Maine Schools Facilities Assessment
Maine School Administrative District 49 (MSAD #49) engaged CHA to assess the viability of four elementary schools and develop a master plan focused on consolidation, cost of ownership, potential for reuse, and cost of replacement.
CHA's extensive analysis included interviews with staff to understand current use, deficiencies, and future needs. Based on these findings, CHA recommended reprogramming a centrally located elementary school for PreK-2, constructing a new 80,000 SF elementary school for grades 3-6, and closing three outdated facilities. The site selection process led to the selection of a site adjacent to the existing elementary school, which will be reprogrammed to serve grades K-2.
CHA designed the new state-funded school to provide safe and appropriate spaces for 21st-century learning. Key features include a light-filled cafeteria, secure entry vestibule, gymnasium, learning commons, and flexible classrooms, with energy-efficient air-source heat pumps providing year-round heating and cooling.
Collaborating with the Department of Education, CHA designed the facility in preparation for a local referendum. The project passed the referendum in November 2023, and the design is proceeding.
Project summary
Assessment of four elementary schools in MSAD #49's district.
The plan will save approximately $248,000 annually on operations and maintenance costs.
The new 80,000-square-foot school will serve grades 3-6.
Talk to an expert
Kathryn Cogan, LEED AP BD+C
Education Studio Leader
Kathy manages K-12 and higher education projects, including a series of $40 million to $60 million new construction school projects, guiding them from feasibility studies and early concepts to public referendum and through design and construction. These projects have complex stakeholder groups and often require oversight from multiple state agencies.
