PEABODY — The improvement plans for the Welch Elementary School are beginning to take shape.
Representatives from project manager Dore & Whittier Management Partners and the architectural firm DiNisco Design, Inc. appeared before the Welch School Building Committee last week to present an updated progress report.
“When we last left off there was a good amount of work at the site still underway and we wanted to give you an update,” said DiNisco Design’s Jeff Oxsalida.
Oxsalida said that the site survey field work has been completed and that the geotechnical engineer has also been to the site and completed their field work, which consisted primarily of broings and test pits. Wetlands and riverfront boundaries have been determined and flagged. Environmental specialists have completed their investigation and sample-taking and have completed their survey for asbestos, lead paint and other hazardous materials inside and outside the building. Oxsalida said Phase 1 of the environmental site assessment has also been completed.
Ongoing work includes site survey drafting, final analysis of the geotechnical lab results and the final report, as well as the final compilation of an existing-conditions report.
The next steps include finalizing project priorities and design goals, examination of the educational program within the existing structure, and final determination of construction phases and swing spaces.
DiNisco identified four priorities: repairing deficiencies in building systems, building-code compliance, Massachusetts Architectural Access Board (MAAB) compliance and overall project-design goals.
The presentation identified building deficiencies and proposed solutions, starting with the HVAC systems, which were found to have failing equipment and control components that provide partial cooling only.
“These are primarily window and residential units and one rooftop unit only,” Oxsalida said. “It’s pretty obvious that the costs of this system are prohibitive.”
DiNisco recommends a complete replacement of the system with a digitally-controlled, energy-friendly system that provides complete cooling in all areas of the building.
DiNisco also found that the exterior doors and windows showed “significant deterioration to glazing” and were inefficient and recommended they be replaced with windows and doors that have thermal breaks and insulated glass.
The electrical system is also subpar with failing components, including clocks and the public-address system, zero spare capacity, inefficient manually-operated lighting and an undersized generator. DiNisco’s solution is replacement of the entire system, including a new emergency generator, new panels, new voice and data infrastructure, and new LED lighting and controls.
Oxsalida estimates that, to fully comply with building codes, a new sprinkler system at a projected cost of $1.41 million is required. In terms of MAAB compliance, Oxsalida estimates expenses of about $1.29 million will be required in the form of bathroom upgrades, new door hardware, elevator upgrades, installation of a lift or ramp to the stage, new classroom sinks and counters, and stair handrail and guardrail modifications.
Several design goals to support education were identified, including improved student and teacher storage and replacement of markerboards, tackboards, sound systems, athletic equipment, flooring (gym and cafeteria) and stage lighting. DiNisco also recommends reconfiguration of select spaces to better serve the community; capture under-utilized space to enhance educational programs; creation of space for outdoor learning; and other interior and exterior improvements to extend the life of the building.
Dore & Whittier partner Mike Burton said “the next big milestone” is the submission of a preliminary design program to the Massachusetts School Building Authority on Nov. 23.
“That’s the list of initial options, including minor and major renovations, add renos and new,” Burton said. “Working-group discussions will get a little more frequent and we will be meeting with DiNisco shortly. There is a lot of activity that will take place in the next six weeks.”
“I’m very excited about this project and know that Dore & Whittier and DiNisco are going to do something fabulous for us,” said Peabody Mayor Ted Bettencourt, who is also a member of the school building committee. “I’m still worried a little about the numbers, obviously, and we are still trying to figure out our budget for the Welch and other projects, but I’m also appreciative to the committee for keeping the project moving forward.”
The committee’s next meeting is Nov. 5 at 9:30 a.m.
