Please join the AHS Building Committee for our next public meeting on Tuesday, August 8^th at 7:50 AM in the School Committee conference room (30 Whittier Ct, 2nd floor, above the Robb Senior Center).

The presentation for the meeting will primarily focus on the preliminary site design and traffic circulation by the landscape architect, Arcadis Architects and the traffic consultant, The Engineering Corp (TEC). Arcadis and TEC will review draft design options for pickup and drop-off, vehicle queuing areas, circulation through the project site, access and egress points from Moraine Street and Shawsheen Road, and parking configurations.

The site design and traffic circulation will evolve during Schematic Design as the project team continues to meet with the Committee, Andover Public Schools personnel, community members, Andover Police & Fire, Facilities, and other Town Departments for feedback on the draft design options. The project team will also introduce pedestrian biking and walking routes during subsequent Schematic Design Building Committee meetings as the vehicular traffic routes become more defined.

The Committee and project team will also hear from the district’s Athletic Director, Wayne Puglisi, on the impacts of the following potential added scope items currently under consideration: artificial turf vs. natural turf, the addition of the plateau field, and sports lighting. The Committee anticipates a decision surrounding sports lighting will be made at the 8/8/23 AHS Building Committee Meeting and a decision related to the plateau field and artificial turf vs. natural turf is anticipated to occur at the 8/24/23 AHS Building Committee Meeting.

Additionally, the Committee anticipates Andrew Flanagan, Town Manager, and AHS Building Committee member will provide an update on the proposed location for the skate park (whether included on the project site or elsewhere in Town). Currently, a skate park is shown within the site design for planning and layout purposes; however, the cost was not included within the preliminary total project cost presented during the Feasibility Study phase. The Committee anticipates a decision regarding the location of the skate park will be made during the 8/8/23 AHS Building Committee Meeting.   

The full agenda can be found here on the Town website:

https://andoverma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08082023-5670

The meeting will also be televised on AndoverTV, livestreamed from their website, and recorded for viewing out of their online meeting archive.

The AHS Building Committee Meeting on 7/27/2023 primarily focused on building layout and massing to better define the interior configurations and exterior shape of the new building. Building massing relates to the size, shape, and volume of the building, while building layout is associated with its orientation on the project site.  

During the meeting, HMFH Architects presented three preliminary building massing configurations, each of which do not interfere with the current footprint of the existing high school. HMFH also provided scaled building models for each configuration that was reviewed.

The massings were intended to solicit conversation around the pros and cons of each configuration, not as options from which there should a single selected configuration. The design team intends to take feedback received and reflect it in updated building designs for further consideration.

Below is a brief overview of each massing configuration presented for discussion. The full meeting presentation includes draft floor plans corresponding with each configuration.

Configuration #1 includes an academic wing that stretches plan East to West facing Shawsheen Road, and a central spine that connects academics to the shared community spaces including the gymnasium and auditorium. In this configuration, there is clear separation between the community and academic spaces, allowing the academic side of the building to be easily closed off, providing community access to the gymnasium, auditorium, and cafeteria areas. The pods in the academic wing are all mostly on a single level except for the 9^th Grade Academy, which is split between the third and fourth floors. The academic wing also has the most optimal North/South orientation which allows for more daylight into the classrooms.

In Configuration #2, the academic and community spaces are more centrally located and integrated throughout the building. The Western position of the building includes two academic wings adjacent to the gymnasium/athletics, and the East contains a third academic wing that abuts the auditorium/performing arts. Within this configuration, the pods in the academic wings are divided between two floors.

In Configuration #3, the building is split East and West by a central spine that contains shared spaces such as the media center and cafeteria. The Eastern portion of the building includes two academic wings, to which access could be restricted during community events in the Western wing where athletics and performing arts are contained. Similar to Configuration #1, the academic pods are mostly on a single level (except for the 9^th Grade Academy), and the classrooms have the most optimal North/South orientation allow for more daylight and views.

Following the review of each configuration, Mark Johnson, AHS Building Committee Chair allowed time for the Committee, project team, and community members to review the building models and provide feedback.

