The Manchester Essex Regional School District shares that JCJ Architecture has been selected as designer for the Essex Elementary School project.
JCJ has an extensive portfolio of K-12 and higher education projects from across the country and it designed Manchester Memorial Elementary School, which opened in 2023.
The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) Designer Selection Panel interviewed three firms on Aug. 12. The panel includes design and construction experts, as well as local district representation, and it is charged with ensuring new schools are well-designed and encourage 21st century teaching and student learning.
JCJ emerged as the top-ranked firm.
“The collaborative vision created for Manchester Memorial resulted in a school that our entire community is proud of,” said Superintendent Pam Beaudoin. “JCJ brings strong knowledge of the Manchester Essex District, and we look forward to continuing this partnership while reimagining an Essex Elementary School that fully meets the needs of students and staff.”
Consultants Habeeb & Associates developed a needs assessment of both Essex Elementary and Manchester Essex Middle High School in 2022. The study identified that Essex Elementary, which opened in 1957, has passed its functional life and requires about $9 million in capital investment.
MSBA oversees school construction projects. It admitted Essex Elementary into its building program in 2023, identifying the school as nearly out of options to address long-term structural and operational issues.
JCJ will work with Dore + Whittier, the Owner’s Project Manager, to study areas including Essex Elementary’s existing conditions and site layout, wetlands delineation, environmental impact, and traffic impact. It also will assist in identifying other potential building sites and developing preliminary cost estimates.
Information gathered will be used to develop options for consideration, including whether to build a new school or renovate/expand the existing building. The District, School Building Committee, JCJ, and Dore + Whittier will work with the MSBA team to ensure the project is fiscally and educationally sound, meets the needs of students and staff, and reflects the school community’s wishes for equity, adaptability, and sustainability.
For more information, visit the Essex Elementary School Building Project website.
For a full overview of phases as part of the MSBA process, click here.