WAKEFIELD — The firm of Symmes, Maini & McKee Associates, Inc. (SMMA) of Boston has been selected as the designer for the new Wakefield Memorial High School Building Project.
The Designer Selection Panel of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) made the selection last week from a group of three finalists. Earlier this month, the MSBA Designer Selection Panel (DSP), shortlisted three designers from a group of 10 highly qualified design firms that submitted proposals.
At their meeting last week, the Designer Selection Panel (DSP) conducted in-depth interviews with the three finalists: Arrowstreet in association with Moody Nolan; Dore & Whittier in association with Finegold Alexander; and SMMA. The DSP voted to select SMMA as the top-ranked firm. The Permanent Building Committee will now enter into the fee negotiations and contract phase with SMMA.
The town is undertaking a feasibility study in partnership with the MSBA to determine whether a renovation, addition/renovation, or a new Wakefield Memorial High should be constructed. SMMA will perform the feasibilty study and present a range of options from renovation to new construction. The town will then recommend the most cost effective and educationally appropriate preferred solution to the MSBA Board of Directors for their consideration.
The DSP is made up of 13 appointed members and three representatives of the local city, town or regional school district who are selected by the district on a project-by-project basis. Wakefield’s representatives on the DSP were School Superintendent Doug Lyons, Town Administrator Stephen P. Maio and School Committee member Ami Wall.
According to Town Administrator Stephen P. Maio, the three local representatives on the DSP were pleased with the selection of SMMA as the designer as the firm was their top choice.
After being rejected for three straight years, Wakefield Memorial High School was accepted into the MSBA’s funding program on Dec. 11, 2019. The MSBA partners with Massachusetts communities to support the design and construction of educationally-appropriate, flexible, sustainable and cost-effective public school facilities.
Last spring, project management firm LeftField was chosen by the Permanent Building Committee to serve as Owner’s Project Manager (OPM) for the Wakefield Memorial High School building project. An OPM works as a consultant on behalf of the town through the completion of the project and must be completely independent from the designer, general contractor and any sub-contractors involved in the project at all times.
Next month, a community forum will be scheduled to introduce SMMA to the residents of Wakefield and discuss the feasibility study process. Learn more about SMMA and their work at smma.com.
A new web site has been created to provide information on the Wakefield Memorial High School building project. Visit wakefieldmhsproject.com for project updates and upcoming events.