The following districts presented on the progress of their proposed projects at the November 15, 2023 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:
Town of Agawam
Agawam High School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: Leftfield, LLC
Designer: Flansburgh Associates, Inc.
The Town of Agawam (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 with an addition and renovation of the existing Agawam High School facility serving grades 9-12, which includes a stand-alone Pre-Kindergarten facility. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: appreciation of the District’s educational program and opportunities to use elements as tools for community outreach; circulation of students and teachers throughout the site and building; distribution of Special Education spaces and DESE submittal process; opportunities for English Learners to participate in World Language programs; consideration of updating descriptions of academic levels and programs to reflect career readiness; proposed use of exterior assembly space, commons and large group instructional space; connections from the courtyard to the academic and group gathering areas; site development and distribution of parking and green space; sheltered access to the building for individuals with limited mobility; further study related to the needs for geothermal and air source heat pumps and associated building envelope considerations; existing horticulture program and intentions for garden and greenhouse in the proposed project; location and number of restrooms in academic and public areas of the proposed building; and, media center staffing as well as the relationship and access to the adjacent public library.
MSBA staff is currently working with the District to reach a mutually agreeable solution to recommend to the MSBA’s Board of Directors.
City of North Adams
Greylock Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: Colliers Project Leaders USA NE, LLC
Designer: TSKP Studio, LLC
The City of North Adams (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 Greylock Elementary School and Brayton Elementary School with a new consolidated facility for 240 students in Kindergarten through Grade 2, plus Pre-kindergarten, at the existing Greylock Elementary School site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: appreciation of the District’s thorough educational program; the proposed building’s logical and welcoming design; appreciation of the separation of public spaces from the academic wing; distribution of Special Education spaces and DESE submittal process; location and use of the proposed breakout spaces; utilization of the courtyard and its connection to the educational program; consideration of looping for first and second grades; further development of the cafeteria and creating intentional visual connections to the courtyard and second floor; building massing; the proposed roof lines and geometry of the building exterior and educational spaces; and, use and potential development of the community porch.
MSBA staff are currently working with the District to reach a mutually agreeable solution to recommend to the MSBA’s Board of Directors.