This week Mosaic Associates was elated to hear the news that their long-time client Oswego County BOCES (OCB) gained community support to pass a $35.4 million renovation project at their main campus in Mexico, NY.
The project includes a $20 million critical needs plan to address aging infrastructure systems. The remaining $15.4 million will be dedicated to improving student program spaces and lab areas through the design of flexible learning space adaptable to future needs. Approximately 34,000 s.f. of additional space will aid in connecting separate educational buildings. Added security measures including a single point of entry and atrium space for visitors and students and improved pedestrian and vehicular traffic patterns will also be incorporated.
Oswego County BOCES District Superintendent Dr. Joseph P. Camerino was delighted with the public’s support. “I am pleased that the voters have turned out to show their support for this project and the students of Oswego County. I would like to thank the community, members of the leadership committee, including the superintendents and board presidents of our nine component districts, our BOCES Board of Education, and our BOCES staff members for their dedication and efforts with regards to this proposition.”
For several years, Nick Waer, AIA, LEED AP, Partner with Mosaic and Architectural Designer, Mariusz Piechowicz worked with the leadership committee to explore how OCB should address its facilities masterplan and identify the most crucial concerns for students, faculty, staff and the community.
“Since working with Oswego BOCES we have been very impressed with the caliber of leadership their administration and Board members bring to improving their aging facilities for all their component district’s students.” Said Nick Waer.
“As a result of harsh economic conditions, our BOCES clients have only been able to modestly budget for capital improvements that address critical health and safety concerns. OCB asked their community of voters to not only consider their critical needs plan but to look at how they can enhance 21st Century teaching and learning opportunities.”
The project is tentatively scheduled to be completed in September 2013 and will have an opportunity to include green and sustainable technologies using High Performance Schools Guidelines (NY-CHPS) and LEED design initiatives.