Some Committee members pointed out the value of having community spaces and academic spaces completely separate while others saw integrating the spaces as a benefit. There also appeared to be a consensus that a variation in building volume/massing for wing along Shawsheen Road would provide a more aesthetically appealing look, which was echoed by community members.

The configurations presented are preliminary and intended to solicit feedback. The project team and Committee will continue discussions surrounding building layout and massing throughout Schematic Design with input from the Andover community..

In addition to a massing discussion, the Committee also heard from Wess Murphy, Andover TV Executive Director, who provided an overview of what Andover TV does for the community at large and for Andover students, how they operate, and their connection with the high school.

Wess informed the Committee that Andover TV is a nonprofit local access television system that serves Andover residents. Their main studio has been located in Andover High School since the 1980s and has a shared use by both community members and high school students for various program offerings. Caitlin Brown, Andover High School Principal and AHS Building Committee member noted during the meeting that the school values their partnership with Andover TV, and described the types of classes AHS students are able to take in the existing studio space.

At the end of the meeting, the project team and Committee briefly discussed sports lighting, which is one of the potential added scope items currently under consideration. Principal Brown will be discussing the added value of having sports lighting with the Athletic Director further and will report back during the next AHS Building Committee meeting on 8/8/2023.

The full meeting presentation can be found here. It includes draft floor plans corresponding with each building massing configuration. The community is encouraged to review the materials and send feedback to the Committee at andoverhighbuildingproject@andoverma.us. Thank you in advance for your feedback!

To watch a replay of the meeting, you can find the AndoverTV recording in their meeting archive.

On behalf of the Andover High School Building Committee, the design team filed an Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation (ANRAD) with the local Andover Conservation Commission on July 18, 2023.

The ANRAD provides a procedure for the project applicant to confirm the delineation of the bordering vegetated wetlands and other resource areas prior to proceeding with work subject to the jurisdiction of the Wetlands Protection Act.

Essentially, this is the initial step in the Conservation Commission’s approvals process for the project. As part of this process, HMFH Architects’ civil engineer, Samiotes Consultants, Inc., has conducted field investigations and a survey of the existing conditions including the property line, topography, utilities, etc. to assist in the flagging of wetland locations. Subsequent to the existing conditions survey and field investigations, Samiotes Consultants developed a Wetlands Delineation report inclusive of the site findings and determination of wetland areas.

As required, Samiotes Consultants has also issued notifications to abutters within 100 feet of the proposed project that an ANRAD has been filed and that a virtual hearing to review the filing documents with the Andover Conservation Commission will be held on August 1, 2023, at 7:00 PM. This hearing is open to the public for questions related to the Commission’s jurisdiction.

The ANRAD filing documents associated with the Andover High School Project can be found at these links:

• Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation (WPA Form 4A)

• Wetland Resource Area Delineation Memo by Epsilon Associates, Inc.
• Existing Conditions Plan by Samiotes Consultants, Inc.
• Permission to Access Site to the Conservation Commission from Town of Andover
• Abutter Notification Letter of an upcoming Andover Conservation Commission public hearing (August 1, 2023 at 7:00 PM)

Please join the AHS Building Committee for our next public meeting on Thursday, July 27^th at 6:30 PM in the School Committee conference room (30 Whittier Ct, 2nd floor, above the Robb Senior Center).

The presentation for the meeting will primarily focus on the layout of the building and building massing to better define the interior space and exterior shape of the new building.

The discussions will include an overview of preliminary space configurations, as well as the size and orientation of the new building on the project site. As part of these discussions, HMFH Architects will also introduce three new building massing models for examination by the public and AHS Building Committee. The models will be available for viewing approximately 20 minutes before the start of the meeting (6:10 PM) and the project team will be available to answer any questions.

During the meeting, the project team will continue conversations related to sports lighting to help inform the Committee’s decision whether to include this added cost item in the project. This decision is anticipated to occur during the 8/8/23 AHS Building Committee meeting.

Additionally, the Committee will hear from Andover TV regarding their connection with the academic programs at Andover High School and its function as a community space. This discussion comes as a request from the Committee as they currently consider the inclusion of Andover TV in the project.

The full agenda can be found here on the Town website.

