Middle School Project; Building Committee Continues to Move Forward

 Progress on the Middle School Project continues, following the response of the School Building Committee to the comments made by the Massachusetts School Building Authority on the space summary and the ongoing work on the proposed design for the school by Ai3.

 At last night’s Building Committee meeting, schematics and artists' renderings of the proposed Model School were presented to the committee for consideration and initial thoughts, with many of those present agreeing that Ai3 had come up with an aesthetically pleasing representation of an educational facility.

 The design utilizes an abundance of natural light with a glass-fronted library and a three-story lobby area that is, according to Jim Jordan  of Ai3,  “ setting up to be an amazing entry space.”

 While the designers are aware that their ideas and specifications have still to be approved by all parties, the project is gathering momentum, as the final schematic design has to be presented no later than August 19^th to the MSBA.

  However, it is unlikely that there will be any response from that authority regarding the space summary before their proposed board meeting in September.

 In the meantime, Ai3 will continue to tweak their design and address any concerns that the Building Committee has before any finishing touches are made.

 Certain elements of the new school are already in place, with a 680-seat stadium-style auditorium, the glass-fronted library, a fully equipped fitness center and a gymnasium being part of these initial designs. The building will also have a media application lab, distance learning facilities, and a large dining area for students and classrooms dedicated to special education, ceramics and culinary arts.

 It is proposed that administration offices will be housed in the “drum,” a structure that will be situated next to the lobby area, giving easy access for students and parents alike and ensuring that there is an efficient use of circulation space. 

 Both Ai3 and the Building Committee stressed that the final design is not yet set in stone and considerations such as increased student population, bus and parent drop-off areas, car parking and snow removal will be addressed by the designers. In addition, the use of the school during elections and the possibility of salvaging any of the current building will also be be addressed.

 “I feel comfortable with what we have in terms of programmatic elements,” commented Ray Estes, Building Committee Chair, but he stressed that clear visuals would be needed sooner rather than later so that outreach to residents can begin.

The School Building Committee will next meet on July 20th.