OVERVIEW
W.T. Rich led the phased, occupied renovation of Leominster Senior High School, a 280,000 SF building hosting over 2,000 students. The project consisted of a comprehensive replacement of the building’s MEP systems, as well selective architectural upgrades throughout and two new additions. W.T. Rich served as the construction manager on this CM-at-Risk (M.G.L. Chapter 149A) major modernization and addition project.
HIGHLIGHTS
Detailed coordination during preconstruction planning was required between our construction team, the City of Leominster and the design team of Lamoureux Pagano & Associates
The project was heavily phased to accommodate the occupancy requirements of the school, which included 50,000 SF of specialized vocational and technical space that was completely renovated over a single summer
The scope of work also included a new 14,000 SF new science wing addition and an accessible entryway ramp for the auditorium
Location: Leominster, MA
Completion: October 2013
Contract Value: $35 million
Size: 296,000 SF
Type: Renovation / Addition
Owner: City of Leominster, Leominster, MA
Designer: Lamoureux Pagano Associates, Worcester, MA
Delivery Method: CM-at-Risk (M.G.L. Chapter 149A)
CHALLENGES & SOLUTIONS
The central challenge to the project was the need for the high school to remain occupied and operational throughout the construction period. To navigate this, W.T. Rich organized the construction process into seven phases, which spanned two and a half years. Phasing included a plan to schedule intrusive work for after-hours and fast-track construction work during two summer break sessions
Another key challenge was the discovery of extensive, unanticipated hazardous material (PCBs) after the project was underway. However, through efficient use of shift work, all PCB abatement work was integrated into the project without the need for any schedule extensions
Due to the inherently complex nature of the project, many unforeseen conditions were uncovered as the work progressed. W.T. Rich was able to respond to these issues effectively, ensuring that we obtained the most competitive pricing from our subcontractors and that we addressed these challenges without the need for a time extension on any project phases
RESULTS
W.T. Rich achieved on-time completion of the final project phase in August 2013, and final completion and closeout by October 2013. W.T. Rich delivered the project with excellence – meeting every deadline, staying on budget and earning the praise of the school for our ability to minimize the impact on the school’s educational environment.
"The Leominster High School was a $35 million, complicated, multi-phased, fully occupied project. W.T. Rich orchestrated the work over 7 major phases in a fashion where every deadline was met for occupancy, and they worked harmoniously with the School, the City, and other team members. We look forward to working with W.T. Rich on future projects.”
Rob Para, Jr., AIA, Principal
Lamoureux Pagano Associates
Leominster H.S. - Addition & Renovation
"The Leominster High School was a $35 million, complicated, multi-phased, fully occupied project. W.T. Rich orchestrated the work over 7 major phases in a fashion where every deadline was met for occupancy, and they worked harmoniously with the School, the City, and other team members. We look forward to working with W.T. Rich on future projects.”
Rob Para, Jr., AIA, Principal
Lamoureux Pagano Associates
Leominster H.S. - Addition & Renovation
“W.T. Rich provided excellent planning and construction services for a complex, phased renovation of Leominster High School. Their staff was highly qualified and they had a strong emphasis on good communication with the Architect, OPM and Owner. It was a pleasure to work with them.”
Richard Marks
Daedalus Projects, Inc., OPM
Leominster High School Addition and Renovation