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CSArch presents schematic design for Menands UFSD addition and building upgrades
Summary
CSArch and engineering partners presented a schematic design for a school addition that would add three classrooms, two resource rooms, storage and interior reconfigurations; the board asked about furniture eligibility, potential solar and the State review timeline.
CSArch and its engineering partners presented schematic designs on Aug. 25 to the Menands Union Free School District board showing a proposed addition with three classrooms, two small resource rooms and expanded storage, along with multiple infrastructure replacements.
The presentation, introduced by the district superintendent, described program elements that include repurposing an underused locker/OT/PT area, adding 30 student lockers to support middle/intermediate classrooms and replacing roughly 42 interior door leaves and six exterior doors. Mechanical upgrades include replacing boilers and about 10 unit ventilators and installing air conditioning in selected classrooms.
"We are with CSArch Architects for the District," the CSArch presenter said while outlining the scope and schedule for the schematic-phase deliverable. The firm showed level-of-alteration plans that separate simple "replacement-in-kind" work (doors, finishes, unit ventilators) from Level 2 reconfigurations that involve removing walls and changing room layouts.
Patrick Mortimer, a mechanical engineer at JPI, described the heating and cooling approach: "We're replacing a few of the unit ventilators and we're gonna be adding some cooling" and said a chilled-water system would require extensive piping replacement, so the addition will use a rooftop unit to serve the new classrooms and resource spaces.
Board members asked about several operational details. The board chair asked whether laundry had been included; CSArch said plans are being updated and an outbuilding or service space to accommodate washers and dryers is being considered. Members also asked whether the State will fund movable furniture or consider it a fixture; the presenter said state support typically focuses on building elements and that furniture eligibility depends on how the space is categorized in the State submission.
Engineers from GPI reported the electrical service upgraded in 2016 appears sized to support the planned mechanical improvements, but noted rooftop solar would require a larger footprint or a separate funding effort to achieve meaningful payback. CSArch emphasized the design intent to keep exterior materials in keeping with the existing building and to add an interior stair to improve maintenance and avoid exterior snow-removal issues.
The firm outlined next steps and timing: design development through November, construction documents and submission to the State Education Department (estimated early February), and anticipated public bidding and award in April–May with construction beginning the following summer and closeout expected in late 2027. Presenters said State technical review times have recently shortened but fiscal/project manager review can add time.
