The Nueva School Master Plan Update 2012
INTRODUCTION
Project Introduction 3
PROCESS
Planning and Approvals Process 9
1996 Master PLan Site Plan 10
A Master Plan Update 13 Stakeholder Engagement 15 Stakeholder Mapping 16 Our Team 18
GOALS
Master Plan Update Goals 21 Sustainability Goals 24
THE SITE
Site History and Environmental Setting 27 Site Opportunities and Constraints 29
Existing Site Plan 31
Site Constraints Map 32 Existing Site Sections 33
THE MASTER PLAN UPDATE
Facility Improvements 35
Landscape Improvements 39
Circulation and Parking Improvements 41
Facility Use 45
Facility Program 47
Conceptual Building Sections 53
Master Plan Update Site Plan 55
Master Plan Program Comparison Chart 56 Implementation and Phasing Plan 57
SUPPORTING DATA
Nueva School Information: • Schedule of Uses • The Nueva School Use Permit • The Nueva Philosophy • Nueva School Letters to Neighbors • Accessible Entrace to Mansion
New Campus Studies: • Circulation and Parking Evaluation, Traffic Studyand TIA Report - dated December 2012 • Campus Environmental Noise Evaluationdated December 2012 • Stormwater Site Analysis Report - dated October 2012
Campus Geotechnical Reports: • Geotechnical Report - dated July 2005 • Geotechnical Report - dated February 2006
Geotechnical Report - dated August 2007
Geotechnical Report - dated August 2008
Campus Utility Usage Information: • Electric and Gas Usage
Water Usage
Trash and Recycling Information
Introduction
The Nueva School 2012 Master Plan Update
October 22, 2012
We respectfully present our formal package for the 2012 Nueva School Master Plan Update. We look forward to continuing our close collaboration in creating an Update that is sensitive to the Hillsborough community while providing a comprehensive 15year vision for the Nueva School’s 33-acre campus.
Changes from the Preliminary Submittal
• Addition of housing
The Update now retains from the 1996 Master Plan six housing units located on the northwestern side of campus, along Skyline Boulevard.
• Community outreach efforts
Since the preliminary submittal and in response to Town of Hillsborough feedback, the School has established a Hillsborough Community Outreach Committee. This group of volunteers will spearhead effor ts to spread the word regarding the proposed Update. As a first step, Nueva Hillsborough families will distribute informational flyers to their neighbors. The Committee, working closely with the Hillsborough Planning Department, will continue to brainstorm ways to disseminate information regarding the proposed Update to the community.
Last spring, the School held two meetings with adjacent neighbors in May 2012 to outline Nueva’s plans and answer questions. In early August, we sent out informational letters to
adjacent neighbors, residents within a 500-ft. radius of campus boundaries, and residents located along Skyline Boulevard between Nueva and Black Mountain Road. Immediate neighbors expressed support for the project, saying they enjoyed attending the Common Ground Speaker Series as Nueva’s guests and having “Good Neighbor” passes that allow them to use the grounds after school and on weekends.
• Adjustments to parking practices and notifications In response to meetings with department heads, Nueva has begun to adjust its on-campus parking practices and internal notifications with beneficial results. For example, improved staffing and communication to attendees regarding large-event on-campus parking availability has significantly reduced off-campus on-street parking during those events.
Why is the Update needed?
The 2012 Master Plan Update addresses many pressing needs of the school. The Update proposes replacement of several buildings/portables on campus that have outlived their expected lifespan, addresses the evolving programmatic needs of the school that are poorly ser ved by existing buildings, and furthers the school’s key strategic goal of expanding the middle school.
How does Nueva serve the community?
Nueva, a private school with a public purpose, strives to be a valuable asset to the Hillsborough community
The 2012 Update would enable the School to continue to provide the following resources to the Hillsborough community:
• several community-oriented programs open to all Hillsborough families, including: summer camps, after-school and weekend enrichment classes (such as family science, advanced mathematics, computer programming, languages, fencing, and musical drama), the Common Ground Speaker Series, the STEM Fair, Math Circles, and the biennial Innovative Learning Conference
• access to recreational playing fields (e.g., AYSO soccer, summer camps)
• Hillsborough emergency resources
• open space
• a local LEED Gold model of a sustainable Pre-K–8 school
• walking trails and fields open to adjacent neighbors
The Nueva School and the Hillsborough public schools collaborate in several key areas, including sharing best practices in education and school administration, sharing resources and space, and coordination on emergency procedures.
Key changes from the 1996 Master Plan:
• Adjustment of maximum enrollment to 517.
