The following districts presented on the progress of their proposed projects at the January 29, 2025 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:
Berkshire Hills Regional School District
Monument Mountain Regional High School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: Skanska USA Building, Inc.
Designer: DiNisco Design, Inc.
The Berkshire Hills Regional School District (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an overview of the options studied during the Feasibility Study and the District’s preferred solution to proceed into Schematic Design to replace the existing Monument Mountain Regional High School with a new facility serving students in grades 9-12 on the site of the existing school. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed the following: appreciation of the District’s Educational Program and how it has informed the design; importance of continued input from educators, administrators and other staff as the design develops; opportunity to create more unique inquiry-based learning opportunities for second semester seniors; suggestion to incorporate biosafety cabinets in Science classrooms, if applicable; current and proposed Chapter 74 programs; distribution of Special Education spaces and DESE review process; construction delivery method and schedule; opportunities to engage students in CVTE programs in design and construction process; opportunities to further develop and improve site circulation; consideration of the logistics of maintaining the existing high school facility during construction; site topography and associated constraints; the view of the building from the street and upon approach; building massing and orientation; parking locations; consideration of aesthetic features of the building; interior circulation and indoor/outdoor connections, and, the importance of community outreach and support for the proposed project.
Town of Littleton
Shaker Lane Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: Turner and Townsend Heery, LLC
Designer: Studio G Architects, Inc.
The Town of Littleton (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an overview of the options studied during the Feasibility Study and the District’s preferred solution to proceed into Schematic Design to replace the existing Shaker Lane Elementary School with a new facility on the existing site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed the following: project schedule and construction delivery method considerations; further development of circulation flow; the importance of sustainability and status of conversations the District and project team are engaged in to review potential options; appreciation for the District’s Educational Program; distribution of special education spaces and DESE review process; intended use of the proposed den areas, imagitorium and creation station; interior space considerations for improving efficiencies; staffing for Kindergarten classes, the media center and creation station; appreciation of the thoughtful design, massing and building geometry with potential to consider simplification of the exterior forms; consideration of a potential canopy for sheltered access to the building; student drop-off procedures, site circulation and location of the proposed emergency access lane in relation to the proposed parking areas; and, clarification of the proposed control points and associated interior circulation including life safety and security considerations.
