SALEM — Three-and-a-half to four million dollars would be needed to upgrade Mt. Abram High School to expand its useful building life for another 25 years.

The MSAD #58 school board directed Bunker & Savage to evaluate the building’s current physical condition and report what the costs would be down the road to keep the building open. The board also instructed the firm to look at Mt. Abram to see what it would cost to use it as a district-wide elementary school and/or other buildings for possible scenarios where students could shift within the district. This would include the possibility of moving the high school population to an elementary school.

Craig Boone presented the “phase 1” building evaluation and study to the board of directors June 17.

His report included some small expansions, electrical and plumbing upgrades, maintenance, energy efficiency, handicap accessibility and what it takes to meet current codes.

The building was designed in August 1968 by Alonzo J. Harriman Associates, Boone reported, and constructed with masonry bearing walls, brick veneer exterior, laminated wood beam and purlin structure.

Boone said above and beyond any recommendations contained in the report, if the building was considered as a district-wide elementary school, approximately 15 new classrooms would be required, which would include the need of a significant building expansion.

“The brickwork and the mortar are in excellent condition,” Boone explained. He also said the current square footage is adequate for the current student population.

He explained that there is not adequate space for music and theatrical practices. One suggestion was to build a small addition off the cafeteria and remove the stage. The existing stage area could be used for weight lifting and gymnasium storage.

A vestibule was recommended within the exit ways to create a barrier between heated spaces. Lit exit signs with battery back-up was suggested at all exit doors and fire alarm upgrades were suggested.

“The bleachers are approximately 40 years old, but they’re fine,” Boone said. The exterior bleachers are in need of handrails and railings.

Boone explained that all sprinkler heads needed to be tested after 50 years of service. The heads may need to be replaced to meet current NFPA 13 standards.

Approximately 92 lever type locksets are required on doors to meet ADA standards. It was mentioned that each lockset costs between $300 and $350.

ADA lockers were mentioned as needed as well as ADA accessible shower units in the locker room.

The vinyl floor panels throughout the classrooms and hallways may need to be replaced. Boone noted that the original plans called for “VAT” tiles or vinyl asbestos tiles. One test has been returned already as negative for asbestos and another was inconclusive.

Boone explained that the biggest energy heat loss was from the exterior walls. Currently the eight-inch masonry block walls with four-inch brick veneer have a current R-Factor value of 1.55. “This is a huge shortcoming in comparison with today’s energy requirements; a minimum ‘R’ factor of 23 is currently required in new buildings,” the report read.

One suggestion was to install metal studs, spray-on insulation and gypsum board over all exterior walls inside the building. This may require some modifications to electrical components on these walls. The alternative would be rigid insulation on all exterior walls with some type of finish such as stucco.

A 20-foot access road was required around the perimeter of the building for emergency access. Boone recommended the creation of additional parking spaces, installing speed bumps along straight-aways and separating vehicle traffic from bus loading.

Boone concluded his report with estimated costs. The space allocation for the addition of a 400-square-foot music room would cost between $800,000 and $900,000.

The cost to bring the building up to code would cost between $309,000 and $349,000.

To bring the building up to ADA standards would cost approximately $165,000.

Maintenance issues such as replacing freezers, creating parking and other improvements would cost between $678,000 and $796,000. To make the building more energy efficient would cost around $190,000. The plumbing, heating ventilation and electrical upgrades would cost nearly $1 million.

Boone explained that the total costs including architectural and engineering fees would be between $3,624,000 and $4,088,000.

Without looking into the elementary buildings in detail, Boone explained that the improvements to MTA would be far less expensive then modifying an elementary school for use as a high school.

Boone is expected to come back in late July with additional information for the board’s consideration.