Expanded enrollment on the upper campus of our Hillsborough site, in grades 5 through 8, is a key strategic goal for the school. Qualified applicants to Nueva’s middle school far exceed the School’s current capacity. Greater middle school enrollment will allow for additional distinctive educational programming, robust elective programs, and a more diverse student body.
A maximum enrollment of 517 students on Nueva’s 33-acre campus is consistent with the ratio of maximum enrollment-per-acre articulated in the General Plan; the GP currently permits a maximum of 400 students on 11 acres (see Table
LU-2). The GP amendment associated with this approval would entail a conservative extension of Table LU-2, delineating the maximum allowed intensity for private schools on parcels significantly larger than 11 acres. A separate component of Nueva’s Strategic Plan is the development of the Nueva High School, opening August 2013 at a temporary location in San Mateo. The Nueva High School’s permanent location will be on an entitled parcel in San Mateo’s new Bay Meadows development.
• Addition of 23,240 net square feet of additional building space over the next 15 years
To address the evolving programmatic needs of the school, accommodate expanded enrollment, and potentially provide for faculty housing, the Update includes 44,025 square feet of additional building space (23,240 square feet of building space beyond the 20,785 square feet of unbuilt, entitled square footage in the 1996 Master Plan).
(See pages 57-62 for phasing information.)
• Reduction in building mass at the periphery of campus.
The 1996 Master Plan includes a 10,800-squarefoot “Mission II Center” (including housing) located at the peripher y of campus, along Skyline Boulevard. This Update significantly modifies the Mission II Center, retaining only faculty housing (3600 sq. ft.), scheduled for Phase IV.
(See 1996 Master PLan Site Plan, page 11)
Key Improvements over the 1996 Master Plan:
• Improved on-campus safety, circulation, and parking
(See Circulation and Parking Improvements Section)
Improved safety
The existing Upper Loop Road will be replaced with a new drop-off loop that facilitates a pedestrian-only campus center, and provides 800 feet of car- and bus-stacking on campus. Additionally, the site plan creates a separate lane for cars accessing the Lower Loop Road, separating traffic flows and minimizing back-ups.
Improved circulation
The existing Upper Loop Road will be replaced with a new drop-off loop that facilitates a pedestrian-only campus center, and provides 800 feet of car- and bus-stacking on campus. Additionally, the site plan creates a separate lane for the Lower Loop Road, separating traffic flows and minimizing back-ups.
Reduced Car-Student Ratio
Since 1996, Nueva has established several school-initiated measures that have led to consistent and significant progress in reducing the number of cars driving to and from the campus. In 1996, the school offered no bus ser vice. Last year, 25% of students used the privately contracted school bus system, which offers stops in San Francisco and throughout the peninsula. After an increased effort to encourage bus ridership and the addition of another bus line, this year 36% of our students use the buses. Furthermore, in addition to siblings riding together, 10% of Nueva families report they carpool with other families to and from school.
• Improved sustainability
(See Sustainability Goals Section)
Consistent with Resolution No.10-17 (amending the General Plan by adding Climate Protection and Sustainable Goals and Policies), this Update is intended to position Nueva as a leader in environmental sustainability among academic institutions. The Update includes innovative opportunities for energy and water conser vation. Proposed facility improvements are expected to result in net energy and efficiency gains.
• Modifications to the 1996 Plan proposed theater
(See Facilties Use Section)
The 2012 Update retains the theater entitled in the 1996 Master Plan, but reduces the building’s size (from 20,000 to 16,000 sf) and relocates the building to improve sightlines by taking advantage of the site topography and tucking the building into the hillside. A key benefit of the theater is alleviation of the heavy burden on the Gymnasium Community Center programming; the School does not propose to expand the number of large performing arts events held per year. The School also does not propose increasing the number of community events or events attended by outside groups each year.
The 2012 Master Plan Update has been developed through the active and open engagement of the Nueva School community – including the students, staff, faculty, parents, and alumni –and our Hillsborough neighbors. By studying the existing campus traffic flows, parking, acoustics, hydrology, topography, landscape features, and existing buildings, we expect to proactively mitigate and address any issues associated with expanded enrollment and campus growth. As we move ahead, we look forward to working closely with the Town of Hillsborough.
Education is an endeavor that is highly sensitive to location. A school’s physical environment does much to stimulate and support the minds and bodies of those who study, live and work there. The beauty of the Nueva campus stirs imaginations and motivates students, faculty and staff to give their best efforts.
Planning and Approvals Process
[The 1996 Nueva School Master Plan Page 32]
1996 Master Planning Process
In 1992 following Nueva’s Middle School submission to the Hillsborough Architectural Design Review Board (ADRB), the Town required that a ‘longrange development plan be submitted to establish the context for future facility improvements. A Plan was prepared to identify and document the School’s long range planning goals. This Plan represented an extensive effort by The Nueva School’s Board of Trustees, Building and Grounds Committee and Staff.
