Design elements of new school considered

Design elements of new school considered

Christine Smith News Correspondent TEMPLETON  Templeton Elementary School Building Committee members got a look at flooring and exterior wall samples proposed for the new school on Wednesday night, and decided on exterior walls with areas of red bricks with flecks of gray, and dark gray slate wall tiles. Initially, the brick exterior was proposed along with a group of less-expensive materials as options that could be used as alternates if bid estimates were to come in higher than the budget for the project allowed. However, as Building Com­mittee members looked over the various samples for interior flooring and wainscoting tile options, and exterior wall and entry way materials that architects from Symmes Maini & McKee Associates and Jones Whitsett Architects presented, the less-expensive brick became the preferred option instead. Architect Joel Seeley noted that the remaining, cheaper alternates on the list will aim to “match the intent” of the original design elements. Architects also said that the quality and lifespan of the less-expensive options will be similar to the better materials, and will still be durable and able to withstand even the harsher climate changes of New England weather. The list of alternate elements suggested by the architects may include changing the corridor and classroom linoleum to vinyl composition tiles known as VCT to save about $142,901 and substituting the cafeteria porcelain tiles to linoleum at a reduction in cost of $69,109. Also, they suggest removing the option of a tall bookcase and one wardrobe cabinet from each of the classrooms for a savings of $111,247, and deleting proposed folding glass partitions in the hallways on each level that can be closed to create a quiet “breakout area” for teachers to save $171,388. Changing tile and linoleum elements, said architects, may mean some variations in shade or brightness between the different products. According to Seeley, creating the list of alternates provides a level of “risk management” in budgeting for the school building.  He said planners cannot account for unexpected variations and influences that may affect the construction market between the design phase and when bids for the project are submitted. Seeley said the hope is, however, that bids will come in lower than expected and that no changes or eliminations will have to be made. Committee members plan to review the proposed alternates and prioritize the list at the group’s next meeting, on July 26. Project Manager Tim Alix, of Colliers International based in Agawam, said that the bidding process will be conducted in two stages, with the first already in process. The first is a request for proposals with a submission deadline of July 27 for both general contractors and subcontractors. These preliminary bids will be reviewed during the month of August for prequalification status. The actual bidding will begin in September for only those who prequalify for the school construction project, with a contract expected by December. Committee members also discussed the possibility of creating artwork in various spots within the school building that will memorialize both the schools being replaced by the new elementary school as well as the industry within the town, but have made no decision on what these memorials will look like. The three buildings that will be replaced include the East Templeton Elementary, Templeton Center Elementary and the Baldwinville Elementary Schools. Project design plans call for tearing down the current Templeton Elementary School building and constructing of a larger three-story building in the area behind where it now stands. The adjacent playground will be relocated, and additional play areas will be created, new parking areas will be constructed, and sidewalks will be installed.