Please see below for the most current information on the Wellesley High School Building Project.
~ The Wellesley School Building Committee
News Update
On Friday, June 20th, the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) contacted the Wellesley School Building Committee (SBC). Based on a review of the Wellesley High School Project, the MSBA requested that an additional option be evaluated for consideration (see below for option details).
The Option
The MSBA option is a variation of several earlier renovation and addition options studied by the School Building Committee. We understand the elements of this option include:
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A separate four story, 112,000 square foot classroom/science lab addition connected by a bridge to the 1938 gymnasium; |
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Renovation of the 1938 building including conversion of the 1938 gymnasium into a library; |
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Additions and renovations to the cafeteria and the Larssen gymnasium; |
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Renovation of the auditorium to include a wrap-around balcony increasing capacity to 750; and |
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Demolition of the 1956 wing and library/media center. |
Based on a preliminary MSBA analysis, the resulting square footage would be 292,000, and its overall hard construction cost is estimated to be less than the HUB option proposed by the School Building Committee.
The MSBA requested project is estimated to consist of two construction phases over a three year period and a six month demolition phase.
Next Steps
The SBC, with support from the School Committee, the Permanent Building Committee (PBC) and architects SMMA, will analyze this option. In particular, it will be evaluating the implications for the educational program, building systems, site, phasing, duration and costs, including escalation.
Members of the SBC and PBC will be meeting with the MSBA later this week to review the option.
The SBC is committed to a constructive process with the MSBA and will continue to keep the community informed of the progress for the Wellesley High School Project. |
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Reference Articles
Recently added:
A Building Project Decision, by Katherine L. Babson, Jr., Chair of SBC. A summary of the recent decision by the SBC to pursue a High School Building Project based on the "Hub:" option, an all-new construction project.
Moving Forward: MSBA meets with SBC, by Katherine L. Babson, Jr. Chair of the SBC . A summary of the initial meeting (2/28/08) with the MSBA on the Wellesley High School Building Project.
The WHS Project: A Principal's Perspective, by Andrew Keough, Wellesley High School Principal and SBC Member. Insights into how a high school building is integral to the learning experience, effective curriculum delivery and a student's sense of well-being.
WHS: a 50-year Solution, Physically and Functionally, by Tom Goemaat, Member of SBC. While the physical building must be built to last 50 years, it must also be functional for as long. This article provides a summary of why past proposals have failed to meet both objectives and why there really is no "low cost" option.
Reality Check on the WHS Building, by Steve Gagosian, Member of the SBC and Permanent Building Committee. A cursory look at the condition of the WHS physical plant and state of the systems and structures.
Building for the future, by Tom Goemaat, Member of the SBC. A preliminary cost evaluation of the High School options, including the critical factors and variables which impact costs.
Learning from Others, by Cynthia Westerman, Member of the SBC. A summary of the site visits to local high schools which have recently undergone renovation and/or new construction.
For Performance or Sport: The Space Matters, by Suzanne Littlefield, School Committee and SBC Member. A summary of the School Committee decisions regarding design of the Auditorium and Gymnasium spaces to enable the WPS Educational Program.
Enabling Core Values, by the SBC. The key principles (in order of priority) to serve as the foundation for decision-making in the High School Project.
The WHS Project and You, by Katherine L. Babson, Jr., Chair of the SBC. The impact of the High School Project on each and every resident and the commitment to two-way communication.
How Public Education has evolved in Wellesley, by Bella Wong, Superintendent of the Wellesley Public Schools. How the many changes in teaching methods, state and federal mandates to education, and the importance of the extracurricular programs impact the current Educational Program.
WHS Project: The Pieces of the Puzzle, by Bella Wong, Superintendent of the Wellesley Public Schools. A summary of the physical space needed to enable the WPS Educational Program. The resulting "Architectural Educational Program" details what is included and where it is located and as such, becomes the basis for the building design.
WHS Project: The Importance of Site, by Marlene Allen, Member of the School Committee and Chair of the Interboard Land Use Working Group. A summary of the study conducted by the Land Use Working Group to assess the constraints and opportunities afforded by the land parcels adjacent to the current High School site.
SBC Members
Katherine L. Babson, Jr. Selectmen Representative SBC Chairman
Steve Baker Citizen-Architect
Tom Goemaat Citizen-Contractor
Steve Gagosian PBC Representative
David Mooney Advisory Committee Member
Andrew Keough High School Principal
Hans Larsen Executive Director
Suzy Littlefield School Committee Representative
Kathy Mullaney PBC Projects Administrator
Cynthia Westerman Citizen-Project Manager
Bella Wong Superintendent of Schools |
