Doherty Memorial High School
Worcester, Mass.
Merit Award
Presented by Fontaine Bros. Inc.
Owner: City of Worcester
Main design company: Lamoureux Pagano Associates | Architects
Construction Manager: Joint Venture Fontaine-Dimeo
Civil Engineer: Nitsch Engineering
Structural Engineer: Bolton and DiMartino
MEP Engineer: Seaman Engineering Corp.
Electrical Engineer: Engineering ART
Landscape architect: Study 2112
Subcontractors: American Environmental; Fernandes; Harold Bros.; Heritage Restoration; KMD Mechanical Corp.; Maguerite Concrete Inc.
Built on a 20-acre site already occupied by an existing school that remained fully operational throughout construction, the new 422,000-square-foot facility required a carefully phased plan to maintain safety and limit disruption to students and staff.
After removal of the arsenic-laden soil, an early release package launched concrete and steel work before full commercial mobilization. Current and former Worcester students were involved throughout the project, including a cadre of interns who had the opportunity to gain first-hand experience in an active workplace.
Photo courtesy of Fontaine Bros. Inc.
The reinforced steel frame structure features an exterior envelope consisting of a rain protection system with masonry, metal wall panels, windows and glazed curtain walls.
Along with energy-efficient HVAC systems and the future integration of photovoltaic panels, the $272 million school will have the distinction of being Worcester’s first carbon-negative building.
The project is currently on track to achieve LEED Gold certification, further demonstrating its alignment with high-performance building standards.
