Design team trims Salem High School program by about 12,000 square feet; floor layouts refined

Design consultants for the Salem High School project told the building committee on Sept. 25 they reduced the schematic-design program to reduce cost and better fit the site. Studio 21-12 presenters said the project’s gross square footage dropped from about 362,700 GSF at the PSR phase to roughly 350,770 GSF after recent test fits and program consolidations. "We did take some time to do some reductions," a Studio 21-12 presenter said. The reductions included consolidating two 'Connect for Success' classrooms into one, removing a standalone health classroom and folding an 800–850-square-foot computer/digital lab into the media center. Consultants also reported targeted reductions in several CTE spaces (electrical, carpentry, property maintenance, automotive and graphic design) after reviews with program staff. The team emphasized that some equipment identified in CTE and auto programs will be reused where appropriate to control cost. Updated floor plans retain a central spine of circulation, place administration and secure entry near the front vestibule, consolidate MEP and loading at the back of the building adjacent to automotive and place CTE shops with strong outdoor access and daylighting. The design team also presented roof and solar studies, indicating a targeted energy-use intensity and an initial estimate of on-site PV area; consultants said design and cost discussions remain ongoing and that MSBA filing deadlines require decisions about what to include in the base bid versus alternates. Committee members asked for additional detail on room adjacencies, toilet locations and student circulation times; designers acknowledged those items remain in development and will be refined in the coming schematic weeks.