This master planning effort began in May of 1996. The Nueva School’s Building and Grounds Committee and Nueva staff, with assistance from design and planning consultants, worked closely with the Town of Hillsborough to develop the requirements and contents of the Plan. Meetings were held with the Town Planner and representatives from the Police, Fire and Engineering Departments. In addition, the School held two neighborhood meetings (May17, 1996 and July 17,1996) to which neighbors on adjacent properties were invited for a project update and to comment on the plans in progress.
The Nueva School received approval of the 1996 Master Plan l at the Hillsborough City Council, that allowed for future development as described by the Plan and included the following:
• proposed maximum height limits
• gradual increase of the student population to the maximum 400
• phased improvement as described by the Plan
Planning and Approvals Process
Annual Permit to Operate
To operate as a school, Nueva is required to submit an annual Permit to Operate at the Hillsborough staff level which includes student enrollment count. The Town of Hillsborough amended HMC Section 15.32.050A(I) in May 1996 allowing independent schools to apply for increased enrollment to a maximum of 400 students. With the approval of this 2012 Master Plan Update, Nueva hopes to graduallly increase enrollment to 500 students.
Recent Campus Improvements
Since the adoption of the Plan in 1996, the school has grown to 400 students. It has also built the Gymnasium Community Center and the Hillside Learning Center, and renovated elements of the Crocker Mansion and the old Middle School quad.
Strategic Plan
Throughout the 2012 Strategic Planning Process, each of Nueva’s constituencies expressed suppor t for Nueva’s philosophy and reaffirmed the mission to provide exemplary progressive programs for highpotential students. This five-year plan reaffirms The Nueva School’s commitment to educating children with model practices and innovative programming, drawing on the considerable resources of the parent and greater Bay Area communities.
Strategic Plan Goals:
• Expand from Pre-K -8 to Pre-K-12 (off-site)
• Evolve integrated teaching and learning for the future
• Develop long-term talent plan to recruit and retain a world-class team
• Define and communicate the “Nueva Experience”
• Strengthen community ties and outreach
• Build on our SEL program to develop a resiliency program
Master Plan Update
In 2012, The Nueva School began working on a 2012 Master Plan Update that would create a 15-year vision for the campus buildings and grounds while reflecting and advancing the goals of their Strategic Plan.
The School engaged Students, Parents, Faculty, Staff, Alumni, Parents and Neighbors to help the Master Plan Update Committee better understand and evaluate the current campus and identify future needs and priorities for the school.
A team of experts was assembled including architects, planners, landscape architects, civil engineers, traffic consultants, and acoustical consultants to evaluate the existing campus and to propose design solutions to strengthen and enhance the landscape and the sense of entry, to improve circulation, to support new programs and to accommodate growth. The Nueva School will continue to work closely with the Town of Hillsborough to develop an update that addresses the needs of the School while remaining sensitive to the interests of the of the Town, Neighbors and Community.
1996 Master Plan Phasing Plan
A Master Plan Update
[The 1996 Nueva School Master Plan Page 1]
A Master Plan is an opportunity to articulate the values of an institution in a physical plan. The Nueva School 2012 Master Plan Update builds upon the 1996 Master Plan and provides a 15 year vision for the school. Through an open, thoughtful, and inclusive process of listening and analysis, and through close collaboration with the Master Plan Committee, overarching values and goals were extrapolated that will form the framework for future campus development.
It is essential to preserve the elements of the existing campus that are most cherished by the Nueva Community. The natural landscape, the areas of creative engagement with nature - including “Mulch Hill” and “The Forts” and the historic Crocker Mansion were a few of the elements of the campus identified by the school community as the most sacred. The Master Plan Update will retain and preserve those elements while allowing for growth, landscape improvement and regeneration, and strengthening campus circulation. The Nueva School will continue to be a responsible steward of its cherished campus for future generations.
Stakeholder Engagement
The 2012 Master Plan Update is being developed through the active and open engagement of Nueva School Community including the students, staff, faculty, parents, alumni, and neighbors. It will advance through close collaboration with the Town of Hillsborough.
Printed Survey
Online Survey
Stakeholders were engaged in surveys, listening sessions, meetings, mapping exercises, and charettes Middle School Student Survey Wordle
“The overall beauty of the campus is essential to preserve.”
