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The High Cost of Doing Nothing

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Cost/ The High Cost of Doing Nothing

  • LHS was constructed in multiple phases from 1948 to 1965
  • In 2000, a major renovation to the building was completed, including 19,000 sq ft of additional space. The new space included a new library and support spaces adjacent to the cafeteria.
  • At that time, the total building square footage was 328,470
  • As a result of the addition, the design capacity was increased to 1,850 students
  • Modular classrooms were added 10 years ago adding 24,000 sq ft
  • Today, the facility currently holds more than 2,400 students
  • The facility is 352,470 sq ft

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Cost/ The High Cost of Doing Nothing

  • In 2020 a Facilities Assessment of the LHS informed the 20-year Capital Plan and identified the following systems require immediate replacement:
        • Roofing (most of the building is due for replacement)
        • HVAC (most is original, no cooling in classrooms)
        • Electrical improvements
        • Windows (most are original)
        • Plumbing (distribution systems)
        • Controls for all systems

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Cost/ The High Cost of Doing Nothing

  • The cost for replacing these systems alone are approximately $200,000,000
  • This does not include phasing, structural work required, insulating the building cavity, finishes, or temporary modular classrooms to perform this work
  • Because pf the amount of work listed above, the project will need to comply with the current Building Codes
  • SMMA estimated a full renovation project to cost $300,000,000
  • Most importantly, this does not include moving one wall or adding one square foot to the building. This will not address any current educational program shortfalls.

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Cost/ The High Cost of Doing Nothing

  • If the town partnered with the MSBA on the Code Improvements only project, the town would likely be reimbursed $75,000,000
  • Current enrollment would still be above 2,400 students
  • The building would still be too small
  • The classrooms would still be undersized
  • There would not be enough lab spaces
  • No expansion of the Commons areas, gym, or auditorium improvements

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Cost/ The High Cost of Doing Nothing

What is the difference in projects?

  • If the town decided to do nothing, a capital request from DPF will be presented to renovate the LHS at a cost of approximately $250,000,000 - $300,000,000. Code updates only, no program changes.
  • The SMMA option to simply renovate the entire facility is $300,000,000 with the MSBA possibly contributing $75,000,000. Code updates only, no program changes.
  • An example of an Add/Reno or new construction will cost approximately $630,000,000 with the MSBA and rebates totaling $150,000,000. This would yield a new modern facility addressing enrollment and all programmatic needs.