Rich, W.T., Co., Inc.

Owner:

KIPP Academy

Client:

Arrowstreet Architects, Boston, MA

Scope Of Work

OVERVIEW

W.T. Rich was hired to manage the construction of an elementary school addition to the existing KIPP High School and complex renovation of a 100-year old former warehouse building that converted into a new modern-day High School for grades 9-12.

Phase I – Elementary School Addition

A new 2-story, 15,000 SF addition to the existing High School at 90 Rock Street. Space included the development of five kindergarten classrooms on Level 2 and five first grade classrooms on Level 1. In addition, alterations within the existing building took place on both levels and consisted of relocating offices and breakout rooms to facilitate corridor connections to the addition. This phase also included a new parking lot, basketball court and two synthetic turf fields among other site improvements and landscaping. The high school remained fully occupied and operational throughout construction of this phase.    

Phase II – New High School Renovation

Conversion of a 100-year old warehouse building into a new, modern-day high school. The existing loading dock was transformed into a new multilevel Dining Commons featuring a glass storefront overlooking the street. 

HIGHLIGHTS & CHALLENGES

Phase I was completed within a fast track 8 month schedule. Our team utilized early packages for utilities, foundation, steel, rough-in and finishes, sitework and landscaping.  All work was performed during the 2016 school year and turned over for the start of the 2017 school year. Coordination and communication with the school was critical to the success of Phase I. KIPP was fully occupied for about 95% of the project. 

Phase I faced a complex phasing schedule in which MEP and life systems had to be maintained throughout the school year. Many upstream or downstream “out-of-phase” systems had to be identified and addressed (i.e., replaced, modified, relocated) to meet the needs of the occupied school. Such work was performed on second shift to avoid disturbance in occupied areas. Ongoing maintenance and troubleshooting of the combined fire alarm system servicing the existing school and construction is one example of this challenge. Other phasing challenges including building access, egress and stairwells.

Phase II the existing building was purchased outright by KIPP during partial occupancy. Heavy demolition scope was required and performed off-shift as to not disturb KIPP in Building B and one remaining daycare tenant in Building A. Throughout demolition additional scope was required including extensive flooring underlayment removal.

Phase II was complex and the existing building included numerous hidden conditions that needed to be accounted for as the work progressed. W.T. Rich was able to respond to these issues effectively and ensure that competitive pricing was obtained from contractors and that changes were implemented without the need for a time extension on any project phases.

PROJECT INFORMATION

Location: Lynn, MA

Completion: 

Phase I: August 2017

Phase II: August 2019 

Contract Value: $26.6 million

Size: 

Phase I: 12,000 SF

Phase II: 60,000 SF

Type:  Addition and Renovation

Owner: KIPP Academy

Designer: Arrowstreet Architects, Boston, MA

Delivery Method: CM-at-Risk (M.G.L. Chapter 149A)

Contact WT Rich

RESULTS

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.