- Joanne Cohen, SEL Teacher
Stakeholder Mapping
Students, parents, staff and faculty were asked to map their experiences on campus. This mapping helped the design team to understand the way the campus is used and helped to reveal some of the unmarked territories, neighborhoods and connections between places that may not be immediately evident
SKYLINE BOULEVARD
Students were asked to map how they experience the campus, where they go and what places are most important to them. The diagram above shows a summar y of those results organized by Middle School and Lower School responses.
Key
Lower
School
Shared Buildings Middle School
Architecture and Planning
EHDD Architecture
Jennifer Devlin
Michel St Pierre
Greta Jones
Kelly Sloan
Brad Jacobson
Master Plan Update Process Our Team
The Nueva School
Diane Rosenberg, Executive Director Terry Lee, Associate Head of School
Nueva School Staff Nueva School Faculty Nueva School Students
The Nueva School Master Plan Update Committee
Grace Lee, Co-Chair Kristina Phipps, Co-Chair Matt Berman Taryn Clark Annalise Herd Scott Jacobs Liza Raynal Julie Ron Megan Terra Christine Warden
The Nueva School Board of Trustees/Officer List
Dennis Wong, Co Chair Bonnie Fought, Co Chair Bruce Cozadd, Vice Chair Hoon Cho, Treasurer
Kat Alfond Susan Barnes Derrick Bolton Joy Covey Kathleen Donohue Eldridge Gray Ladis Green
Vernon C. Grigg, III Zack Herlick Rick Holmstrom James Isaacs Karla Jurvetson Joe Kraus
Terry Lee, ex officio Susanna Loeb Janet McGraw Farzad Nazem Karen Pace George Pavlov Claire Perry Kristina Phipps Libby Raab
Diane Rosenberg, ex officio Russell Siegelman
Jody Sievers, ex officio KR Sridhar Jim Thompson Steve Vassallo
Grace Voorhis Mara Wallace Chris Warden
Master Plan Update Goals
The following goals and objectives were established through the stakeholder listening sessions and have been incorporated into the Master Plan Update Site Plan.
[The 1996 Nueva School Master Plan Pages 2-3]
Goal 1
Best serve the students of The Nueva School
The primar y goal of Nueva’s Master Plan Update is to better serve its student population. Nueva seeks to educate and empower young people who have the capacity to change the world, and to support a new generation of cutting-edge, creative thinkers who are engaged in innovative problem solving.
The Nueva School provides each student with a personalized educational program while demonstrating innovation in teaching concepts and practices. Over the next 15 years, Nueva intends to build upon its current curriculum to offer even more integrated courses and fully explore local, geographic, economic, social, and cross-cultural connections within areas of study
Objectives
•Increase enrollment from 414 to 517 to allow for additional distinctive education programming in the middle school, robust elective programs, and a more diverse student body. Expanded middle school enrollment also would allow the School to accommodate additional students on the waiting list. Currently there are approximately 5 qualified applicants for each available spot, leaving many potential students un-served. In addition, an expanded middle school would allow the new
Goals
high school, opening in Fall 2013 in San Mateo, to be built on a critical mass of Nueva-educated students.
• Provide a safe educational environment for Nueva students and staff by, among other efforts, improving circulation and parking on campus to better separate students and cars.
• Renovate or replace buildings on campus that have outlived their expected lifespan.
• Provide a range of improved classroom and educational settings that are flexible and able to accommodate a constantly evolving curriculum including specialized needs for science, technology, art, music and drama.
• Provide flexible multi-use spaces that will accommodate diverse programmatic offerings in order to relieve scheduling challenges that result from overlapping activities in the GCC.
• Support the middle-school physical education and athletic programs by providing an all-weather sports court for basketball, volleyball and other indoor recreation.
• Improve existing and provide additional multipurpose spaces to support the administration, maintenance and curriculum development and program delivery needs of the School, including improved administrative space, teacher work areas, technology rooms, meeting rooms, tutoring areas and admissions space.
• Supplement ballroom venue with a theater for music, drama, and school assemblies
Goal 2
Improve Nueva’s ability to advance educational reform
Nueva serves as a model in the local, regional, national and international educational community. Mission II, the School’s outreach program, is committed to improving the delivery of education to students beyond our campus. The additional enrollment and facilities will support programs, faculty, staff, facilities and finances to extend and enhance our current on-campus and off-campus outreach programs which currently include participating in and hosting conferences, teacher training institutes, and afterschool, weekend and summer educational programs for students.
Goal 3
Founded in 1967, the School has occupied its current location on the western peripher y of Town since 1971, prior to the development of many neighboring properties. As adjacent properties have been developed, the School has diligently communicated with neighboring residents and the Town to minimize its potential impact on the immediate neighborhood and community.
