In approximately one month, the fully-completed Clark Avenue Middle School will open its doors. Work crews are currently putting finishing touches on the new school building, which represents the culmination of more than three years of construction work across two distinct phases.
“I think we’re shooting for substantial completion by the middle of August,” according to Gerry McCue of the Chelsea Schools. “Teachers go back on Aug. 27 and students come into the new school on Aug. 29. We expect to have the school operational then. There will be punch list items to get to, but nothing major will be left.”
This $57 million undertaking will be complete once Phase 2 concludes. The project originated during the tenure of former City Manager Jay Ash and has been executed under the current leadership of City Manager Tom Ambrosino working alongside the School Department.
Since December 2017, Phase 1 has been operational, with students and staff occupying half of the facility for the past several years. The Old Chelsea High building stood on the other half until its demolition earlier this year to accommodate Phase 2 construction. The initial demolition phase began in March 2015 when the overall project was launched.
Phase 2 will introduce students to numerous new features: a gymnasium, auditorium, performance stage, library, technology labs, art and music rooms, an administrative suite, and a front courtyard positioned between Crescent and Clark Avenues.
“In addition to things like the gym, there will be a smaller performance space and things can be done on that stage and the cafeteria can be used for seating,” he noted. “Larger productions can be done in the auditorium. That’s important because the Clark Ave is the feeder program for the Chelsea High Drama Club, so they have an emphasis on music and performing arts at the Clark Avenue.”
He observed that the courtyard represents a significant benefit for both the school and surrounding neighborhood. The design intentionally creates openness by situating buildings further back and allowing views toward Crescent and Clark Avenues, fostering an inviting atmosphere. According to him, the courtyard’s potential uses are virtually limitless.
“We could do outdoor performances or in the summer the City could have a movie night for the neighborhood out there,” he explained. “There will be seating and decking in the courtyard. There will also be a school garden there too. There has been a big emphasis on school gardens across the district and the Clark Ave will have one too.”
The upper floors are substantially finished with numerous classrooms ready for use, he reported. Work continues on the lower level, as construction proceeded from top to bottom across the building.
Activity remains intense at the site as contractors complete their final tasks.
“There’s just a lot of activity there now and it will be non-stop until the first day of school,” he said.
When the Clark Avenue School welcomes students in August, it is projected to serve 668 students.