One of the oldest districts in the nation recently completed its first construction project in 15 years by rebuilding a school to accommodate STEM learning for grades 6 through 12.
CHALLENGE: 91心頭istrators in wanted to make an existing school more STEM-driven, but since the building could not support the necessary renovations, it was demolished to make way for a new facility.
We had to shut down adjacent streets several times because the building was in a tight neighborhood, says Brian McLaughlin, chief of staff of the .油
During construction, classes took place on the fourth floor of a nearby high school. Class and office spaces were very limited, says McLaughlin. It was hard to establish a distinction between middle and high school, which is important for students’ sense of identity and morale.
SOLUTION: The Dearborn STEM 6-12 Early College Academy offers students a 128,000-square-foot facility with a soaring central atrium bathed in natural light. The new school, which can accommodate 600 students, includes two fabrications labs, a media center, a dance studio, 3D printers and laser die cutters.油
As our community wanted, we now have an excellent school that prepares students to compete for top jobs in Boston’s tech-driven career landscape, says McLaughlin.
COMPLETION: August 2018
BUDGET: $73 million
PROJECT TEAM: Architect: Jonathan Levi Architects (Boston); constructors: Gilbane Inc. and Janey Construction Management (Boston); project managers: the Boston Public Facilities Department and Daedalus Project Managers (Boston).
