrooms, the lack of resource rooms, and the potential for flooding. The MSBA is currently working with the District and will determine an agreed upon solution to recommend to the MBSA Board of Directors.

The Southwick-Tolland Regional School District recently presented on the progress of their proposed project at the August 24, 2011 MSBA Facilities Assessment Subcommittee Meeting.

Southwick-Tolland Regional School District
Southwick-Tolland Regional High School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owners Project Manager: Strategic Building Solutions
Designer: JCJ Architecture

The District, its Owner’s Project Manager, and Designers discussed conditions at the existing Woodland Elementary School, Powder Mill Middle School, and Southwick-Tolland Regional High School.  The team presented study options that were evaluated as part of the ongoing Feasibility Study, the proposed District-wide reconfiguration, and regionalization efforts between the Towns of Southwick, Tolland, and Granville.  The team presented its preferred option, which is contingent upon a successful regionalization vote with the Town of Granville.  The proposed option includes repairs to the Woodland Elementary School and the Powder Mill Middle School; and an addition and renovation to the High School for a proposed Middle/High School facility.  If the vote between the three towns is unsuccessful, the District will proceed with its priority, the High School, for an addition and renovation for a new Middle/High School only.

The Facilities Assessment Subcommittee raised concerns over the lack of day-lighting in the existing High School facility and questioned specific programmatic adjacencies.  The MSBA is currently working with the District to determine a final solution for recommendation to the MSBA Board of Directors.

The Wilmington Public School District recently presented on the progress of their proposed project at the July 13, 2011 MSBA Facilities Assessment Subcommittee Meeting.

Wilmington Public School District
Wilmington High School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owners Project Manager: Joslin, Lesser & Associates
Designer: Dore & Whittier Architects, Inc.

The District, the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team discussed the conditions of the existing Wilmington High School and presented study options that were evaluated as part of the ongoing feasibility study. The team presented several options that were initially explored during the study which ranged from various addition and renovation options to multiple versions of new construction on the existing site. New construction options on four possible alternate sites were also explored initially. Through a detailed evaluation of all of the options explored, two options were considered as viable options for further study. The two options include: (1) an addition and renovation to the existing building and (2) construction of a new building on the existing site. The District has indicated that their preferred option is to replace the existing high school with new construction given the current size, condition of the existing facility, and favorable preliminary estimated cost. The design team’s preliminary cost data estimates that a new building will be more cost effective and will reduce the duration of construction.

The Facilities Assessment Subcommittee raised concerns over the proposed square footage in certain areas of the proposed new program, specifically in the art, music, vocational, and auditorium areas. The MSBA is currently working with the District to better understand the programmatic needs of Wilmington High School to determine an agreed upon solution.

The following Districts recently presented on the progress of their proposed projects at the May 11, 2011 MSBA Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (FAS) meeting:

Weston Public School District
Field Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
 
Owners Project Manager: Compass Project Management, Inc
Designer: Jonathan Levi Architects LLC
As requested at the April 20, 2011 FAS meeting, the District presented their new preferred option “F” that incorporates the positive attributes of the previous options, as summarized by the designer. MSBA acknowledged the positive developments of this option, and asked for a description of the use of the open field / play area that is surrounded by the existing public buildings and proposed new Field ES. For future submittals MSBA will require compliance with the gross area limitations and estimated construction costs as submitted for this option. Project Scope and Budget consideration is anticipated for the September 2011 Board of Directors Meeting.
Franklin Public School District
Franklin High School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
 
Owners Project Manager: Daedalus Projects Inc.
Designer: Kaestle Boos Associates, Inc.
The District, the Owners Project Manager, and design team discussed conditions of the existing high school and presented three options currently being evaluated as part of the Franklin High School feasibility study. The options presented ranged from a modest addition / renovation, a comprehensive addition / renovation, and a new construction option. Based on preliminary cost estimates for new construction and for an addition/ renovation option that satisfies the District’s goals and meets the educational needs, the District is considering a fourth option which is a new construction option that utilizes the MSBA’s Model School Program. The Facilities Assessment Subcommittee requested that the District meet with MSBA staff to review the cost estimates and existing conditions report in detail and expressed concern over the existing conditions of the site and the discovery of potential unsuitable subsurface materials. In addition, concern was expressed over what size and scope of project the District is prepared to support. MSBA staff intends to work closely with the District to address concerns and to assist in identifying the best possible solution for the Franklin High School project.
 
