School Building Committee Updated on Possible CCHS 'Accelerated' Plan

Last week members of the Concord School Building Committee listened to Project Manager from KVA Building Industry Consultants, David Saindon, update the board about the new CCHS undertaking. Saindon gave some details about a new “accelerated” plan KVA is examining but mentioned, “at this point, we are just planting the seed.”

“Prior to Winter [2013] we would like to get as much concrete and foundation into the ground as possible,” explained Saindon. “Then create the steel structure throughout the Winter.”

Saindon added that they are hoping to have building complete in the fall of 2015 and site development completed by 2016. However, Saindon mentioned an accelerated plan could push things forward a year.

Dealing with cost estimates, Saindon related, “construction values and unit prices are going up, this isn't the same climate, as say, back in 2008 when things were cheaper.”

Saindon said an accelerated plan could heighten costs as there are many unknowns at the moment, calling it a “calculated risk.” Saindon said he doesn't know at this juncture when official cost estimates for either time table will be available.

School Building Committee members were excited about accelerating the project, but with so little information, were weary of unforeseeable setbacks such as flooding and other weather.

Concerning the construction contract with the Boston-based Turner Construction Company, Saindon said he was having meetings “off and on” and refining the contracts, but stated, “we are pretty much done, we just have a few follow-up items.” Saindon said it would take another two weeks before anything was finalize and could be brought before the School Building Committee.

Dealing with the permitting process, Saindon explained this side of things was “on-going” and he will meet April 2 with the Zoning Board of Appeals when he will get more information.

Pecora-Ryan's Update

Lisa Pecora-Ryan, the liaison from OMR Architects, also updated the School Building Committee on OMR's efforts. Pecora-Ryan has been working on a draft plan for the new CCHS' design. Pecora-Ryan said she will have a more in-depth understanding of the design April 11 when she will relate it to the School Building Committee.

Percora-Ryan then gave a rundown of all she has been doing recently within OMR:

• Consultant coordination meetings to obtain design costs
• Review storm water designs and intermin plans during construction
• Issued cost estimate packages
• Examined submission packages and applications to send out April 2

As of last Wednesday's meeting, Pecora-Ryan is looking at design development options as the committee moves into the process of gathering a final cost estimate. April 16 was given as the date estimates will go into review by the MSBA. By mid-May, Pecora-Ryan expects to follow this with a complete design development package for the School Building Committee.

“Thus far, we are on track with our schedule,” wrapped up Saindon.

Stan Durlacher of the School Building Committee responded with, “thank you both, you have done a commendable effort so far.”

Energy Savings Analysis

The final part of Wednesday's meeting was taking a look at the new CCHS' Energy Savings Analysis. It was proudly reported that the new CCHS is set to be 42.4 percent above Massachusetts Building Code standards for energy savings.

The estimated cost for this level of energy savings will be 1.1 million paid back over 5.1 years in order to reach net zero (the return on all costs for these energy saving iniatives).

The School Building Committee even examined future costs for their energy savings plan. It was estimated that the new CCHS will be 100 percent self-sufficient in terms of energy cost and consumption in just over two decades. It will cost approximately 15.5 million over the next 23.1 years to reach net zero for 100 percent self-sufficiency for the new CCHS if all estimates prove correct.

The School Building Committee wrapped up the meeting by examining some of the particulars that will be used in their energy savings plan. Here is a list of the technical specs of the new energy saving high school:

• Displacement Ventilation Diffusers
• Hot Water Coil Heating/Chilled Water Cooling
• High-Efficiency Water Cooled Chillers
• High-Efficiency Gas-Fired Condensing Boilers
• High-Efficiency Lighting Fixtures with Daylighting Controls
• Improved Roof, Wall and Window Insulation including double-pane Argon filled windows with heat mirror film