Rochester Schools Modernization, Phase 3

As part of the $1.2 billion Rochester Schools Modernization Program, Watts led a planning team to create a plan for the third phase of $475 million of school renovation and reconstruction in collaboration with the Rochester Joint Schools Construction Board.

To do so, Watts created a custom plan for each building to transform it into a modern learning environment, based upon conversations with district leadership, stakeholders, and a facility assessment conducted by Watts on more than 30 of the district’s schools.

Unique site plans incorporating outdoor spaces, parking, and building entrances were developed for each site. Cost estimates for each building helped determine which projects were feasible within the State’s funding formulas. Demographic projections for the District were developed for the next 20 years and assisted in identifying which buildings would be selected for renovation or taken offline.