The following Districts presented on the progress of their proposed projects at the July 25, 2018 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the "MSBA") Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the "FAS") Meeting:
Town of Danvers
Ivan G. Smith Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner's Project Manager: PMA Consultants, LLC
Designer: Tappé Architects, Inc.
The Town of Danvers (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 replace the existing Ivan G. Smith Elementary School with a new K-5 facility on the existing site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) the location of the elevator; 2) use of the ensemble space; 3) site planning as it relates to solar orientation; 4) constraints of the site; 5) the location of existing and new play spaces; 6) the location and use of wetlands interpretive trail; 7) access to the building for individuals with limited mobility; 8) media center staffing and storage considerations for the music room; 9) logistics of the adaptive PE program; 10) audio assistance throughout the building for hearing-impaired individuals; 11) use and location of the STEAM space; 12) safety considerations for the art room; 13) the relationship of the learning stair to the media center and lobby; 14) circulation of students between the "academic zone" and "community zone"; 15) the location of cafeteria; 16) logistics and timing of future redistricting; 17) opportunities for expansion of the building; and, 18) an appreciation for the building’s layout.
The FAS requested additional information regarding: 1) a building section through the lobby and learning stair to better demonstrate variations in the proposed floor height; 2) a narrative that further describes how site constraints have influenced the proposed building orientation as well as design opportunities relative to solar orientation; 3) the local process, timeline, key milestones, and approvals associated with anticipated redistricting as a result of the preferred solution; and, 4) opportunities for building expansion associated with the District’s preferred solution.
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 Marblehead
Elbridge Gerry Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner's Project Manager: Leftfield, LLC
Designer: Raymond Design Associates, Inc.
The Town of Marblehead (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 replace the existing Gerry, Coffin, and Bell Schools with a new PK-3 elementary school facility on the existing Bell Elementary School site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) the educational program and its relation to the proposed building layout; 2) progression of the conceptual design and potential for an "L-shaped" floor plan versus the bar layout included in the District’s Preferred Schematic Report; 3) the benefits of the District adjusting its schedule to allow additional time for concluding on a preferred option; 4) potential roofing options; 5) the proposed addition of parking and the opportunities instead for landscaping in the potential "L-shaped" option, and the potential for additional green space both as a buffer for the building and as a play area close to the PK/K side of both building options; 6) the general orientation of the classrooms and play areas; 7) the benefit of an increase to dedicated Mechanical/ Custodial/ Receiving space; 8) the scheduling and outfitting of the gymnasium to accommodate adaptive PE; 9) an appreciation of the integration of the SPED classroom spaces throughout the floor plans, as well as the Extended Learning Areas and their uses; 10) continued look at the overall cost of the building, including a detailed look at site cost versus building cost; 11) accessibility to the building for individuals with limited mobility; and, 12) the MSBA's continued look at the capacity of Marblehead’s elementary schools impacted by the proposed project.
The FAS requested additional information regarding: 1) an updated Educational Program along with the District’s second complete Preferred Schematic Report submittal; and, 2) confirmation of an updated project schedule.
MSBA staff look forward to working with the District to reach a mutually agreeable solution
Town of Tewksbury
Louise Davy Trahan Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner's Project Manager: CBRE| Heery
Designer: Flansburgh Architects
The Town of Tewksbury (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 replace the existing Louise Davy Trahan Elementary School with a new facility on the John F. Ryan Elementary School site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) the educational program and its relation to the proposed building layout; 2) the location of special education spaces; 3) use and scheduling of the proposed STEAM rooms; 4) professional development and collaboration opportunities for staff; 5) the planning and preparation required for implementation of project-based and interdisciplinary learning; 6) opportunities for flexible use of academic clusters and integration of audio system and sinks in general classrooms; 7) an appreciation for the campus concept and thoughtful use of outdoor learning space; 8) use and maintenance of the courtyard; 9) solar orientation of the proposed building; 10) site circulation and location of pick-up/drop-off areas; 11) access to the building for individuals with limited mobility; 12) adaptive PE offerings; and, 13) accessibility of the front entrance and size of the main lobby.
The FAS requested additional information regarding: 1) an updated Educational Program that provides clarity on how the educational program translates to the proposed building layout and expands on both professional development and project-based learning; and, 2) updated floor plans demonstrating the reorganization of the proposed special education spaces.
MSBA staff is currently working with the District to reach a mutually agreeable solution to recommend to the MSBA's Board of Directors.