[ad_1]
The Pennsbury School Board has selected an architecture firm to design the district’s next high school.
KCBA Architects was elected in a 6-2 vote, with one board member abstaining. How much the district would pay was not immediately announced at last Thursday’s school board meeting, but it was in the millions.
KCBA Architects, based in Hatfield Borough, Montgomery County, beat out Crabtree, Rohrbaugh and Associates. The selection process began last year, with nine proposals received from architecture firms.
Board members Lois Lambing and Josh Waldorf both supported Crabtree, Rohrbaugh and Associates.
Waldorf believes Crabtree, Rohrbaugh and Associates provided an excellent, data-driven approach, particularly regarding traffic patterns around the proposed high school.
Although the fee was not disclosed at last Thursday’s meeting, it is worth noting that KCBA Architects’ bid was $1.6 million lower than the competition.
“You get what you pay for,” Waldorf said.
Board member Donna Abrescia, a recent addition to the board, abstained from the vote. She noted that much of the process began before she joined the board.
Board Chair Dr. Joanna Steere said KCBA Architects and Crabtree, Rohrbaugh and Associates worked together to deliver a solid presentation. She noted that they are more familiar with plans and costs in the Philadelphia area.
“I feel like they have a great relationship with us. They hear our voices and understand who we are… and they’re going to do a great job,” said board member Linda Palsky.
Several other board members spoke highly of both firms, but noted that they believed KCBA Architects would be the better choice for Pennsbury.
Steele said after the vote that choosing a construction company was a “long process.”
KCBA Architects has a long history with the area and has been leading the renovation of Charles Boehm Middle School in Lower Markfield Township. Renovations are still ongoing and have resulted in cost overruns that officials blame on unexpected problems.
KCBA Architects last month highlighted their “Pennsbury Path” concept, a design feature designed to connect various parts of the campus while promoting accessibility and engagement.
Mike Kelly, a representative of KCBA Architects, emphasized the firm’s focus on versatility, environmental sustainability, and creating a welcoming atmosphere that encourages personal experiences within large facilities.
KCBA Architects representatives told the school board they would work to design a building that would gain daylight and be energy efficient. Additionally, security measures will be implemented, entrances and exits will be improved, and separate areas will be established for public and private vehicles.
The KCBA architects team said they will work hard to create an inspiring environment for students.
Crabtree, Rohrbaugh and Associates proposed a design centered on the concept of a “main street” designed to promote collaboration and community within the school.
After selecting KCBA Architects, the district will begin developing the final design.
Recently, Superintendent Dr. Thomas Smith said the design process will take place over the next year in consultation with students, staff, and community members.
Construction on a new high school in Falls Township will begin next summer after designs are completed and approved.
The new high school is expected to open in the winter of 2029.
The plan is expected to cost $240 million to $275 million, and the district aims to keep costs under $250 million to avoid a voter referendum.
The new high school will span 475,000 to 505,000 square feet and accommodate up to 2,800 students.
Pennsbury has enacted tax increases earmarked for capital projects and plans to issue bonds.
Chris Berdnik, the district’s treasurer, said the long-term financial strategy could result in principal and interest payments reaching $569.4 million, with the possibility of further borrowing to further improve the district’s condition.
The selection marks an important step in the district’s long process of building a new high school.
The new Pennsbury High School will be the first high school built in Lower Bucks County since Council Rock High School South opened in 2002 in Northampton Township. Centennial School District’s William Tennent High School, located in Central Bucks County and serving part of Lower Bucks County, opened in 2011.
Report corrections via email | Editorial Standards and Policies
[ad_2]
Source link