BHS Committee to Share Progress at Community Forum

The Burlington High School Building Committee is gearing up for a virtual community forum on May 29 to showcase progress on the new high school design. Residents will have the chance to view updated floor plans and ask questions about the project.

Architect Chris Blessen from design firm Tappé Architects presented the latest schematic designs at a Building Committee meeting on May 22, highlighting key design elements.

"We've gone through a series of programming meetings with the teachers, the staff and all the Department heads, and we are scheduling the same sessions for students," Blessen said. "The plan ... has been revised based on those meetings, and we're getting closer to the result."

Committee members raised questions about special education spaces, traffic flow, and parking, all of which the design team confirmed they'd clarify for the public meeting this coming Thursday. Of note, a reconfiguration of the parking areas will result in about 39 more parking spaces than the school currently has, said Blessen. A bus lane will also be delineated.

More Building Committee meetings are planned for July, August, and September as the schematic design phase moves forward. Terry Hartford, representing Owner's Project Manager, Dore & Whittier, said he expected "several meetings in September leading up to Town Meeting" when the town's legislative body will likely vote on project funding.

The committee is set to receive proposals from construction management firms on June 28 and aims to bring a firm on board by July 11. Hartford said he expects "good coverage and plenty of interest from various construction managers."

While all Building Committee meetings are open to the public, the forum on May 29 is designed to give a focused update to the public on the progress toward the design of the renovated Burlington High School, which will include an entirely new classroom wing with three stories and a lower level, as well as renovated gym and auditorium spaces.

This forum is virtual and can be accessed via this link. The School Committee plans to offer a viewing space at the high school for those who have difficulty participating online; stay tuned for information about where this in-person viewing will be held.