Project manager, architects provide committee with new EPHS update

Offer insights into “accelerated” process to open in time for start of 2021-22 term

By Mike Rego
Posted 12/12/18

EAST PROVIDENCE — Construction of a new East Providence High School, the funding for which was only approved some six weeks ago by voter approval of a $189.5 bond referendum, is already in an …

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Project manager, architects provide committee with new EPHS update

Offer insights into “accelerated” process to open in time for start of 2021-22 term

Posted

EAST PROVIDENCE — Construction of a new East Providence High School, the funding for which was only approved some six weeks ago by voter approval of a $189.5 bond referendum, is already in an enhanced development stage with a goal of opening in time for the 2021-22 term, the principles involved in the project told the School Committee at its December 11 meeting.
Representatives from the district’s OPM (Owner’s Project Manager) and the architectural firm hired to design the structure led the body through an overview of what is being conceptualized as four-story school to replace the 65-year-old current edifice.
Sam Bradner, of Peregrine Group, the district’s OPM, provided an outline to the committee, saying a design schedule is being put in place to achieve a fall 2021 delivery of the completed building.
“The goal of design team is to put as much flexibility into the building as possible,” Mr. Bradner said, while balancing “access versus safety.”
He said the same group of principles plans on returning to the committee’s next scheduled meeting, January 15, to provide it with a summary of the education specification document, which a mandate in the process from the Rhode Island Department Education and an element it must approve that must also get state approval before the project can move forward.
During his remarks last week, Scott Dunlap, of Ai3 Architects, LLC, extolled the efforts of district and EPHS administrators as well as the teachers involved in developing the education specification document, which will determine how the new space will be used for academic purposes.
Mr. Dunlap said in his 28 years of experience, he’s “never seen a more energetic, prepared, motivated” group. He said the staff has been “fantastic,” especially considering the “accelerated schedule” attempting to be implemented to meet the two-year construction timeframe.
“It is a pleasure to be here and it’s been really impressive to us to see the leadership you have here in East Providence,” Mr. Dunlap added.
His Ai3 colleague, Jim Jordan, provided the most detailed synopsis of the project to date, noting those involved have already spent ample time at the proposed construction site, which is in between the existing structure and the football practice field in the rear of the Pawtucket Avenue location.
Mr. Jordan told the committee geotechnical investigations for the foundation of the building are in the process of being completed as is the overall site survey, expected to be done this week. Hazardous materials testing of the main building and the Career and Tech Center is also finished with information being compiled to determine the final cost of abatement. A traffic analysis is scheduled to be done by the end of December.
Mr. Jordan used the design of the current EPHS, developed in the 1950s, as well as nearby high schools in Lincoln, Cumberland and Fall River (Durfee) built in the 1960s to compare what modern structures look like and contain.
Those dated concepts, which he called “horizontal sprawl,” are inadequate in current terms. Modern designs are more “compact, sustainable and energy efficient.” He said the reduced footprint of new buildings also reduces their roof size and make them more environmentally friendly.
He said “21st century design patterns” create more and better “community connections” and bring all academic and social elements of the school into the layout. He also emphasized security concerns are “integral” to modern architectural concepts.
In concluding the presentation, Mr. Bradner said he expects a “rapid transition over the next 60, 90, 120 days” of the process all with a goal of getting construction started by next summer.
Building committee
A mild dust-up occurred following the discussion between Committee Chairman Charlie Tsonos and At-Large member Joel Monteiro, with some minor input from Ward 3 rep Nate Cahoon, over the composition of the new EPHS building sub-committee.
Mr. Tsonos emphasized the need to add a teacher to the sub-group who he said could act as an “ombudsman” and provide “on-the-ground” assessment of the construction process.
Mr. Monteiro countered staff is already represented on the committee by Nick Shattuck, a special needs instructor at EPHS who is also an assistant athletic director for the district.
Mr. Cahoon accepted Mr. Tsonos’ observation, agreeing that aspects of the new EPHS design remain fluid and that any teacher is welcome to engage in the process.
Clock tower
Mr. Tsonos also questioned the architects about the status of the clock tower currently situation in front of the high school at the entrance to the auditorium and gymnasium on the south side of the site. Mr. Jordan responded by telling the committee the tower remains in the concepts for the new EPHS at the present time.
“We understand the clock tower is an iconic component of East Providence and holds a special place in a lot of the hearts and minds of people in the community. So we’re making every effort to maintain it in its current position,” Mr. Jordan said. “We think it could give us a nice focal point, entry point. It could set up nice sight response for entering the building.”

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