Fletcher-Thompson to redesign Saugus middle school

on Tuesday,January 18,2011 21:01

Despite the high unemployment rate, many architects and firms are thriving off of local work. The Fletcher-Thompson firm is one example of a company that has found an opportunity in Saugus, Massachusetts.

Recently, the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) approved Fletcher-Thompson to work on renovations at the Belmonte Middle School, according to The Daily Item. Superintendent Richard Langlois, town manager Andrew Bisignani and school committee chairman Wendy Reed traveled to Boston to meet with the MSBA as they move forward with their design plans. The organization has to approve every step along the way as renovations are made to the building.

"I am really excited about this," Reed told the news source. "This is really happening."

The Belmonte Middle School building has suffered from a number of air conditioning problems throughout the year, along with drainage issues. The project is expected to cost approximately $12 million, but the state will reimburse more than 51 percent of the cost. Informational meetings will be held with the public once the town receives official approval from the MSBA to begin construction

Employment in architecture is projected to increase by 16 percent over the next seven years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.