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Finegold Alexander Receives Citation for Methuen High School From American School & University MagazineFinegold Alexander Architects announces it has received a Citation for Renovation/Modernizaton from American School & University Magazine. The project transforms an outdated high school building through an intricate balance of renovation for 324,424GSF and a 39,576GSF addition, to create a state-of-the-art high school. The multi-phased project was completed while the building was occupied. The existing 1975 structure was well designed and solidly built, and although innovative for its time, was outdated for modern teaching methods; its open classroom design did not provide an optimal learning environment. Finegold Alexander's design gives the school a fresh identity, reconfigures the interior plan, expands the school, improves the user experience, introduces energy and water efficiency, and meets program requirements for a four-section educationalsystem. "Renovation infuses the building with light-filled spaces and gathering places," was the main comment about the design from the magazine's Jury. The $75 million project encompassed 364,000 SF, and was completed in September of 2014. "The team at Finegold Alexander, along with its construction and design partners, is extremely proud of the new Methuen High School. We hope it will be a model for future similar schools to follow," said Regan Shields Ives, Senior Associate, Finegold Alexander Architects, who led the project. Requested program goals included expanded teaching tools, increased daylight, enhanced arrival and circulation, and adding a new 'heart' to the building. An infusion of natural light now improves the learning environment and reduces electrical demand. Open common areas, flexible learning spaces, and lively colors and finishes enliven the space. The main entry was completely replaced with a grand atrium space, a prominent feature wall, new signage and lighting, appointing the building with a strong, clear identity. There is also a new arts and music wing, along with a 750-seat professional-level 'teaching' auditorium and stage. Landscape improvements provide a more welcoming entry and clarify circulation. The team included: Engineers Design Group (Structural Engineering), RDK Engineers (HVAC, Plumbing and Fire Protection Engineering), ART Engineering Corporation (Electrical Engineering), Nitsch Engineering, Inc. (Civil Engineer), Haley & Aldrich (Geotechnical Engineer), ATC Associates (Hazardous Materials), Copley Wolff Design Group (Landscape Architect), Stefura Associates, Inc. (Interiors), Acentech (Communications), Faithful + Gould (Cost Estimating), Crabtree McGrath Associates (Food Service), Martin Vinik Planning for the Arts (Theater), RW Sullivan (Code), Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. (Environmental Permitting). Consigli Construction served as the construction manager for the project.
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