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Existing Conditions at the HHU Schools

Envelope

All envelope components predate current energy code and Town of Wellesley stretch code requirements. Only the 1995 wing has a modern cavity and insulation system, but it lacks continuous air vapor barrier systems. The original 1938 building, although not insulated, has a mass wall construction of up to three wythes of brick and the wood framing has less conductivity than similar metal stud framing systems. None of the entrances have airlock vestibules. Typically, under-slab insulation/vapor barriers are not present in buildings of this vintage.

Exterior Windows/Louvers

The metal framed windows in the 1957 addition are single glazed, missing glazing compound, are not thermally sealed. They account for roughly 25% of the building’s glazing. Also, the weep system shows signs of holding water, contributing to open seams and failed caulking. Many of these windows are non-operative and missing hardware.

In the 1980s, some of the windows in the Multipurpose room of the 1938 building were replaced with single-pane minimally efficient thermal glazing and fiberglass translucent glazing panels (i.e. Kalwall).

Some of the windows in the 1995 Media Center have lost their seal and are starting to show signs of vapor penetration between the double pane insulating glass.

The louvers on the roof are in fair condition, with the exception of the painted wood sills and frames where the dormer detail meets the roof flashing and shows sign of water damage and deterioration. Per facilities personnel the louvers in the Gymnasium are a constant source of water leakage despite multiple attempts at repair.

Emergency Egress Lighting and Exit Signs

Egress signs are not illuminated, and emergency lighting does not meet today’s code. See the Electrical section of this report.

Accessibility

There are specific building elements located throughout that are not in full compliance with current accessibility codes and regulations. The lack of handrail extensions and push- and pull-side clearances at doors predate American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts Architectural Access Board (MAAB) requirements and remain non-compliant as originally constructed. No accessible door operators are installed at the exterior doors. The force required to open exterior doors is non- compliant with ADA and MAAB requirements due to the weight of the exterior doors, condition of the closers, and the influence of wind pressure when entering and exiting the building. The stage in the Cafetorium is inaccessible, as it is only able to be accessed by stairs on either side.

Toilet Rooms

Toilet room fixtures are antiquated, high-flow type. Toilet rooms are in fair physical condition throughout the building, with many toilet partitions having been replaced within the last few years. Most of the sinks have uninsulated, exposed piping below, and are not handicap accessible; however, there is a renovated handicap accessible facility available. There are not enough student or adult toilets to meet code requirements for quantity. There are also not enough fixtures available for assembly use groups.

Fire Separation

The school has a series of cross corridor doors that are located where additions have been attached to the building. These doors were likely originally intended to provide smoke compartmentalization. As with the remainder of the building, there is no fire protection system in the attic of the 1938 building, only a heat sensor. See the Fire Protection section of this report.

Stairs and Ramps

The handrails do not comply with the current code requirements. In most cases, the handrail does not have a code compliant cross-section, handgrip area, clear space, end condition, or railing extensions at the bottom and top of the stairs. Guardrails are below the current required height requirement. FMD has noted that the exterior stairs to the boiler room and interior stairs to the attic are steep, making access and maintenance difficult.

Hardy Existing Conditions Summary (click here)

Upham Existing Conditions Summary (click here)

Hunnewell Existing Conditions Summary

The existing Hunnewell Elementary School is located at 28 Cameron Street, Wellesley, MA. The existing school was originally constructed in 1938, with additions in 1957 and 1995, and two modular classrooms added in 1993. The building has a total area of 36,441 gross square feet, including 2,257 GSF for the modular classrooms. The building has reached beyond its life expectancy and does not meet the current educational standards of a 21st century education.

In general, the building is accessible, in practice, however, there are specific building elements throughout that are not in full compliance with current accessibility codes and regulations. Through an evaluation of the existing conditions, most building systems have been determined to have exceeded their useful life.

During this feasibility study, two incidents occurred at the Hunnewell School impacting the delivery of education and disrupting the use of multiple classrooms. The first incident occurred in March 2019, when a column in the basement boiler room of the original 1938 section fully deteriorated, requiring major structural repair. The two second grade classrooms directly above the structural column were vacated during the repair period. The second incident occurred in May 2019, when a fire damaged two fourth grade classrooms in the 1957 wing. The school was reopened five days later, but the damaged classrooms were closed for the remaining two months of the school year, and extensive cleaning were required during the summer.

A complete Existing Building Conditions report can be found in the Appendix of the Feasibility Study Report.

Hunnewell Elementary School was constructed in 1938, with additions in 1957 and 1995, and two modular classrooms added in 1993.