Principles provide committee updated new EPHS schematics

Finalized version of plans should be in place by next month

By Mike Rego
Posted 1/17/19

EAST PROVIDENCE — The principles involved in designing and constructing the new East Providence High School gave the School Committee at its January 15 meeting what was termed a progress review of …

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Principles provide committee updated new EPHS schematics

Finalized version of plans should be in place by next month

Posted

EAST PROVIDENCE — The principles involved in designing and constructing the new East Providence High School gave the School Committee at its January 15 meeting what was termed a progress review of the schematic plans for the structure.

Sam Bradner, of Peregrine Group, the district’s OPM (Owner’s Project Manager) added the goal of his company and the project architects, Ai3, is to present the committee with a finalized schematic outline by the board’s next meeting scheduled for mid-February.

Included in last week’s update, were refined architectural renderings of the proposed new building along with the enhanced athletic facilities set to be built. The design calls for an airy, open floor plan with a large amount of glass and overlooks on the interior. The expectation of a June 2019 start to construction remains.

Mr. Bradner, in his introductory remarks, said both Peregrine and Ai3 continue to actively engage the Rhode Island Department of Education, which will reimburse the city upwards of 74.5 percent of funding on approximately $130 million of the overall $189.5 million cost of the new EPHS. Voters in November 2018 were required to approve a bond referendum supporting the entire price of the project. The state, through RIDE, will pay back East Providence the aforementioned 74.5 percent or around $95-$100 million on two-thirds of total cost.

Of working with RIDE, Mr. Bradner said, “They’re going to allow us to be somewhat dynamic.” He added the department will coordinate with designers to provide “real-time feedback” throughout the process.

As he did previously, Jim Jordan, of Ai3, re-emphasized one of the keys to the overall design of the new EPHS will be its sustainability, it being much more energy efficient than the existing structure. As well, a simplified floor plan, he said, has been created to counter the meandering one of the current school.

“The desire was to create something that is easily identifiable and better navigated for students,” Mr. Jordan explained, adding it would also enhance security aspects of the building.

Another important component is the “academic zones,” which Mr. Jordan said will “create an energized and interactive learning environment.” Similarly, he said the layout will enhance students’ ability to socialize and learn collaboratively. The sports facilities, he noted, will meet national standards for size and scope. Referring back to security aspects of the design, Mr. Jordan said “commons” areas like the library, cafeteria, auditorium, gymnasium and fitness center will all have singular entry points, preventing access to other parts of the building.

Of the renderings and other aspects of the proposed design, Mr. Jordan said with a bit of caution, “These are progress images. Nothing is set in stone.”

In concluding last week’s presentation, Mr. Bradner interjected, “We want to be aspirational about what will ultimately be delivered to the city, to the district and to the community. But we obviously have to check things along the way, just like any construction project you’re going to do. So those cost estimating steps will allow us to better understand what can be achieved and what things we might have to consider differently…to do it as economically as possible to bring the project in on-budget or, ideally, under-budget.”

Incoming Ward 3 City Councilor and former Committeeman from the same district Nate Cahoon, who continues to serve as the new EPHS Building Committee co-chairman with At-Large Committeeman Joel Monteiro, said he is pleased with the progress made to date, though he emphasized the process remains fluid.

"The Building Committee is excited to see this amazing school begin to take shape. But it's important to remember that these renderings are in an early phase,” Mr. Cahoon, who also spoke at last week’s meeting, said in a follow-up exchange.

“In the coming days and weeks the Building Committee will be working through detailed cost estimates, coordinating between the Architect and the Construction Manager, and working with the Rhode Island Department of Education to make necessary adjustments. These adjustments could — and likely will — impact the final appearance of the building.

“But having completed the Educational Visioning process with faculty, students, parents and administrators, and having worked hand-in-hand with our architect since the bond was approved, we feel it is appropriate to give the public a snapshot of where this project is headed.

Like his colleague, Mr. Monteiro later emphasized the architectural renderings provided only a “preliminary” overview of the new EPHS and he urged members of the public to be patient while at the same time remain enthusiastic about the undertaking ahead.

“I think it’s good to show the community what we intend to deliver to the City of East Providence,” Mr. Monteiro added. “I hope people are excited about what’s coming. I know we are. We want them to be engaged. And we want to be transparent in the process.”

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