Boston commission approves $214,707 contract increase for Chinatown elementary school renovation

BOSTON — July 20, 2026 — Boston's Public Facilities Commission unanimously approved a $214,707.58 increase to an architectural services contract for the Josiah Quincy Elementary School envelope renovation in Chinatown. Senior Project Manager Rowan McNulty of the Public Facilities Department told commissioners that expanded scope — including full window replacement, fin tube radiator repairs, additional exterior masonry work, and a scheduling consultant — drove the increase, which brings Yale Associates Incorporated's total contract to $679,705.58 against a revised construction cost estimate of $13 million. McNulty noted the amended fee represents 5.18 percent of that construction cost, well below the 7.4 percent ceiling in PFD's designer fee schedule for school renovations. The commission also extended Yale Associates' contract through August 31, 2024, to accommodate a phased construction schedule that confines the most disruptive work to summer months while keeping the school at 885 Washington Street operational during the academic year. Chair Catherine Craven presided; Commissioner Larry Momoli was the only member to pose questions before the vote.