Module 4 – Schematic Design

The District and its team, in collaboration with the MSBA, develop a robust schematic design of sufficient detail to establish the scope, budget and schedule for the Proposed Project. The MSBA generates a Project Scope and Budget Agreement that documents the project scope, budget, schedule and MSBA financial participation to forward to the MSBA Board of Directors for their consideration. Approval by the MSBA Board of Directors is required for all projects in order for the MSBA to enter into a Project Scope and Budget Agreement and a Project Funding Agreement with the District.

Schematic Design Timeline

The initial schedule proposed by Perkins Eastman is a schematic design submission to MSBA on July 11, 2018 for an August Board of Directors meeting. The SBC strongly urged Perkins Eastman to target a June 2018 Board of Directors meeting. Perkins Eastman agreed to make every effort to target the June meeting. Removing the New School on the expanded site option will help to expedite the schedule. As a result, the City Manager, Perkins Eastman, and Skanska requested that the MSBA allow the City to forgo exploration of the New School on the expanded site. 

On June 27, 2018, the MSBA voted to approve the City of Lowell to proceed into schematic design for an addition and renovation project at the Lowell High School, contingent upon the City gaining full ownership, control and exclusive use of the entire site, including the adjacent property by eminent domain.