Fairhaven Public School District
Rogers Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
 
Owners Project Manager: Daedalus Projects Inc.
Designer: HMFH Architects, Inc.
The District, the Owners Project Manager, and design team presented several options that were evaluated as part of the Rogers Elementary School feasibility study. A total of nine potential options ranging from a no build option, various one and two-school addition / renovation options, and a new model school construction option were explored during the feasibility study. All nine options studied were presented and discussed in detail and comparative construction costs were illustrated as well as a detailed analysis of potential site constraints were displayed. Prior to the May 11, 2011 MSBA Facilities Assessment Subcommittee meeting, the District obtained a positive ballot vote on May 7, 2011 to appropriate the necessary funds to complete schematic designs for the District’s preferred option to build a new model school on the site of the existing Leroy L. Wood School for 370 students. The Facilities Assessment Subcommittee raised several questions regarding the District’s preferred option and requested further clarification and documentation related to the cost breakdown presented. The District intends to address concerns and complete all of the necessary documentation requested by MSBA staff in order to be considered for the May 2011 MSBA Board of Directors meeting agenda for recommendation of the preferred alternative and to proceed into schematic design.    
 
Concord-Carlisle Regional School District
Concord-Carlisle Regional High School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
 
Owners Project Manager: KV Associates, Inc.
Designer: OMR Architects, Inc.
The District, the Owners Project Manager, and the design team discussed the conditions of the existing high school building, schedule and potential cost estimates associated with the ten preliminary options explored in the feasibility study. The design team focused their presentation on two recommended alternatives. One of the options proposed a major addition and major renovation to the existing building and the second option proposed construction of a new building. In a meeting prior to the Facilities Assessment Subcommittee meeting, MSBA staff provided initial feedback regarding the space summary and the proposed health and physical education areas of the building. The Facilities Assessment Subcommittee raised concerns surrounding the excess square footage in the gym and discussed the MSBA’s participation in those areas. The MSBA and Concord-Carlisle will continue to work together to better understand the proposed space summary and why additional space beyond that included in the MSBA space summary guidelines may be needed to support the specific programmatic needs of the District.

The following District presented on the progress of its proposed project at the April 20, 2011 MSBA Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (FAS) meeting:

Weston Public School District
Field Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
 
Owners Project Manager: Compass Project Management, Inc
Designer: Jonathan Levi Architects LLC
Project goals and priorities were presented and compared to five viable options including one addition / renovation option and four existing building replacement options. MSBA requested further clarification regarding the estimated construction costs for the renovation versus the replacement construction as well as the cost of building on the sloped area.   Additional issues raised for further consideration and an additional presentation included the difficulty of maintaining the proposed multiple courtyards; clarification of the impact of the additional net square foot area requested for a larger gymnasium on the gross square foot area for the building; resolution of one-story versus two-story building; and further discussion of the proposed floor layout as relates to the delivery of the educational program.  The design team and district will attend the May 11, 2011 FAS meeting to present a sixth option that incorporates the positive attributes of the previous options, determine whether they prefer a one or two story building, and address cost issues.   Preferred Schematic consideration is anticipated for the May 2011 Board of Directors Meeting.
The following Districts recently presented on the progress of their proposed projects at the February 23, 2011 MSBA Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (FAS) meeting:

