Sally E. Bahner Photo
The Public Building Commission (pictured) recently took two steps toward moving forward with the Walsh Intermediate School renovation. At a bit more than $88 million, it’s the most expensive project undertaken by the town.
Michael LoSasso of Antinozzi Architects presented preliminary plans for the three-story addition, which included exterior design and space configurations for administrative offices, physical education, and the district offices, the “lower school,” and the “upper school.”
And in executive session, the commission chose Collier’s International as commissioning agent for the Walsh Project. Earlier, the commission had narrowed down the choice between Collier’s and Horizon, out of New York City.
Preliminary Plans Presented
LoSasso took questions and suggestions from the commission as he showed diagrams based on initial discussions and educational specifications. He made his presentation before an audience in the community room at Fire Headquarters earlier this month.
The first slide showed the exterior footprint, traffic patterns, and parking spaces. There would be separate parent and bus pick-up/drop-offs; the distance between the entrance where parents must check in and the pick-up/drop-off point was question and Ayles said that could be revised. He said there would be 75 parking spaces to the north of the site, 346 general parking spaces to the south, and 36 spaces to the northeast for district office employees.
The second slide showed the first-floor layouts for the kitchen area, physical education and locker rooms, administrative offices including health offices, security office, special needs, and auditorium with band, orchestra, and practice rooms.
The third slide included second-floor configurations for the lower school (grades five and six), consisting of academic spaces, common spaces, and media center.
A similar configuration was shown for the upper level (grades seven and eight).
Administrative, faculty space, and guidance space are included on each level.
LoSasso emphasized that suggestions would be taken into account as the design for project progressed.
Commissioning Agent Selected
In executive session, the commission chose Colliers International over Horizon as commissioning agent. Colliers also serves as the project’s owner’s representative, acting on behalf of the town in terms of design and construction.
Chair Peter Banca said after the meeting that the decision was based on the company’s experience, location, and cost; Colliers’ bid came in between $95,000 and $99,000, while Horizon’s was around $130,000.
The commission agent, mandated by the state, ensures that various building systems – electrical, HVAC, security – are being incorporated by the design team and installed and function properly.
Further details will be presented at a special Board of Education meeting on Thursday, at 7 p.m., at the Walsh Intermediate School Commons Room. The meeting is open to the public.
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