Design team and MSBA submission bring Pard Middle School project into sharper focus; budget set near $325M

Designers and construction managers presented updated schematic drawings, material choices and a phased construction plan for the Pard Middle School replacement project and outlined a reconciled cost estimate and project schedule ahead of a schematic design submission to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA).

Architects described a central hub flanked by classroom wings, a lower roof used for outdoor classrooms, rooftop solar and a gym/theater arrangement. The project is proposed in two phases so the school can remain partially occupied during construction: most construction would occur in phase one and the northern sixth‑grade wing would be completed in phase two. The design team emphasized durable materials (brick, concrete panels, zinc accents), daylit common spaces and deliberate stormwater and site strategies.

Project managers reported a reconciled construction value of about $259.9 million and an overall project budget of $325.4 million including soft costs, FFE and contingencies; the MSBA base reimbursement rate at the time is about 35.4% with potential additional credits for green building measures. Staff outlined a schedule that targets phase‑one mobilization in spring 2028 with phased occupancy in 2030–2032 and described a strategy to pursue geothermal heating/cooling and extensive rooftop PV to reduce lifecycle energy costs. The school building committee approved a set of value‑engineered items and add‑alternates that staff will carry into the MSBA schematic design submission.