The meeting will also be televised on AndoverTV, livestreamed from their website, and recorded for viewing out of their online meeting archive.

During the Andover High School Building Committee meeting on 7/13/2023, the project team and Committee continued discussions on the potential cost-saving measures and added scope items that were previously reviewed on 6/29/2023. A detailed recap of each item can be found within the “Updates from the 6/29/2023 Building Committee Meeting” Latest News post.

HMFH Architects also provided an overview of the proposed Schematic Design (SD) workplan, outlining the schedule of topics of discussions for each upcoming AHS Building Committee Meeting. HMFH noted that the proposed timeline on the decision points are subject to change depending on when the Committee feels that adequate information has been provided to prompt a decision.

The Committee and project team reviewed each potential cost-saving measure and added scope item currently under review; however, strongly focused on the following:

Purchase of Solar Panels — $17,246,000 ($ 9,755,000 ground mounted, $7,491,000 roof mounted)

At the prior meeting (6/29/2023), Janet Nicosia, Facilities Director and Building Committee member, informed the Committee that in lieu of including solar panels within the project, which would increase the project cost, there is also an option of providing solar energy to the future building via a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

This essentially means that solar energy would still be provided to the building; however, through solar panels not under ownership by the Town. On 6/29, the Committee requested feedback from the community and town experts prior to making a decision. Since that time, the Committee received correspondence from Joyce Losick-Yang, Director of Sustainability and Energy for the Town of Andover, indicating PPAs are ideal for municipalities as they save on operating costs, limit maintenance/upgrade costs, prevent additional energy costs if the system goes down (i.e. lighting strike), etc. The Committee also heard from Amy Latva-Kokko with Andover Green Advisory Board (AGAB) during the 7/13/2023 meeting who indicated that in other projects AGAB has previously voted in favor of using PPAs in lieu of purchasing solar panels directly.

Based on the information provided, including input by the community, town experts and the project team, the AHS Building Committee unanimously voted to move forward with a PPA for solar energy on the project in lieu of purchasing solar panels directly through the project.

Heavy Timber Structure — $7,556,000

As requested during the last AHS Building Committee meeting on 6/29/2023, the project team will be following up with approximate costs to reduce the this option from 40% of the building’s structure to 10-15%. The Committee also requested that the project team confirm what percentage this would be of the building’s overall superstructure cost. The project team will follow up with additional information on this topic to help inform the Committee’s decision, with the benefits of reduced carbon footprint, biophilic design, and aesthetics being weighted against cost.

Full-Sized Turf Field on the “Plateau” — $2,435,000

The “plateau” area behind the existing AHS field house is currently a natural turf practice area and undersized for athletic competitions. Consideration is being given to expanding the field size to allow full functionality, including competitions, along with providing ADA accessibility.

When previously discussed (6/29/23), it was requested that HMFH Architects confirm that expanding the existing plateau field is feasible due to the close proximity to the adjacent wetlands. HMFH confirmed that field is beyond the 50-foot wetlands buffer and can be expanded to allow for a full sports field.

In weighing costs, the Committee requested that project team advise as what savings could be realized by considering natural turf field in lieu of artificial turf at this location. Additionally, there was a request to advise on the width of the proposed ADA ramp to the field to ensure there would be sufficient access for a pickup truck/mower to allow for maintenance. The project team will follow up with additional information on this topic to help inform the Committee’s decision.

Skate Park — $4,710,000

Andrew Flanagan, Town Manager, and Building Committee member noted that rebuilding or maintaining a skate park on the AHS/West Middle site may not make the most sense for the community. The Town will be reviewing alternative locations for a skate park and anticipates having more information on this topic for the 8/8/2023 AHS Building Committee meeting.

Sports Lighting — $5,086,000

Options for sports lighting at lower level of investment were discussed during the last AHS Building Committee meeting on 6/29/2023. It was requested that HMFH Architects provide pricing information to provide infrastructure only (conduits and wiring) to all fields, to the multiuse sports field only, and the cost of using solar powered lights. If only the infrastructure were to be provided through the project, the Town could then considering provide lights in the future, outside of the AHS project scope/budget. The project team will follow up with additional information on this topic to help inform the Committee’s decision.

