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List #3
Wellesley High School – the essentials
 1956 wing
– No consideration has been given to adding
another floor to the 1956 wing. This option needs to be
studied as originally intended. The 1956 Building
Committee (See Reference: Construction Plans and
Specifications for a Classroom Wing Addition and
Associated Alternatives to the Gamaliel Bradford Senior
High School, 1954) specifically outlined an additional
future use for this wing: “The foundations and
superstructure of the new wing have been designed to
permit the addition of another floor should this prove
desirable at some future time.” An additional floor
to the 1956 wing as originally planned would add six or
more classrooms, offices, or open flex-spaces to the High
School |
| Maintenance
– Also, much attention has been given to the
maintenance of Wellesley High School, (See Reference:
Wellesley Public Schools Planned Cleaning and Maintenance
Program, May 1993 and Reference: Indoor Air Quality
Assessment, Wellesley High School, 2004). Proper and
timely maintenance of preserved and restored areas, such
as hallways, classrooms, etc., will be needed. The town
must assume responsibility for the cleanliness and
maintenance of the building and the site. |
| HVAC – The HVAC problem
at Wellesley High School has been well documented (See
Reference: Indoor Air Quality Assessment, Wellesley High
School, 2004). We encourage a complete review and
assessment of the School’s HVAC systems. It is
important to keep in mind that should replacement of
these systems be necessary, it can be accomplished while
preserving the character of the 1938 building and the
integrity of the structure. We should also consider the
feasibility of air conditioning the entire structure in
order to accommodate year-round use of the building. |
| Greening of
the High School – The
orientation of the original 1938 building maximizes
sunlight. High ceilings and large spacious rooms add to
this benefit. The exterior of the building is covered
with attractive red Westfield brick that retains heat and
protects it from the elements. Today, more than ever, we
are energy conscious. Over the years, many ceilings have
been lowered to hide ventilation ducts, sprinkler pipes,
and other utilities. Restoration of rooms and corridors
to their original height would capture more sunlight. The
Wellesley High School Preservation Committee endorses the
greening initiative. In pursuing this initiative, the
entire interior and exterior of the 1938 building with
its Wilbury Crockett Library should be preserved. Any
exterior additions, such as solar panels and the like,
should be tastefully and sensitively implemented. |
| Phasing and
Financing – The staging of the High School
project is of primary importance and concern. Phased
implementation of repairs and restorations during the
summer months would enable the project to proceed with
minimal disruption to the educational process.
Coordination of schedules would enable work of the
highest quality to be done in designated areas in an
efficient and timely manner. |
| In addition to possible reimbursement through the MSBA, consideration of financing should include the Wellesley Community Preservation Committee and available matching state and federal grants offered for restoration of municipal buildings once the High School is included on the National Register of Historic Places (Massachusetts Historical Commission fact sheet #3). We should take advantage of these opportunities to support funding for the continued use and preservation of a town landmark. |