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Frequently Asked Questions

  • General Project Information
    What is the project timeline?

    1. Phase 1 New Building West Construction: April 2018 to August 2019
    2. Phase 2 New Building East Construction: June 2019 to August 2020
    3. Phase 3 Demolition & Site Improvements: June 2020 to May 2021


    How can I stay informed about the construction timeline and impacts?


    The City maintains a biweekly email update group for residents and businesses. To sign up, email JRossetti@somervillema.gov. Parents and guardians of current Somerville High School students and rising freshmen will receive regular project updates via email and/or voicemail from the District.


    Will demolition be scheduled during school breaks? Will any occur during school time?


    The majority of the demolition of the current building will take place over the summer break to be least disruptive to the learning environment. However, demolition and construction of the unoccupied "C" wing will begin in April/May 2018 after students have been relocated to modular classrooms. Demolition of the "C" wing is on the project schedule's primary critical path and cannot wait until school break without both cost and time impact to the Phase 1 substantial completion milestone deadline.


    Who are the contractors for this project?


    1. The Construction Manager is Suffolk Construction [Boston, MA].
    2. The Owner's Project Manager is PMA Consultants [Braintree, MA].
    3. The project Architect is SMMA [Cambridge, MA].
    4. The above firms employ dozens of subcontractors and sub-consultants.


    Are there diversity hiring goals/requirements for this project?


    The Somerville High School building project is a project of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) and as such is subject to MSBA requirements that: “All construction contracts shall be in conformity with applicable laws and regulations related to minority hiring. Every Authority-assisted contract for a project including sub-contracts shall include the Commonwealth's Supplemental Equal Employment Opportunity/AntiDiscrimination and Affirmative Action Program as part of the contract.” Information on the EEO/AAAP is located here: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/learn-about-equal-employment-opportunityaffirmative-action-programs.

    Additionally, per Mass. General Law, the contract with Suffolk Construction, the project manager, sets the following goals for hiring MBE and WBE businesses (Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises) as subcontractors for the project. As of Spring 2019, the Design Participation goals for MBE and WBE businesses have been exceeded and the project is on track to meet or exceed the Construction Participation goals (contracts are still being awarded as construction is ongoing):

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    How can I apply for a job with this project?


    Applicants seeking employment on this or other area projects managed by Suffolk Construction can apply at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5J58FXT
    or call Suffolk directly at 617-652-9220 and ask to speak with any of their Compliance Officers. If anyone needs assistance, especially a Somerville resident, they are happy to assist.

    Applicants seeking administrative/managerial positions can find information at https://www.suffolk.com/careers.

    Suffolk Construction is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, national origin, citizenship, genetic information, disability, protected veteran, gender identity, age, or any other status protected by law.

    How many non-school or City staff will be on site daily?


    Varies depending on phase of construction, but manpower is expected to exceed 200 CORI checked construction workers during peak construction periods.


    What are the hours of construction?


    The Contractor is allowed to work on site between 7:00AM and 7:00PM Monday-Friday, and between 9:00AM and 7:00PM on Saturdays. Work on Sunday and Legal Holidays is prohibited. Any deviation from this plan requires a request made by the contractor 72 hours in advance of the work being performed and the approval of the DPW Commissioner.


    How long will the project take?


    The entire project is expected to take 37 months (April 2018 - May 2021).


    How will this project be impacted by GLX construction for Gilman Square?
    
    The high school project team is coordinating closely with the GLX construction team. During Phase 1, high school construction access will occur primarily via the access road immediately adjacent to the Medford Street bridge. During Phase 2 construction, it is anticipated that construction access will shift east to accommodate GLX work.

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Contact us:
shsfuture@somervillema.gov