Additional & Material Considerations

As it relates to the potential cost-saving measures, Mark Johnson, AHS Building Committee Chair, noted that the Committee will be setting up tours of various buildings within Andover and of Saugus Middle High School to review interior/exterior materials such as wood timber structure, terrazzo flooring, polished concrete flooring, metal panels, wood veneer/rain screens, patterned brick alternatives, etc.

The full meeting presentation can be found here. Meetings are also recorded by AndoverTV and are available in their meeting archive.

Please join the AHS Building Committee for our next public meeting on Thursday, July 13th at 7:50 AM in the School Committee conference room (30 Whittier Ct, 2nd floor, above the Robb Senior Center).

Continuing on the conversation from the last AHS Building Committee meeting on 6/29/23, the meeting presentation will focus on the potential cost-saving measures and added scope items currently under consideration by the Committee.

The project team and Committee will be reviewing the following potential cost-saving measures further:

• Alternate interior/exterior building materials
• Natural turf in lieu of artificial turf
• Space program reductions

The project team and Committee will be reviewing the following potential added scope items:

• Solar panels
• Heavy timber structure
• Added plateau field
• Skate park
• Sports lighting
• Upgraded mechanical plant
• Sustainable irrigation
• Enclosed walkway (new building to field house)

The project team anticipates presenting supplemental information to help the Committee determine if an added field at the existing plateau is feasible due to the close proximity to the wetlands.

As a recap from the last Building Committee meeting on 6/29/23, the Committee voted to remove the porous pavement and parking garage added scope items from further exploration / inclusion into the project. After further review of the existing site conditions, the design team provided a memo advising against the use of porous pavement. The decision to remove the parking garage from the project was
largely due to the overall cost and the fact that the same number of parking spaces could be achieved with typical surface parking.

The full agenda for 7/13/23 can be found here on the Town website:
https://andoverma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07132023-5632

The meeting will also be televised on AndoverTV, livestreamed from their website, and recorded for viewing out of their online meeting archive.

The Andover High School Building Committee Meeting on 6/29/2023 primarily focused on decisions the Committee will be evaluating through Schematic Design. The decisions include both potential cost-saving measures and added-scope items.

In anticipation of developing the Schematic Design workplan, the project team sought clarification as to which of these decisions do not warrant further exploration. While there was no obligation to decide on any of these items, the Building Committee discussed each and eliminated certain potential added scope items as mentioned below.  

Potential Cost-Saving Measures

During the Schematic Design phase, the project team and Committee will explore various ways of reducing the project budget while still meeting the education plan and overall design intent.

The 6/29/23 meeting included discussion of three initial areas of cost-saving measures for the Committee’s review (slides 10 through 13 of the meeting presentation):

1. Material Reductions

HMFH Architects explained that there are approximately $18,000,000 in potential savings by using alternative interior and exterior materials opposed to the materials currently included within the base project cost.

HMFH noted that if the Committee would like to pursue this option further, the exterior of the building would be primarily a masonry façade with fewer “high-end” features such as metal panels, rain screens, curtainwalls/storefronts. HMFH indicated that masonry facades are not considered as aesthetically appealing; however, they have lower maintenance costs, longer longevity, and are more durable.

For the interior of the building, alternative materials will be considered, including use of polished concrete rather than terrazzo for floors, or the use of terrazzo in only limited areas, such as those with high-traffic in most need of durability.

2. Natural Turf in lieu of Artificial Turf

HMFH indicated that if the Committee were to pursue natural turf in lieu of artificial turf for the multi-use sports field currently planned in front of the new school, the estimated savings would be roughly $1,500,000 to the project budget. Discussion included an explanation of the process of installing natural turf on the site, including preparation to mitigate existing wet conditions, which brings the cost differential between natural and turf surfaces to less than might have been expected.

HMFH noted that some of the disadvantages of installing natural turf versus artificial turf include the need to periodically close natural turf for rest periods to prevent damage, higher maintenance costs, the inability to be used during certain weather conditions, and requirements for irrigation. Additionally, natural turf does not meet the Athletic Directors design goals.

