MHS Science Labs Project is Underway

Asbestos abatement work for the Melrose High School science labs project started on Tuesday, according to City Planner Denise Gaffey.

Gaffey anticipates the abatement project being completed before students return to school from February vacation on Feb. 25. Norwood-based contractor Southern Middlesex Industries is handling the project, according to Gaffey.

Mayor Rob Dolan announced the project in a press statement this week.

"(Tuesday) was an incredibly important day for Melrose High School, its students, and education in Melrose: The 18,000 square-foot renovation of the Melrose Science Department began (Tuesday) with crews locking down the area and beginning construction," Dolan said in the statement. "Tremendous job by Principal Farrell, Science Department Chair Shea, her staff, DPW, the custodial crews, and students in making a smooth transition to the temporary classrooms.

"The first day of school in August 2013 will bring a state of the art science department to Melrose High School. It is critical that we prepare our students for college and jobs with the best science education possible, and that means hands-on experience in an up to date laboratory with modern technology. Our new science facilities will make that possible."

According to Gaffey, the city received about eight bids for the abatement project, while approximately a dozen submitted bids to construct the labs. Quincy-based G&R Construction is expected to be the contractor for the project, according to Gaffey. "We pre-qualified all bidders for the construction projects," Gaffey said.

In October 2012, the Massachusetts School Building Authority awarded Melrose $3.1 million in grants toward the science lab project, according to a report on the Boston Globe website. The science lab project is estimated to cost $5.3 million, according to Gaffey.

Previous coverage:

• MSBA Approves $3.1M in Grants to Build MHS Science Labs
• Science Labs State Funding Awarded to MHS
• City Applying For State Funds For MHS Science Labs
• MHS Science Labs Cost Almost Doubles From Original Estimate