YES to THOUGHTFUL PLANNING

In 2016, Andover contracted with MGT of America Consulting to complete a Ten Year Facility Master Plan to assess all the municipal buildings in town. This study assessed both the West Elementary and Shawsheen Preschool building conditions as “poor” and determined their suitability was “poor” and “unsatisfactory.”

Andover has thoughtfully developed a plan to address these failing buildings by applying to and being accepted by the MSBA (Massachusetts School Building Authority) in 2016 for financial assistance with a new school. MSBA selected West Elementary as it met many of their priorities for replacement with the most notable of:

“Replacement or renovation of a building which is structurally unsound or otherwise in a condition seriously jeopardizing the health and safety of school children, where no alternative exists.”
Massachusetts School Building Authority

“Elimination of existing severe overcrowding.”
Massachusetts School Building Authority

Andover is securing a vibrant future for its residents with every major municipal project it completes: the new Robb Senior Center, the Town Yard project, the Ballardvale Fire Station, the Historic Mill District project. This new school will be added to the list of Andover’s municipal projects that demonstrate our commitment to good planning for our residents and the town’s future.

“Cafetorium” design for new school

Structural repair in the West El basement

Modular units with a useful life of 15 years have been in place for 53 years and must now be secured to original structure with brackets to protect against further separation.