3. Refinement of Space Summary

Following the presentation of the preliminary Feasibility Cost information in late March and early April 2023, the project team has met with Andover Public Schools (APS) educators and other school personnel to refine the Space Summary for the project, and identified ~19,000 gross square feet that can be removed from the project while still meeting the educational plan.

This was achieved through consolidation of spaces, adjusting space sizes, and other scrutiny, which has yielded a deduction of $14,500,000 from the $480,847,000 preliminary total project budget.

The project team will continue to meet with APS during Schematic Design to continue refinement of the Space Summary program. HMFH noted each 1,000 square foot reduction provides roughly $1,150,000 in savings.

Potential Added-Scope Items

The 6/29/23 meeting also included discussions surrounding the potential added-scope items that are not currently included in the preliminary base total project cost, but were priced during the Feasibility Design stage to allow for additional consideration. Ongoing discussion of each topic and feedback from the community during Schematic Design will inform the Building Committee’s decision to include any of these items in the project budget (described in detail within slides 14-24 of the meeting presentation).

1. Solar Panels – $17,246,000 ($9,755,000 ground mounted, $7,491,000 roof mounted)

Janet Nicosia, Facilities Director, and Building Committee member informed the Committee that in lieu of including solar panels within the project, which would increase the project cost, there is also an option of providing solar energy to the future building via a Power Purchase Agreement.

The project team noted that the building structure will be designed to accommodate solar panels whether purchased by Andover and included as part of the project budget or purchased by a third-party and installed through a Power Purchase Agreement.

The Committee requested feedback from the Andover community before making a determination on this added scope item, and deferring this vote until the next meeting on 7/13/2023.

2. Heavy Timber Structure – $7,556,000

HMFH Architects noted this item includes providing exposed wood for 40% of the building’s structure, which can improve the aesthetic of the building and in some cases, the learning environment for students.

The Committee indicated this is a substantial cost which could be achieved using alternative design solutions (i.e. millwork), and requested that the project team provide cost information to reduce the heavy timber structure to 10-15% to help inform their decision.

3. Porous Pavement – $6,320,000 at surface parking

HMFH indicated that their civil engineer consultant, Samiotes, provided a memo indicating that the porous pavement is not advisable on this site due to the highwater table and existing site conditions.

The Committee unanimously voted to remove this item from further exploration.

4. Plateau Field (Additional Turf Field) – $2,435,000

HMFH explained that the base project cost includes providing ADA access to the existing plateau field, which is currently set on a hill and is not sized to adequately support athletics. This added cost item would involve providing an expanded artificial turf field that supports athletics and ADA access.

Due to the close proximity to the adjacent wetlands, the Committee requested that project team review if this option is feasible prior to exploring it further.

5. Skate Park – $4,710,000

The Andover High School Building Committee Chair, Mark Johnson noted that per discussions with the Town, a new skate park may be planned for elsewhere in Town rather than continue to be part of the Andover High site. This item will be revisited during future meetings.

6. Parking Garage – $43,060,000

HMFH provided a reminder a parking garage was priced because it would help maximize use of the crowded site, allow more field space, and provide environmental benefits including a reduction in sanding/salting needs and the amount of impervious area. HMFH also noted that the number of parking space would not differ whether a parking garage is included in the project or if typical surface parking (included in base project cost) is provided.

The Committee unanimously voted to remove this item from further exploration, primarily based on cost.

7. Sports Lighting – $5,086,000

HMFH indicated that the base project cost does not include any additional lighting for the new fields, only maintaining the existing lighting at Lovely Field.

HMFH noted that if sports lighting were to be provided, the lights would be designed to prevent light pollution on neighboring properties to avoid impacts to abutters.

The Committee requested that due to the cost and existing site conditions, the project team provide pricing for installing only minimal infrastructure that could enable lighting in the future if the Town were to undertake a separate project to do so.

8. Upgraded Mechanical Plant – $17,341,000 Air Source Heat Pump | $41,832,000 Geothermal

The base project cost includes a highly efficient variable refrigerant flow system. An upgraded mechanical plant would allow for higher efficiencies and possible renewable initiatives.

