This integrated high school project includes a 50+ acre parcel with approximately 175 feet of grade change across the property. The +400K square foot building, parking structure with synthetic turf field, and extensive site program were designed by the team at SMMA to be welcoming and inclusive for all stakeholders.
The project also included a restoration project for an intermittent stream on the property. The previous owners had been dumping yard debris into the woods on the property and the dumping spot happened to be over an intermittent stream. This debris had been sitting so long that it created a small area of hydric soils. These hydric soils and the associated bordering vegetated wetland triggered an NOI to be filed per the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act. The intermittent stream and BVW were restored to a level of beauty and function that the site had never experienced before the project. The restoration area was completed in 2021 before majority of construction had begun. A two year monitoring period was completed in December 2023. The school building and facilities are scheduled to open in 2024.
Wetland Restoration during construction 2023
The campus will serve both traditional and vocational students on the grounds. Outdoor classroom spaces were designed throughout the campus to give a varied experience to instruction. The site program also includes an early education playground, outdoor dining for both students and the student restaurant, and multiple instructional spaces for groups ranging from 20 to 100 students.
The planting aesthetic of the project was to include native plants everywhere possible. The inclusion of site originated boulders and many innovative storm water management features create a unique space for students and the public.
Rendered Site Plan
Rendered Section
Rendered Model Image
Planting Plan I
Planting Plan II
Restoration L&M and Grading Plans
