The following districts presented on the progress of their proposed projects at the June 3, 2020 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the "MSBA") Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:
City of Lawrence
Oliver Partnership School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner's Project Manager: Pinck & Co., Inc. dba Anser Advisory, In
Designer: Symmes Maini & McKee Associates, Inc.
The City of Lawrence (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 for an addition and renovation project at the Oliver Partnership School. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) opportunities and challenges associated with the Educational Program; 2) consideration of efforts to reduce class sizes; 3) appreciation for the K-8 model; 4) the importance of a World Language program and continued development of STEM/STEAM lab programs; 5) the vertical circulation between the lower and higher grades’ academic classrooms; 6) opportunity for further consideration of circulation and hallway design; 7) further consideration of the distribution of Special Education spaces; 8) site constraints; 9) consideration of historic and contemporary aesthetic features of the building; 10) opportunity for further consideration of the entryway design; 11) the District’s concurrent MSBA project; 12) potential opportunities for the District to seek additional funding sources; and, 13) community outreach and support for the proposed project.
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 Somerset
Somerset Middle School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner's Project Manager: CGA Project Management
Designer: Ai3 Architects LLC
The Town of Somerset (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 Somerset Middle School on the existing site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) appreciation of the clear presentation of the Educational Program reflected in the design; 2) appreciation of the proposed layout of academic neighborhoods and distribution of Special Education spaces; 3) the importance of World Language programs; 4) consideration of backstage access to auditorium; 5) consideration of acoustics related to the placement of lavatories; 6) site circulation; 7) appreciation of outdoor learning spaces including proposed use and maintenance of the greenhouse; 8) consideration for involving maintenance staff in outdoor gardening efforts; and, 9) the separation and security of the building during community after-hours use.
The FAS is interested in: 1) the District’s further development of the proposed site circulation by reducing vehicular hardscape as part of the Schematic Design submission; and 2) continued conversation and involvement as the Project Schedule progresses.
MSBA staff are currently working with the District to reach a mutually agreeable solution to recommend to the MSBA's Board of Directors