The long-awaited construction of a new Revere High School in Massachusetts is set to begin in summer 2025. This $493 million project, located on the former Wonderland Dog Track site, is scheduled to provide modern facilities for 2,450 students.

According to project manager Brian Dakin, a senior project manager with LeftField, the project remains on schedule and within its budget. During the March 10, 2025, Revere City Council meeting, Dakin shared the latest updates, including confirmation from both the general contractor and design firm that the total cost of the new school remains unchanged.

"The estimates have been reconciled, and the project is on budget, even a fraction of a percent under the target budget," Dakin told the council. "We’ve submitted the design development package [to the MSBA] on budget, with nothing removed or added from the original plans."

The design team from Perkins Eastman, a firm with a studio in Boston, is advancing toward the 60% completion stage of the construction documents, which is expected to continue through July 2025. This phase will be followed by re-estimating the budget to ensure it remains on track.

In parallel, the project team will begin the bidding process for site demolition in the coming weeks. The demolition will involve removing the old clubhouse foundations and dog track utilities, not new construction.

"We anticipate the bid process will be finalized between April and June 2025, so we can begin demolition and re-estimate the budget over the summer," Dakin explained.

The goal is to start construction in August or September 2025, with foundation and structural steel work. The final construction documents are expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

New RHS Complex Features

The new Revere High School will feature a wide array of facilities, including:

• A four-story academic wing housing general classrooms, specialty classes, and a media center on the upper floors.
• A three-story “heart of the school” including a 1,000-seat auditorium, gymnasium, cafeterias, and spaces for activities like JROTC and vocational programs.
• A first-year academy designed to support ninth graders with their transition into high school, including a specific cafeteria for freshmen.
• Multi-purpose athletic fields, tennis courts, and separate drop-off areas for cars and buses.
• A total of approximately 650 parking spaces, with 350 underground spaces for teachers and staff.

Architect Dawn Guarriello of Perkins Eastman noted the challenge of building in a flood zone and emphasized the elevated structure, which will include under-building parking.

"The elevation will help mitigate flood risks, and we’re using the opportunity to provide parking underneath," Guarriello said.

The planned 422,600-square-foot school will be nearly twice the size of the current high school, located on School Street, and is designed to accommodate 2,450 students. The facility aims to promote health, wellness, and community engagement, creating a valuable asset for the city of Revere.

Looking Ahead

The project is on track to open in the fall of 2028, with discussions ongoing about potential budget adjustments and maintenance concerns once the school is complete.

Ward 3 Councilor Anthony Cogliandro raised concerns about the possibility of cuts to the project if costs exceeded the budget. Dakin stated that this matter could be taken up with the school building committee.

"This building can really be a resource and an asset to the city of Revere," Guarriello concluded.

Originally reported by Construction Equipment Guide.