Norton Public School District
Norton High School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owners Project Manager: Pinck & Co.
Designer: JCJ Architecture
Layout and conditions of the existing high school were presented and evaluated against four viable options: (1) renovation and code compliance only, (2.1) renovation / 1-story addition, (2.2) renovation/ 2-story addition and, (3) option to build new. Based on the options studied, the District presented their preferred option as a two-story addition with renovations to the existing facility as described in Option 2.2. Based on the evaluation performed by the District and its design team, Option 2.2 possesses the most advantageous and cost-effective solution that addresses the issues identified within the existing facility. The District also presented information that illustrates why renovation and code compliance only does not address the issues and why building new would be beyond the Town’s budgeted capacity. MSBA staff continues to review the submitted feasibility study and in an effort to make a recommendation to the MSBA Board of Directors to move the project into the schematic design phase. The District and the MSBA have agreed to continue to collaborate on the District’s submitted educational program to adjust the ultimate location of the special education classrooms, teacher planning rooms and other educational adjacencies. The District anticipates being on the March 30, 2011 Board meeting agenda.

North Adams Public School District
Silvio O. Conte Middle School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owners Project Manager: Strategic Building Solutions
Designer: Margo Jones Architects
The District described the existing conditions of two elementary schools and one middle school and presented a two-building, K-7 scenario as its recommended preferred alternative. In the District’s two-building scenario, the Silvio O. Conte Middle School (currently closed) would be renovated to house grades K-7 and, in addition, a new K-7 school would be built on the current site of the Greylock School.  Based on the District’s preliminary cost estimates, this scenario would be the most costly option.  MSBA staff intends to work closely with the District to determine if a multi-building scenario is the most appropriate option and anticipates receiving and reviewing the District’s feasibility study in an effort to make a recommendation to the MSBA Board of Directors. MSBA staff will need to review the cost estimate to better understand the presented renovation costs of $230/sf for the Conte Middle School.  Upon satisfactory completion of this review, staff would be prepared to recommend a preferred schematic authorization for a renovation of the Conte Middle School.  However, the MSBA is not yet prepared to put forward a recommendation on the District’s proposal for a new K-7 school at the Greylock site.  Additional review and collaboration will be required to understand the most cost-effective option, renovation or new, for this District-wide solution that may result in a second project at the Greylock.  The District anticipates being on the March 30, 2011 Board meeting agenda.

The following Districts recently presented progress of their projects at the MSBA Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (FAS) meeting:

MEETING DATE: December 15, 2010

DISTRICT PRESENTATIONS
Assabet Valley Regional School District
Assabet Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study / Schematic Design
 
Owners Project Manager: Strategic Building Solutions, LLC
Designer: Design Partnership of Cambridge
Project goals and priorities were presented and compared to three viable options. Overall, the project budget is higher than initially anticipated as a result of the size of the facility as well as the necessity to replace all building systems and comply with accessibility and building codes. MSBA staff will work with the District and their team towards finalizing a schedule for the Project Scope and Budget. Project Scope and Budget consideration is anticipated for the February or March 2011 Board of Directors Meeting.
 
Brookline Public School District
Heath School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
 
Owners Project Manager: Ray Masak – Town Employee
Designer: Miller Dyer Spears
Project goals and priorities were presented and compared to multiple viable options. The District’s Preferred Alternative is an addition with classrooms, a multi-purpose room, cafeteria addition/renovation, accessibility upgrades, MEP/FP upgrades, and library addition. The Preferred Schematic option to move into schematic design will be presented at the January 12, 2011 Board of Directors Meeting. Project Scope and Budget consideration is anticipated for the March 2011 Board of Directors Meeting.
Arlington Public School District
Thompson Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
 
Owners Project Manager: PMA Consultants
Designer: HMFH Architects, Inc.
Project goals and priorities were presented and compared to three viable options. Discussion surrounding the District’s Preferred Alternative of New Construction on the existing site versus Renovation or Addition/Renovation as the most cost effective solution was discussed. The District has voted to redistrict students into the Thompson Elementary School and has decided not to include the Early Childhood Center from the District’s Preferred Alternative. The Preferred Schematic option to move into schematic design will be presented at the February 9, 2011 Board of Directors Meeting. Project Scope and Budget consideration is anticipated for the July 2011 Board of Directors Meeting.