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.