The School enjoys a very positive relationship with its neighbors. Nueva invites adjacent neighbors to walk on school trails after hours, and to attend several school and community events throughout the year.
Objectives
• Minimize potential impact on neighbors through sensitive site planning and adherence to development guidelines.
• Locate development on already-developed areas (approximately x acres) on the interior of the 33 acre site in order to minimize development and operational impact on the natural and surrounding environment.
• Where possible, continue to maintain an open
space buffer and/or landscaped screen between School facilities and residential neighbors.
• Improve on-campus circulation and parking to minimize traffic impacts in the immediate and adjacent areas.
• Reduce car-student ratio by encouraging carpooling and use of bus system.
• Continue to invite neighbors to participate in the planning process and subsequent Plan implementation phases.
• Continue to uphold the School’s self-imposed use conditions and commitment to neighbors regarding community use of the sports field and weekend use of the Mansion and GCC.
Goal 4 Continue to serve the Hillsborough community
The Nueva School strives to adhere to high standards of environmental conservation and community awareness. The Town of Hillsborough benefits from such commitments on a number of levels, from preserving open space within the community and educating children in Hillsborough to extending the use of school fields and facilities to local sports organizations and emergency medical rescue services.
Objectives
• Sustain open space on campus by limiting development of School property and by concentrating development on already-impacted areas.
• Preserve the valuable natural characteristics of the site by limiting site grading, removal of trees and disturbance of the landscape.
• Continue to maintain and enhance the Mansion, a historical and architectural asset to the Community of Hillsborough.
• Continue to educate Hillsborough children. Hillsborough is home to 67 students of the regular school program, making Hillsborough the community with the largest representation at the Nueva School. Over 145 Nueva student, grandparent and alumni families reside in
Maintain a good relationship with Nueva’s neighbors
HIllsborough. Beyond the regular school program, Nueva serves approximately 140 Hillsborough families who participate annually in Nueva’s afterschool, weekend and/or summer programs.
• Continue to serve as a learning center for the Hillsborough community, offering to community members a variety of classes, conferences and programs including after-school and weekend enrichment classes, the Common Ground Speaker Series, the Innovative Learning Conference, the STEM Fair and Math Circles.
• Continue to extend limited use of Nueva fields and facilities to the community.
Goal 5
Position Nueva as a leader and active role model
Nueva’s most recent facility improvement, the Hillside Learning Complex, earned a LEED Gold rating from the U.S. Green Building Council. The Nueva School is the first K-8 educational institution to have achieved this award. The Nueva School seeks to continue and further its leadership in sustainability among academic institutions as well as within the local community.
Objectives
• Target LEED Certification for all new buildings
• Improve net energy and efficiency of existing facilities.
• Sustain the natural resources of the site through good stewardship.
• Integrate sustainability educational opportunities for students into new facilities.
• Demonstrate innovative solutions for energy and water conservation on campus.
• Provide environmental education facility to support a reconceptualized pre K-8 environmental education curriculum.
“Sutainability should be infused into the curriculum and into students’ everyday experience.”
- Jing Jacobs, Parent
in the community with respect to sustainability
Sustainability Goals
The 2012 Master Plan Update is intended to position Nueva as a leader in environmental sustainability among other academic institutions by creating a resilient and regenerative Nueva Community.
RESILIENT
In ecology, resilience is the capacity of an ecosystem to respond to a perturbation or disturbance by resisting damage and recovering quickly.
REGENERATIVE
In biology, regeneration is the process of renewal, restoration, and growth that makes genomes, cells, organisms, and ecosystems resilient to natural fluctuations or events that cause disturbance or damage
“Two of the unique qualities of the school are the open space and the School’s dedication to sustainable choices.”
- Julie Ron, Science TeacherBalance Carbon Water and Nutrient Cycles
“The Crocker Mansion Courtyard is precious - if only the beautiful greenery there could speak!”
