Page 4 - WTR_Newsletter_2019

FEATURED PROJECT
OJECT
TURED PR
FEA

• In addition to school occupancy requirements, the project faced
Clark Avenue Middle School tight logistical conditions with the existing school being less than
10 feet from new building foundations.
Chelsea, MA • Because of the proximity of neighboring properties and existing-
to-remain/active roadways, extensive, engineered earth support
The Clark Avenue Middle School represents one of the most systems were required.
logistically-complex and challenging undertakings in W.T. Rich’s
recent history. The new, 5-story, 115,200 SF middle school was • Phase 1 demolition included demolishing the existing boiler plant;
to be constructed in the same location as the existing, operational, a temporary boiler system had to be installed and maintained for
middle school building. Because the City was unable to arrange the entire Phase 1 school year.
for economical, off-site swing space, the existing middle school had
to remain occupied and operational throughout the construction • With relatively short notice, the City decided to conduct a utility
project. Thus, the new school was built in two phases. In Phase 1, one replacement project on all four surrounding roads around the
wing of the existing school was demolished. In its place, W.T. Rich project site, requiring additional coordination requirements and site
constructed a 75,000 SF, 5-story academic wing. School operations constraints.
relocated from the existing school to the newly constructed building
• W.T. Rich worked with the City of Chelsea, the design team, and
over the Christmas 2016 school break. Phase 2 commenced in
the school to define acceptable yet reasonably achievable thresholds
January 2017 with the abatement and demolition of the remaining
for allowable noise levels; ensure the continuity of utility services
wing of the existing building, followed by construction of the new
to surrounding structures; and enforce explicit, limited construction
gymnasium, locker rooms, media center, and administrative office
vehicle access routes.
space.
• With heavy demolition operations in close proximity to the existing
Highlights and Challenges school and several residential dwellings, great care had to be taken
to minimize vibration to avoid damage to these nearby existing
• Phase 1 schedule was very tight. Foundations began mid-September structures.
2015 and the substantial completion requirement was 15 months
later (mid-December 2016). The schedule required several complex Results
winter construction operations including steel erection and SOG/
SOD placements. W.T. Rich successfully completed this project on-time, within budget,
and achieved LEED Silver certification. This project achieved LEED
Silver certification. Winner of AGC Build New England Honor Award.

PROJECT Amount: $47 Million
FACTS Size: 115,200 SF
Owner: City of Chelsea
Designer: HMFH Architects
Construction Type: Phased / Occupied / New Construction

3