The following Districts presented on the progress of their proposed projects at the November 20, 2019 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the "MSBA") Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the "FAS") Meeting:
City of Boston
Josiah Quincy Upper School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner's Project Manager: Skanska USA Buildings, Inc.
Designer: HMFH Architects, Inc.
The City of Boston (the "District"), the Owner's Project Manager, and design team presented to the FAS an overview of the District’s understanding of the challenges to meet a grossing factor of 1.50. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) appreciation for the District’s presentation of anticipated challenges in meeting the 1.50 grossing factor requirement; 2) site constraints; 3) code requirements for high-rise buildings; 4) site selection process; 5) anticipated soil conditions, use of piles and associated cost of foundations; 6) current and proposed geographic locations of students attending JQUS; 7) location of the proposed auditorium; 8) approach to interior circulation including width of hallways, number of lobbies and potential for increased efficiency; 9) project goals and architectural concepts; 10) potential for inclusion of rooftop learning space; and, 10) ineligible and potentially ineligible spaces as it relates to the grossing factor.
The FAS requested floor plan diagrams showing an itemization of proposed code required gross areas compared to other non-code required gross areas.
MSBA staff is currently working with the District to reach a mutually agreeable solution.
Town of Orange
Dexter Park Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner's Project Manager: Hill International Inc.
Designer: Raymond Design Associates, Inc.
The Town of Orange (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 Dexter Park School with an addition and renovation project at the existing Fisher Hill Elementary School that will serve students in grades PK-6 district-wide. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) appreciation of the Educational Program and outdoor learning spaces; 2) the distribution of Special Education spaces; 3) staffing, use, and maintenance of the proposed Maker Space; 4) the view of the building from the street and upon approach; 5) FM sound assistance in each classroom; 6) community outreach and support for the proposed project; 7) potential opportunities for integrating World Languages and culture into the curriculum; 8) the user experience upon entering the building, internal circulation, and opportunities to further develop floor plans relative to the three entrances; 9) the use of the Family Resource Center; and, 10) project costs relative to community readiness.
The FAS requested additional information regarding: 1) the District’s not-to-exceed budget amount; and, 2) the site development restrictions, the proposed site circulation, and site safety and site access during construction.
MSBA staff is currently working with the District to reach a mutually agreeable solution to recommend to the MSBA’s Board of Directors.