HomeMy WebLinkAbout2793 Report concerning the need for an additional school building [the Munroe School], School Committee to Town Meeting, March 18, 1904Report of School Committee at Town Meeting, March 18, 1904[?]
In accordance with the request voted by the Town at the special
meeting held March first, the School Committee submit to-night plans and
estimates for a new six-room building for the primary and lower grammar
grades to be erected within the district bounded by Winthrop and Percy
Roads. From several plans submitted to them the Committee have selected
those prepared by Mr. Willard D. Brown of this town, and feel that they
can heartily commend them to the Town on the score of attractiveness, sim-
plicity, practicability and economy. Every point has been carefully stu-
died in the light of experience and of the legal requirement for school-
house construction, and with the purpose of introducing no features not
absolutely essential. Scrutiny is invited of the printed descriptions and
plans which are now in your hands. Perspective drawings of the exterior
of the building are also here for inspection this evening. One of these,
for a two-story brick structure, was made before the meeting of March 1st
asked for plans for a two-story wooden building, and a second sketch has
therefore been made in compliance with the preference expressed by that
meeting. Estimates for both brick and wood have been obtained from
reliable builders, that the Town may act advisedly in making its
final choice, and with the actual designs before it. the Committee have
no other wish than that the practical question whether a wooden building
at $22,500. is really cheaper and more economical to the Town in the long
run than a brick building at $26,000., and whether the difference of
$3500. for the latter is or is not worth paying for the sake of greater
durability, warmth, exemption from painting and repairs, and better pro-
tection against fire, shall receive full consideration.
From the estimates now before us we believe that the building if
constructed of wood, can be built for $22,500., including heating, plumb-
ing and architect's fees. To this must be added $1000. for furnishing,
and the cost of the land and grading.
In selecting a suitable lot for the building, the Committee have
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considered every available and desirable lot in the district indicated,
and they are agreed that the land on the north side of Bloomfield Street,
near Highland Avenue, belonging to Mr. Roger I. Sherman, is exceptionally
well adapted for the purpose, all things considered. It is accessible to
the children from the Woburn Street and Mount Vernon districts, and will
meet the needs of the increasing residential population which the building
of Highland Avenue and the development of the neighboring territory seem
likely to bring in the near future. The dimensions and shape of the lot
are also favorable. With a frontage of 150 feet on Bloomfield Street, it
affords ample room for our proposed building, and leaves a space of 25
feet on either side, while a depth of 300 feet make it possible to set the
building well back from the sidewalk and still leave a playground of 180
by 150 feet in the rear. This can be entered at grade from the playrooms
in the basement, the ground falling off so as to make this possible, and
to ensure fine light for the playrooms, perfect drainage, and easy grad-
ing. The also exposure affords the best light for the six
classrooms. Finally, the land, comprising 45,000 feet, or a trifle over
an acre, is offered us by Mr. Sherman for its assessed valuation, $2700.,
being at the rate of six cents a foot, which seems to us reasonable. If
we allow $750 for grading, we have a total for a wooden building, furni-
turn, land, and grading of about $27,000., or for a brick building of
$30,500.
We again express our hope and confidence that the Town will
promptly take the necessary steps to insure the immediate erection of the
building, so that it may be ready for occupancy by Sept. 1st, and to this
end we ask that a committee of three be appointed to secure the land and
superintend the erection and grading, and that the Town appropriate and
provide the necessary funds therefor.
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2793
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Munroe School
Report of Geo. H. Reed
on land title
June 3, 1904.