The following Districts presented on the progress of their proposed projects at the October 23, 2013 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (“FAS”) Meeting.
City of Chelsea
Clark Avenue Middle School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: Pinck & Co
Designer: HMFH Architects, Inc.
The District, the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an overview of the educational program, the site, options studied during the Feasibility Study, and the District’s preferred solution of a new Clark Ave Middle School. The FAS raised concerns about the following items: 1) the distance of handicapped parking and drop-off zones from the building entrances; 2) egress in science classrooms; and 3) adequate acoustical separation between the auditorium and gym floors. Additionally, the following items were discussed between the FAS, MSBA staff, and the District during the meeting: 1) potential for sinks in every classroom; 2) the opportunity for green space on the roof; 3) previous grade configurations in the City; and 4) the benefits of a contextual massing study.
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 Haverhill
Caleb Dustin Hunking Middle School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: Joslin Lesser + Associates
Designer: JCJ Architecture
The District, the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an overview of the educational program, the site, options studied during the Feasibility Study, and the District’s preferred solution of a new Caleb Dustin Hunking Middle School. The FAS raised concerns about the following items: 1) the proposed solution and how the proposed grade configuration aligns with other schools in the District; 2) the District's educational program and the difficulty determining if the proposed solution aligns with the educational program; and 3) teacher planning space.
The FAS requested that the District further develop its educational program and resubmit it to the MSBA. MSBA staff looks forward to receiving the supplemental information regarding the project.
Town of Swampscott
Hadley Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: Collaborative Partners
Designer: Mount Vernon Group
The District, the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an overview of the educational program, the site, options studied during the Feasibility Study, and the District’s preferred solution of a new Hadley Elementary School. The FAS raised concerns about the following items: 1) the isolation of STEM and computer lab spaces; 2) absence of collaboration spaces; 3) whether the environment in the proposed plan is suitable for elementary students; 4) density and circulation on the site; and 5) abutters.
The FAS requested that the District provide supplemental information regarding the proposed project to the MSBA.
