Northeast Metro Tech
Update
06/07/21
Gilbane Hired as Construction Manager for Northeast Metro Tech Development
Gilbane Building Company has been hired as the construction manager for Northeast Metro Tech's new campus. Designed by architect DRA with PMA Consultants serving as the owner’s project manager, the new school will be a state-of-the-art facility and will allow Northeast to grow its enrollment from 1,270 students to 1,600 — a 26% increase.
The increase in available seats is expected to shorten the district’s annual waitlist, which on average totals approximately 400 students.
“Hiring a construction manager is a significant step forward in the Northeast Metro Tech building project,” Superintendent David DiBarri said. “With Gilbane on board, we can now begin to move forward with the fine-tuning of our Schematic Design drawings and cost estimate to build the project. We look forward to sharing these details as they are finalized with our communities in the coming weeks and months through forums, events and regular updates.”
“We’re incredibly excited to be a part of the NEMT project team. Having worked with both PMA and DRA in the past on similar successful projects, we’re confident we can work together through the next phases of design and construction to build a contemporary school the NEMT district communities will be proud of for years to come,” said Mike O’Brien, senior vice president and MA business unit leader for Gilbane.
The building project is estimated to cost $317.5 million, and the Massachusetts School Building Authority will contribute between $110-1140 million in grant funding to support the project, a total which will be finalized in August. Northeast’s 12 sending communities will be responsible for the remainder of the project costs.
The new NEMT High School will address the current facility’s outdated building systems, including much-needed ADA accessibility and code compliance upgrades, in addition to overcrowding. The new school will feature 21st-century learning environments, improved Individualized Education Program (IEP) accommodations, state-of-the-art shop space, expanded program offerings, a new primary access roadway from Farm Street to reduce traffic congestion, a full-size gym, a 750-seat auditorium, outdoor space for learning and a new cafeteria. With a focus on sustainability, the project is targeting LEED Silver+ certification with energy-efficient mechanical systems, provisions for solar panels, and vegetated roofs. The compact, four-story design will feature an upper-level courtyard, roof decks, and a double-height library rotunda.
