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Architects say Memorial High design progressing; FEMA review could affect bid timeline
Summary
Design has moved from schematic to design development for Memorial High reconstruction; architects said FEMA is reviewing foundation proposals and the district aims to advertise plans for bid in April if FEMA input arrives in time, with construction expected to take about two years once started.
Architects reported the Memorial High reconstruction design is advancing from schematic design into design development, a step that adds elevations, building sections and details needed to create bidding documents. The architect told the committee they are aiming for plans to go out for bid in April but cautioned that FEMA’s review of foundation proposals and elevations could affect that schedule.
“FEMA has very specific settings. We have to use similar materials. We have to use similar design. We can't add things that the original building didn't,” an architect said, describing constraints imposed by the FEMA review process. Committee members asked technical questions about foundation types, advertising timelines and the anticipated length of construction. The architect estimated construction could take at least two years from start, making the district’s target to begin work ahead of the 2029 school year.
Committee members also discussed how early conceptual renderings circulated online had caused public questions; a member urged better public-facing updates and said the district will post project photos and budgetary information online to improve transparency. The committee requested that staff provide ongoing updates and report any major changes before advertising for bids.
