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.