The Town and project team will be completing a Life Cycle Cost analysis to better understand the benefits of using an air source heat pump or geothermal system which will better inform this decision during Schematic Design.

9. Sustainable Irrigation – $1,187,000 Rainwater Harvesting | $311,000 Groundwater Wells

This added scope item includes providing rainwater harvesting collected in underground cisterns or using groundwater wells to irrigate natural grass/planting beds in lieu of potable water.

The project team will provide further information during Schematic Design to help inform the Committee’s decision.

10. Enclosed Walkway – $2,884,000

HMFH indicated that the base project cost includes a covered walkway from the new building to the Field House. As an added-scope item, a fully enclosed walkway between the two structures could be provided. In addition to comfort, security and safety concerns will be considered.

The project team will provide further information during Schematic Design to help inform the Committee’s decision.

The full meeting presentation can be found here. To view a replay of the meeting, please visit the AndoverTV meeting archive.

Please join the AHS Building Committee for our next public meeting on Thursday, June 29th at 8:30AM in the School Committee conference room (30 Whittier Ct, 2nd floor, above the Robb Senior Center).

The presentation for the meeting will primarily focus on decisions the Committee will be evaluating through Schematic Design. This includes both potential cost saving measures and added scope items.

The initial cost saving measures currently under consideration include: alternate interior/exterior building materials, natural grass fields in lieu of artificial turf, and space program reductions. The added scope items have been part of preliminary pricing discussions and include: solar panels, heavy timber structure, porous pavement, added field, skate park, parking garage, sports lighting, upgraded mechanical plant, sustainable irrigation, and an enclosed walkway between the new building and existing Field House.

Additionally, the project team will provide a design budget update, and discussions surrounding funding the project will continue.

The full agenda can be found here on the Town website:
https://andoverma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06292023-5618

The meeting will also be televised on AndoverTV, livestreamed from their website, and recorded for viewing out of their online meeting archive.

The Andover High School Building Committee Meeting on 6/14/2023 began with an introduction by Chairman Mark Johnson.  Mr. Johnson confirmed the selected “New Campus with Auditorium” design approach – hereafter referred to as the “new school” – was accepted as the final recommended option by the Select Board at their June 12th meeting. This final option had also been affirmed by the School Committee on April 6th.

As the project proceeds in the Schematic Design (SD) phase, Mr. Johnson acknowledged the challenges of managing total project cost while the Town works on a parallel path to analyze metrics influencing future project funding and the potential financial impact to Andover residents.

The project team shared a PowerPoint presentation involving the following topics:

1. Consideration of potential space and cost savings from reducing academic wing to 1,800 student design enrollment,
2. Review of current project square footage vs. MSBA baseline, and explanation of overages,
3. Review of potential costs, including construction and reimbursement, if the MSBA were to partner in building AHS at one of multiple points in the future, and
4. Review of considerations related to maintaining the existing high school if a project is delayed.

Each of these four items is described in more detail below:

1. Consideration of potential space and cost savings from reducing academic wing to 1,800 student design enrollment: HMFH presented a preliminary exercise showing an estimated total project cost savings of $10M could be achieved by reducing design enrollment from 1,900 to 1,800 students. AHS staff discussed impacts to current educational delivery due to the existing school well-exceeding the 85% state standard utilization rate for an efficient and functional utilization of space. The SBC emphasized the need to accommodate a minimum of 50-years worth of students while maintaining flexibility for future additional academic expansion. After discussion, there was general consensus by the building committee that making a change to design enrollment was not advisable, and the SBC declined to vote on a change.
   
   
2. Review of current project square footage vs. MSBA baseline, and explanation of overages: HMFH reviewed slides comparing the design of the new school to the MSBA baseline space summary template. The project team noted that MSBA projects always involve a process of justifying spaces exceeding the MSBA space baseline using the District’s Education Plan, and MSBA typically increases reimbursable space as a result. HMFH noted 45% of the current overage is due to the existing AHS Field House, a feature which the MSBA would not include in any new school. An additional 13% of the overage is related to the Auditorium, which is currently scoped to prove equivalency to the current Collins Center, and 4.5% is due to the inclusion of space for AndoverTV and related academic programming. The field house, auditorium and AndoverTV spaces are not just academic, and will continue to have a community use function in the design of the new school. HMFH also walked through areas where academic space exceeds the MSBA baseline and described in detail how these spaces are responsive to current academic programming.
   
