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Richard School project moves forward to designer selection; cost estimates range widely
Summary
The Richard School Building Committee reported a process to select an owner’s project manager and upcoming designer procurement. The committee shortlisted Vertex as OMP and outlined two design options (a 950-student option on site or an 870-student option with work at Caine School), with estimated costs between about $35 million and $150 million; the School Building Authority will select the designer and city funding votes are not expected until 2026.
At the Dec. 16 meeting the Marlborough City Council received an update from the Richard School Building Committee on next steps for a proposed K–5 school project.
Councilor Roby said the committee selected Vertex as the owner’s project manager after a competitive request-for-services. Vertex will work with the School Building Authority (SBA) as the project advances; the committee expects a designer selection process to conclude in February 2025 after a designer request-for-services is advertised.
The committee outlined two development options: a 950‑student project on the current site (which could include an addition or renovation while keeping K–5 students in the building) or an 870‑student option that would rely on district funding and an expansion at Caine School to handle anticipated enrollment. Cost estimates cited to the council ranged from about $35,000,000 to $150,000,000; the report stressed that work at Caine School under option two would be entirely the city’s expense and would not receive SBA funding.
Roby told the council that because the SBA plays a dominant role in designer selection and funding approval, the process can be slow. He said a preferred schematic and program will be developed and that a council funding vote is not expected until September 2026. The building committee plans additional community meetings as the designer is selected and the feasibility study proceeds.
