Massachusetts Charter School Selects Architect for Renovation Project

The Advanced Math and Science Academy Charter School (AMSA) in Marlborough, Mass., recently selected Boston-based Finegold Alexander Architects to provide the design for an upcoming series of renovation and addition projects. According to a press release, work to be done includes system upgrades, a new multipurpose building, interior fit-outs of a previous office building and redesigning the facility’s traffic patterns.

ASMA is a public charter school that opened in 2005 and serves students in grades 6–12. The academy owns and occupies a three-building campus in a former office park space; Finegold Alexander plans to repurpose the third and fourth floors of one of the office buildings to house additional facilities like science labs, classrooms and administrative space. It will also design a new, 14,000-square-foot multipurpose building.

“While the academic program at AMSA is thriving, our team was able to recognize the need to align the school’s various facilities to create a cohesive environment to support teaching and learning,” said Regan Shields Ives, Principal and K-12 studio leader at Finegold Alexander. “We are excited to embark on this significant partnership with AMSA to creatively address the design challenges that the school is currently facing. Our goal is to support its mission of integrity, excellence and community through innovative and welcoming design.”

Finegold Alexander has completed a number of K–12 projects in the New England area, including the Central Catholic Innovation and Wellness addition; Gibbs School in Arlington, Mass.; Eliot Innovation School in Boston, Mass.; and Methuen High School in Methuen, Mass.

“We are thrilled to partner with Finegold Alexander on transforming our campus into a 21st-century educational institution,” said ASMA Executive Director Ellen Linzey. “Their experience working with other K-12 schools will be invaluable in helping us improve our facilities for our students.”

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Year-Round Schools Require Year-Round Indoor Air Quality Planning

    While many schools are out for the summer, year-round schools follow a more “balanced” schedule with shorter, more frequent breaks spaced throughout the school year. Even though this offers educational benefits, these facilities have less downtime for building maintenance. This can become an issue when facilities managers overlook the importance of routine HVAC maintenance and air duct cleaning services.

  • AAADM Announces Building Safety Month Initiatives

    The American Association of Automatic Door Manufacturers (AAADM) recently announced its support of Building Safety Month as declared by the International Code Council (ICC), according to a news release.

  • Wold Architects & Engineers Announces Acquisition of JJCA

    Wold Architects & Engineers, based in Minneapolis, Minn., recently announced that it has acquired JJCA, an architecture firm based in Nashville, Tenn., according to a press release. JJCA specializes in healthcare and education design; the partnership allows both firms to expand their presence across the country while building on existing strengths.

  • Cal Poly Humboldt Starts Construction on Healthcare Education Hub

    California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt in Arcata, Calif., recently announced that work has begun on a renovation project that will turn the Stewart Building into a new Healthcare Education Hub, according to a news release. The university is partnering with Sundt Construction Inc. for construction services.