   
3. Review of potential costs, including construction and reimbursement, if the MSBA were to partner in building AHS at one of multiple points in the future: PMA reviewed a high-level analysis performed by the project team to demonstrate a potential range of the Town’s share of total project costs if the Town were to delay the project in the hope of someday being accepted into partnership with the MSBA. This exercise was performed to respond to commonly asked questions related to overall project cost as the Town works to determine how it can fund the project. The project team clarified the earliest MSBA acceptance scenario is likely late 2030. PMA explained the various assumptions included in the exercise and the associated uncertainty involved. PMA explained that this information should be used to aid the Town in their greater financial modeling inclusive of borrowing costs, etc.
   
   
4. Review of considerations related to maintaining the existing high school if a project is delayed: Conversations regarding potentially delaying the project have led to questions regarding the cost of maintaining the existing Andover HS in the meantime. Janet Nicosia, Director of Facilities for the Town of Andover and Andover Public Schools, presented recent images and reports compiled by outside consultant NV5 and others overviewing existing conditions at AHS. Cost figures were shown for various items, and Janet explained that providing a cost estimate is difficult since it is impossible to forecast exactly what will be needed. Additionally, it is difficult to predict if or how required upgrades could trigger requirements for further upgrades (for example, sprinklers may be required to meet Fire Prevention Code. Also discussed ADA & Building/Energy Code update considerations). Ms. Nicosia noted the age of the mechanical systems (past expected useful life) and longer-term considerations such as the roof warranty having 5-years left. She also discussed accessibility issues while showing images of the existing site roadways and sidewalks, and provided an estimated cost to install modular classrooms with associated utilities.  
   
   

Follow these links to find the project team’s presentation of items #1 through #3 and the presentation related to maintenance costs and the impact of postponing the project (item #4 above).

Meetings are also recorded by AndoverTV and are the replay is available in their meeting archive.

Please join the AHS Building Committee for our next public meeting Thursday, April 27th at 7:50 AM in the School Committee conference room (30 Whittier Ct, 2nd floor, above the Robb Senior Center).

The meeting will begin with a presentation from Walk/Bike Andover, which is a resident-led local advocacy group working to make walking, biking, and rolling safer and more accessible to people of all ages and abilities throughout Andover. Walk/Bike Andover will be presenting considerations for safe and accessible pedestrian and bicyclist access for the future High School project.

Following the Walk/Bike Andover presentation, the project team will be providing an overview of the “Campus 2 with new Theater” project cost which was selected by Building Committee on 4/6/23 as the preferred building option to proceed into Schematic Design.

The cost discussion will include potential added scope items that the Building Committee will consider through the Schematic Design phase including: upgrading the mechanical plant from the base option to air source heat pump or geothermal ground source; use of a heavy timber structure in public areas of the building; providing sustainable irrigation through rainwater harvesting or groundwater wells; installing porous pavement in parking areas; providing artificial turf on the plateau field; adding a parking garage; including enclosed walkways between buildings; and providing sports lighting.

The presentation will also include an overview of the Design-Bid-Build (DBB) and Construction Manager-at-Risk (CMR) project delivery methods. The project team will explain the differences between each delivery method along with the pros and cons of each to help inform the Building Committee’s decision on a preferred approach. If the CMR delivery method is selected, the Building Committee and project team will work to establish a CMR Selection Subcommittee and begin the process to procure a Construction Manager over the coming months. An award would likely be at the end of Schematic Design for assistance with pre-construction services throughout the design phases. The DBB approach would involve waiting for the design and construction documents to be fully complete prior to bidding and award of a General Contractor and associated subcontractors.

The full meeting agenda can be found here on the Town website: https://andoverma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04272023-5502

The meeting will also be televised on AndoverTV, livestreamed from their website, and recorded for viewing out of their online meeting archive.