Minuteman Vocational Regional Technical High School

Lexington & Lincoln, MA

The reimagined Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical High School, offers a variety of vocational programs, including performing and industrial arts, engineering, construction, life sciences, carpentry, and other trades. The design includes large classrooms, vocational spaces, a “main street” retail area away from main academic areas, small group learning spaces, a cafeteria, a 300-seat theater, an athletic complex, and a new turf field. The 600+ student Vocational High School and turf athletic fields are located on the existing site of the former high school, on the 36-acre campus.

The project was a result of the evolving curriculum and student and district needs. The district is committed to providing its students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the 21st century workforce. The space provides students with the opportunity to learn about a variety of trades and to develop the skills they need to pursue a career in their chosen field.

Samiotes provided civil engineering, land surveying, and environmental permitting including working with the Cambridge Water Department (Class A Water buffer from feasibility through construction). Our scope included site utilities, grading, LEED design elements and defining the constructability of the site, as it is adjacent to wetlands and Minuteman National Park. Including coordination with the National Parks Service. Stormwater management included over ten different BMPs including Low Impact Development Stormwater management, no disturbance to any wetland resource areas, and reduction of impervious area (redevelopment only). For the site, Samiotes collaborated with York Bridges, for permitting and design of five vehicular and pedestrian timber bridges to be functional and aesthetic, while embracing the existing wetlands as part of the site.