- Sin-Tung Chiu, Music Faculty Member
Site History and Environmental Setting
[The 1996 Nueva School Master Plan Page 5]
School Buildings and Grounds
The site is a heavily wooded parcel of approximately 33.7 acres that sits at the top of a small promontory overlooking Hillsborough. Most of the site has slopes greater than 30% which face east providing views of the San Francisco Bay over Burlingame and Millbrae. To either side of the promontory are natural drainage ravines that carry storm waters off-site. Oak forests and naturally-sloping terrain are the essential characteristics of the site. Although deer, raccoons and field mice inhabit the undeveloped areas, no wildlife corridor exists on the site as Highway 280 separates the site from open lands to the west
The site was originally a part of a larger property developed by the W. W. Crocker family as a summer residence. Although it is not a registered historic landmark, the Mansion is a local architectural asset. The estate, designed by Arthur Brown, a preeminent San Francisco architect who also designed the San Francisco City Hall, features a two-story Italianate Mansion with plaster exterior and clay tiled roofs surrounded by lawns. The School plans to continue to use and maintain the Mansion as a school and community resource
Site History and Environmental Setting
Chronology of Development
1934 Construction of the Crocker Mansion for use as a family residence
1970 Sale of Crocker Hillsborough Estate. A portion was purchased by The Nueva School and the remaining sold for residential development 1971 Renovation and occupation of the Crocker Mansion by The Nueva School
1987 Construction of buildings C and D on the nor th side of the Middle School, one-story wood-framed buildings with wood siding 1992 Construction of additional buildings E and F on the south side of Middle School, one-story wood-framed buildings with stucco exterior 1993 Major site improvements including the Sports Field, the Ball Court, and the North and South Parking Lots 1996 Adoption of The Nueva School Master Plan.
2000 Gymnasium Community Center constructed
2007 Crocker Mansion Renovated Hillside Learning Complex Opens
2008 Renovation of the F Building to upgrade the Middle School Science Rooms
2012 Preparation of The Nueva School Master Plan Update
Surrounding Neighborhood
The Nueva School property is situated adjacent to a residential neighborhood in western Hillsborough and is surrounded by three different conditions. Skyline Boulevard (running parallel to Highway 280) establishes the School’s southwest boundary. Hillsborough Open Space, one of many pockets of open space in the Town, surrounds most of the property to the north and east. Residential uses within the Skyfarm neighborhood flank the School grounds on the west and east. Residential properties on Rowan Tree Lane in Skyfarm Unit Two either face or back onto the eastern edge of The Nueva School Campus. Like all of Hillsborough, Skyfarm Units Two and Five are zoned R - E, like all of Hillsborough, which limits development to single family houses on half-acre or larger lots.
Site Opportunities and Constraints
[The 1996 Nueva School Master Plan Page 7-8]
The 2012 Nueva School Master Plan Update is sensitive to the existing site conditions and constraints of the site.
Open Space
The Nueva School is a campus in the woods. The natural resources of the site are highly valued by the school community and the surrounding neighbors. Development is restricted to areas of disturbed landscape and already environmentally impacted areas. The North area of the site has not been included within the scope of this master plan to sustain it as a valuable natural habitat and a buffer to the surrounding neighbors. Woods in the southern portion of the site are retained and provide an opportunity for more direct engagement with the landscape through outdoor learning and play. Several groves of existing mature oak trees are designated as sites for rehabilitation to engage the students and school community in active regeneration of the understor y vegetation to rejuvenate the local ecosystems.
Steep Slopes
The Nueva School campus drops more than 60’ vertical feet across its length. There are ver y few sites on campus with a slope of less than 30%. New buildings are located on the flattest remaining areas of the site to minimize sitework and retaining walls. An exception is the theater, located at the site of the existing Middle School C,D,E,F buildings. This location takes advantage of the slope to minimize the theater’s perceived bulk by tucking it into the side of the hill
Prevailing wind
Existing outdoor spaces can often be uncomfortable due to strong winds. The proposed buildings provide shelter from prevailing winds and have entrances on the leeward side. Several lines of trees provide natural windbreaks across the site.
Visual Impacts
The Master Plan concentrates almost all new development in the center of the site away from neighboring properties in an effor t to consolidate development and to limit the visual impact on neighbors.
Traffic
The Nueva School conducted extensive traffic studies both on-campus and at several external sites to determine the potential impact of school growth on existing parking and traffic patterns. In the proposed scheme, a new drop-off loop helps to make the dropoff and pick-up activities on campus run smoothly.
Fire Protection
The new drop-off loop exceeds the minimum 32’ turning radius required by the Town of Hillsborough for emergency vehicles. A 20’ wide path with a minimum vertical clearance of 13’6” is maintained through the new MS court for emergency fire truck access. Fire access is maintained within 150’ of any campus building. The Lower Loop Road is designated as a secondary means of emergency vehicle access for the gym and theater per the 1996 Master Plan.
The Lower Loop Road is restricted in width but provides the 13’6” clear height for emergency access per the 1996 Master Plan, provided that parking here is restricted and flammable vegetation is removed on either side of the road.
Site Opportunities and Constraints
Noise
The school has had very few issues with campus noise affecting the surrounding neighbors. Even during the construction of the Hillside Learning Complex, the School did not receive one noise complaint. The Nueva School commissioned a campus noise study as par t of the Master Planning effort to assess the existing campus noise and potential issues. During meetings with adjacent neighbors, neighbors did not indicate to communicate or voice concerns around campus growth and potential acoustical impacts.
