New South Shore Tech High School Plans Presented: Balancing Modern Design with Budget Constraints
900-student capacity building includes multi-use spaces and enhanced security; officials weigh construction costs against state reimbursement limitations
HANOVER, MA - June 26 - South Shore Regional Vocational Technical High School is set to undergo a major transformation with plans for a new 900-student capacity building unveiled at a recent joint School Committee / School Building Committee meeting. The proposed three-story structure aims to address enrollment growth and provide state-of-the-art educational facilities for the district.
The design, presented by architect Carl Franceschi from DRA, features a multi-purpose auditorium, enhanced safety measures, and a layout reminiscent of a New England farmhouse. The building's front facade will include a gable roof and a porch, intended to give the large structure a more human scale.
"We've used that same strategy here. We think it will help the building fit in," Franceschi explained. "We're trying to keep it fairly simple and straightforward, particularly as we go around to the back side."
The new school will include modern amenities such as a gymnasium on the second floor, multiple locker rooms, and collaboration areas in hallways for student use. The design also incorporates a restaurant space with outdoor seating potential.
Safety considerations are at the forefront of the design. The gymnasium will have three distinct exit points to meet code requirements for large occupancy spaces. The building will also feature multiple stairways and exit routes to ensure quick evacuation in emergencies.
However, the project faces potential budget challenges. The need for expensive fill to raise the building site above the water table is a significant concern. Kevin, a project representative, explained, "We are raising the building about three feet at a minimum above that right now. And we will have under slab drainage on the first floor, too."
This additional site work may push costs beyond state reimbursement caps. Kevin noted, "It's safe to say that even without the 99 space option going on to Main Street, our site costs will go beyond the reimbursable amount."
The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) imposes limits on reimbursement for both building construction and site work. While exact figures weren't provided, it's clear the project team anticipates exceeding these caps.
Despite these challenges, the committee remains committed to creating a cost-effective educational solution. The design team is working to balance functionality with economy, particularly in less visible areas of the building.
"The back side of the building, again, we think of as straightforward and modest and economical," Franceschi stated. "We're not going to invest a lot in expensive materials or expensive detailing on the back."
The project timeline aims for MSBA approval at their October board meeting. This requires submission of detailed plans and cost estimates to the MSBA in August. The project team is currently preparing this package, which will undergo review by three independent cost estimators.
Committee members raised questions about various aspects of the design, including evacuation times, snow load on flat roofs, and the potential for student involvement in construction. While direct student labor on the main construction is not allowed due to prevailing wage laws, there may be opportunities for vocational students to contribute to finishing work or auxiliary projects.
The committee also discussed a proposed 99-space parking area on Main Street. While this could provide additional parking or temporary construction use, concerns were raised about student safety and supervision for this detached lot.
The new South Shore Regional Vocational Technical High School promises to be a significant upgrade for the district, providing enhanced educational opportunities for students. However, navigating budget constraints and maximizing state reimbursement will be key challenges as the project progresses toward its next major milestone in August.