Marblehead, MA – Scheduled to conclude this summer, a $13 million comprehensive renovation and modernization project is being completed at the Village School for the town of Marblehead. Designed by Cambridge MA-based Symmes Maine & McKee Associates (SMMA), the project is part of a phased revitalization of the Marblehead schools. The program at the Village School rejuvenates both the building interior and exterior, and provides a new roof and windows, new energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, ADA compliance and life safety upgrades throughout the 123,000 square foot school building.
SMMA divided the project into two phases, each focused on one of the building’s two wings: a single-story structure built in 1955 and a three-story addition built in 1967. The phasing, along with an aggressive schedule, minimized disruption to the school’s 700 students and 75 faculty. While the sixth grade class was relocated temporarily to nearby Veterans Middle School, the fourth and fifth graders were able to remain in the school throughout the 20-month construction period with no loss of any school days.
Phase one, which addressed the original single-story structure, concluded in January of this year, allowing fourth and fifth graders a smooth transition back to normal school life following their scheduled winter vacation.
At the building’s re-opening Paul Dulac, Marblehead School Superintendent, remarked on both the extraordinary impact the renovations would make for teachers and students. He noted that the project team delivered the project on time and “way under budget.”
The Village School project is the latest chapter in a decade-long collaboration among the SMMA design team and the Town of Marblehead. SMMA first consulted to the Town on a Facility Master Plan Report for the school system’s facilities in 1999. SMMA later completed design for the new 215,000 sf Marblehead High School, which opened in 2002. Later, the firm led the renovation and reuse design of the old high school building into a new 150,000sf Veteran’s Middle School, which opened in 2004. The phasing of these multiple projects, and the careful movement of students to accommodate construction within schools, were critical components for Marblehead’s school-age families.
“We appreciate the confidence that Marblehead town administrators and school department personnel have placed in SMMA during this historic school revitalization program,” said Joel Seeley, a principal with SMMA. “Delivering these phased school projects on time, and working to make sure we could safely undertake renovation within an active school environment, were crucial to our success together.”