Existing Site Plan
Key
Existing Building
Existing Road
Existing Trail
Existing Site Sections
Facility Improvements
[The 1996 Nueva School Master Plan Page 9-13]
The 2012 Master Plan Update strategically situates the proposed educational buildings to focus the development in the center of campus and to create a cohesive campus environment. The hilly topography of the site is utilized to minimize the appearance of proposed buildings. Since sound diminishes as the distance from the source increases, buildings are concentrated in and the center of campus. The wooded nature of the site provides a visual and acoustical buffer to adjoining properties.
Facility Improvements
Middle School Classroom Building
The Middle School Classroom Building is located at the southwestern edge of the Hillside Learning Complex Courtyard, unifying the Middle School community. This two-story building will include Middle School classrooms and support space. Tucked into the hillside, near the soccer field, this building will block the prevailing wind from the West sheltering the adjacent HLC Courtyard.
Environmental Center and Labs
The Environmental Center is located along the edge of the lower loop road at the base of the proposed garden below the cafe. This building will provide a flexible classroom space for the investigation of natural ecologies of the Nueva Campus and beyond. Located at the trailhead to the Crocker Road hiking trails, this building is a threshold for the investigation of the natural environment and will be a vital piece of the environmental sciences curriculum.
Covered Sports Court
The covered sports court is located across from the GCC at the location of the existing sports cour ts. This structure will accomodate a Middle School basketball court for a much-needed practice space for the Nueva athletic programs, especially during inclement weather. The building is concieved as an indoor/outdoor space that will provide wind and rain protection on stormy days and can be opened up on nice days. Located next to the drop-off, this building also provides a place for students to wait to be picked up. The building will be built into the hillside next to the soccer field to minimize its percieved height.
Multi-Purpose Building
The Multi-Purpose Building provides flexible space next to the Crocker Mansion to alleviate overscheduling of the GCC. Locating this building next to the Lower School alleviates the need to move groups of young children across campus for recreational classes. This building is located 300’ from the closest adjacent proper ty line and will work with existing grade to fit into the existing hillside.
Faculty and Administrative Space
A interdisciplinary faculty workspace will be located on the southwest end of the existing library. This location is central to the rest of campus and provides a space for welcoming visitors to campus that is adjacent to the new drop-off.
Cafe Expansion
The existing cafe will be expanded to accomodate growth in the student population.
Theater
Proposed siting leverages site topography to minimize the proposed theater’s height and mass.
Nestled into the hillside in the location of the existing Middle School, the proposed siting of the theater will take advantage of the site’s topography to minimize the building’s perceived height. As performing arts are a key component of the Nueva curriculum, the theater will be located in the center of campus. This location places the building 150’ away from the nearest property line.
The theater included in the 2012 Update is smaller in size than the previously entitled theater of the 1996 Master Plan.
The approved 1996 Master Plan includes a theater of 20,000sf. The 2012 Update proposes a theater that is 20% smaller in area at 16,000sf. Approximately one- third of the proposed seats will be accommodated in a mezzanine, allowing for a more intimate interior space and limiting the mass of the building.
A limited number of performances and valet parking on the sports field
The expected number of performances is not anticipated to increase as a result of the proposed theater. See the Schedule of Uses for more detail.
Parking for large events is currently accommodated by valet parking. This system has worked very efficiently in the past and will continue to be utilized in the future. The proposed theater will accommodate performances that currently occur in the GCC, moving this activity farther away from the adjacent neighbors.
Housing
The proposed housing, continued from the 1996 Master Plan, consists of 6 dwelling units located along Skyline Boulevard. This site is away from primary educational activities, with direct access to Skyline Boulevard, and a separate small parking lot and entrance. To the north of the site is a private tennis court behind a six foot high wooden fence facing Nueva property and a ten foot high sound wall facing Skyline Boulevard. Trees surrounding the housing units will provide privacy and screen the new building. The housing is compatible in mass, scale, and character to the many houses along Skyline, and would be designed to be compatible with the Town of Hillsborough Guildelines.
Landscape Improvements
[The 1996 Nueva School Master Plan Page 15-17]
The landscape improvements incorporated into the 2012 Master Plan Update reflect the following objectives:
• Strengthen and clarify site connectivity and accessibility (vehicular and pedestrian).
• Enhance existing and propose new outdoor spaces associated with the Middle School and Lower School
• Provide opportunities in the landscape to engage students with sites that support educational programs, promote sustainability concepts, and encourage stewardship.
• Provide spaces for play, sites for congregation, and landscape elements that support communication and connectivity.
