September 14, 2011 Facilities Assessment Subcommittee Meeting
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.
