CTA Finishes Four, Starts Four

As the start of a new academic year approached, CTA Construction Co. Inc. last month handed over the keys to several new schools while at the same time starting as many new projects as it finished. Three school projects were on time and on budget for the start of the school year, with a fourth on schedule for completion later this fall. Meanwhile, CTA’s project teams were ramping up on four new projects, two set to break ground this fall.
Tewksbury Memorial High School – The $52-million school covers 219,000sf. It features an impressive two-story, glass entryway and a full performing arts center with lighting, sound and rigging systems. The project architect is Symmes Maini & McKee Associates. The second phase includes demolition of the existing, adjacent 175,000sf school for playing fields and parking. The building was occupied last month, and total project completion is slated for fall of next year.
Weston High School Science Wing – A new science wing at Weston High School, built to meet LEED Silver standards, opened for classes last month. The $9.4 million project added 23,000sf of science labs that meet environmental standards and have state-of-the-art safety features. Overall, the project added seven new classrooms and expanded two existing rooms. In addition, a new fire suppression system now protects the entire existing school. Project architect is Dore & Whittier Architect, Inc.
Parker Elementary School – The new $22 million school in Billerica is 89,000sf with a red-brick exterior and opened for the start of the 2012-2013 school year. The project architect is Symmes Maini & McKee Associates. The second phase of the project includes the abatement and demolition of the existing school to make way for parking, and detention systems as well as a new playing field.
Marshall Simonds Middle School – The $21.5 million project includes construction of a 37,000sf addition to include science rooms, classrooms, media center, administrative offices, and a music suite. Renovations to the 118,000sf existing building included a new kitchen, bathrooms, accessibility code requirements, roofing, fire protection, plumbing, HVAC and electrical systems. The addition and the majority of the renovation were turned over for September. Minor renovation work will continue through the end of 2012. The project architect is KBA Architects, Inc.
Douglas – A new 83,100sf elementary school and the renovation of an 88,245sf middle school are underway in this $36.2 million project that kicked off last spring. The project also includes construction of a new roadway and athletic fields. CTA’s winning bid saved taxpayers $2.6 million off the proposed budget. The project architect is DiNisco Design Partnership, Ltd.
Vinson-Owen Elementary School – The new 78,000 sf school in Winchester broke ground in the spring. The $20.7 million, three-story, brick-clad school is being built on the site of its predecessor, which was demolished last year. Designed by Tappe Associates of Boston, the school will feature a classroom wing, art, music and computer rooms, a media center, gymnasium, cafeteria, offices and multiple playgrounds.