By Seth Daniel
Demolition has recently commenced at the Clark Avenue Middle School, the former Chelsea High School building. According to school officials, this marks the start of Phase 2 of the project, with complete demolition expected by April.
This month, demolition crews arrived at the site to begin removing the old structure, which served most recently as the Clark Avenue Middle School and previously as Chelsea High School for many decades.
Phase 2 of the Clark Avenue Middle School project includes this demolition work and runs parallel to the initial phase of the new school construction. Phase 1 opened in December and currently accommodates students. The completion target for Phase 2 is December 2018.
“The demo work on the last part of the old building is progressing,” explained Gerry McCue of the Chelsea Public Schools. “That should be complete by the end of April. The the steel will go up and the construction will continue. The completion date for Phase 2 is August 2018.”
The building that became Clark Avenue Middle School was originally Chelsea High School until the 1990s, when the high school relocated to a new site. The structure holds nostalgic value for many longtime Chelsea residents. According to McCue, efforts were made to preserve elements of the historic building, though certain iconic features—including the sculptures positioned above the main entrance—could not be salvaged.
“Those features above the front door were just too damaged over the years,” McCue noted.
The new school will include a dedicated space honoring the former building, and several plaques from the original school will be reinstalled there.
McCue indicated that the inscription formerly displayed on the old school will be recreated in the new school’s courtyard upon project completion. The inscription reads: “Wisdom Is More Than Knowledge, Character Greater Than Power.”
The initial phase involved constructing the first wing across from Clark Avenue. Students began occupying this section in January, and early outcomes have been encouraging.
“There have been a lot of good reviews from students and staff so far,” McCue stated. “The contractor is still working on the punch list items. Many have said that it was worth the wait to have a beautiful new space with up to date technology and a modern building. It’s a big plus.”
The second wing will be positioned away from the street, creating a ‘V’ configuration with a courtyard oriented toward Clark Avenue. According to McCue, this courtyard design also serves a safety function by keeping students away from the sidewalk during arrival and departure periods.
A community meeting was scheduled for Wednesday evening to address upcoming comprehensive roadwork improvements, offered as recognition for the neighborhood’s patience during years of school construction.
City Manager Tom Ambrosino announced plans for extensive repairs on Tudor, Warren, Clark, and a portion of Crescent Avenue.
“They’ll end up with new utilities, drainage systems, sewers, streets and sidewalks when all is said and done,” Ambrosino stated. “It is a consolation to abutters for putting up with the construction.”
According to Ambrosino, the work will create some disruption but should be finished by year’s end.
Phase 2 will encompass the library, specialized classrooms, administrative offices, technology labs, a combined gym and auditorium, and a drama stage.
The first phase provided all standard classrooms and the cafeteria.