The following Districts presented on the progress of their proposed projects at the July 9, 2014 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (“FAS”) Meeting:
Town of Brookline
Edward Devotion School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: Employee, Town of Brookline
Designer: HMFH Architects, Inc.
The District, the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented a brief overview of existing conditions, the options studied during the Preliminary Evaluation of Alternatives, and how the proposed multipurpose space enhances delivery of the District's educational program. At the meeting, the FAS inquired about the following items: 1) the level of detail contained in the District’s Educational Program, 2) enrollment, 3) impact the proposed multipurpose space has on the building footprint, and 4) control of the site. MSBA staff also inquired about the intended use and utilization of the proposed multipurpose space.
The FAS and MSBA staff requested that the District provide additional information on the scheduling and use of the proposed space during scheduled school hours.
City of Boston
Josiah Quincy Upper School/Boston Arts Academy
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: Skanska USA Building
Designer: HMFH Architects, Inc.
The City presented its updated project to the FAS. At the meeting, members of the FAS inquired about the following: 1) the cost associated with building on the proposed site; 2) the value of the proposed site; 3) local support for the project; 4) the long term lease proposed for the site; 5) the grossing factor of the proposed school; 6) how the cost of the proposed co-located solution compares to the cost of building two schools separately; and, 7) the impact the proposed project will have on the quality of life in the neighborhood.
The FAS requested that the City: 1) identify project costs related to use of the proposed site (Parcel 25); 2) report the value of Parcel 25; 3) confirm local support for the updated project; 4) consider how harmful chemicals associated with the Arts curriculum are to be handled and stored in their design; and, 5) compare the cost of the proposed project to the cost of building these two schools separately. MSBA staff is currently working with the City to reach a mutually agreeable solution to recommend to the MSBA’s Board of Directors.
City of Worcester
Nelson Place School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: Tishman Construction
Designer: Lamoureux Pagano & Associates, Inc.
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 of a new Nelson Place Elementary School on the existing site. At the meeting, the FAS and MSBA staff inquired about the following items: 1) defined Special Education program and spaces; 2) location and control of the Pre-K program; 3) use and maintenance of the proposed greenhouse and possible alternatives; 4) potential for transition into 1-to-1 technology versus dedicated computer labs; 5) potential for integrating the science curriculum in each classroom versus dedicated science classrooms; 6) level of detail contained in the Preferred Schematic floor plans provided in the District’s Preferred Schematic Report; and, 7) access and control of the proposed site.
The FAS requested that the District further refine its Preferred Schematic floor plans in a supplement to the Preferred Schematic Report and submit a timeline which outlines the City’s schedule for gaining full access, control and use of the proposed site. MSBA staff is currently working with the District to reach a mutually agreeable solution to recommend to the MSBA’s Board of Directors.