• Create and maintain defensible spaces around buildings
Landscape Guidelines
Landscape designs including material selection and spacing, lighting, fencing and tree removal will be submitted for Town review as par t of the individual development projects. The following approach to landscape issues will guide future landscape design.
Landscape Material Selection
New paving will be limited to high-traffic pedestrian paths, cour tyards and vehicular surfaces. Paving will be high albedo, consisting of recycled materials and porous when feasible. Pedestrian paths can be surfaced with a natural/recycled accessible material such as compacted gravel or soil.
Play areas will be paved with an accessible, recycled (when feasible) safety surface. This surface will be lively and engaging, such as colored rubber paving. Paving depths will comply with fall zones per the latest California Guidelines.
Exotic and/or high-water need plants will be limited to agriculture zones or lawns. Native and/or droughtadapted plants ideally suited to The Nueva School Campus will be used to support sustainability goals, promote ecological awareness and create ecological connectivity between the inhabited spaces and the natural areas of the site.
All materials will be selected to minimize fire hazards. New trees will be located so as to not interfere with emergency vehicular access.
Security Fencing and Gate
Fencing and gates are proposed in areas of the site to limit movement into and/or out of sensitive campus landscape areas. Any new site fencing will meet Town standards.
Landscape Lighting & Signage
Site lighting will be limited to parking areas and primary circulation paths for wayfinding and security. No lighting at the field is proposed. All fixtures
“The school is integrated with nature. The surroundings are integrated into the campus and the curriculum. I like that I have to walk up and down hills around campus.”
- Zac Carr, Japanese Teacher
will be low wattage and dark sky compliant to minimize negative environmental impacts and prevent light intrusion into surrounding natural areas and neighborhoods. All site lighting and signage will be designed in accordance with Town Guidelines.
Tree Removal
The school’s identity is in part tied to its location “in a woodland.” As such, one of the objectives in the creation of the 2012 Master Plan Update was to maintain as many trees and large shrubs as possible while still meeting development goals. Tree and large shrub removal will be selective and limited to those absolutely necessar y for proposed improvements.
The proposal to improve the landscape screening along Skyline Boulevard will mitigate any tree removal resultant from the entry drive relocation and parking improvements in this area.
Landscape Improvements
New landscape improvements proposed include:
• Reforestation of the Hear t of Campus
• Nueva School Orchard
• Lower School Outdoor Play Areas
• Middle School Courtyard
• Terraced Garden near the Existing Cafe
Crocker Mansion
A new landscaped courtyard facing the historic entrance to the Crocker Mansion will replace most of the existing parking lot in this location. The courtyard will be planted with low profile ground cover and shrubs, preserving visibility of the mansion and providing clear pedestrian connections between the Mansion, the new Multi-Purpose Building and the rest of campus. Parking spaces will be redistributed along the Lower Loop Road, maintaining the same number of parking spaces in this area of campus.
“The most exciting thing going on right now on campus is the potential the garden has to be a food source. It should not be about me (the planter), but us (the community). If every grade had a plot, all students could help with the sustainability of the campus in terms of offering the plants they grow to the Café.”
- Stephanie Engelhaupt, 2nd Grade TeacherCirculation and Parking Improvements
[The 1996 Nueva
School Master Plan Page 18-19]
On-campus and off-campus traffic studies were conducted to determine a baseline for existing traffic and circulation flows on The Nueva School campus and in the surrounding region. Informed by the oncampus traffic study, the 2012 Master Plan Update includes adjustments to the existing campus circulation that improve vehicular and pedestrian circulation and safety, and accommodate future growth.
TRAFFIC, CIRCULATION AND PARKING STUDY
An on-campus parking and traffic study was conducted over a par ticularly busy 7-day period in late April. The study included observations of daily parking supply and demand, pedestrian circulation within campus, bicycle circulation within campus, and school bus loading.
In addition, an off-campus traffic study was conducted to evaluate existing traffic and parking patterns and to evaluate the potential impacts of expanded enrollment. The traffic study was conservative in method and extensive in scope to be as sensitive as possible to the needs of the surrounding community. The study included four intersections at Skyline (at The Nueva School entrance, Trousdale Boulevard, Chateau Drive, and Hayne Road) as well as the additional intersection of the 1-280 Northbound Off-Ramp at Hayne Road.
The on-campus and off-campus traffic studies were particularly conservative in scope in the following ways:
• The off-campus traffic analysis studied 4 nearby intersections with both am and pm counts
• The counts were taken at a very busy week on the Nueva campus, with more on-campus activity than the average week
• Growth was analyzed on a per-student basis, not taking into account busses and carpooling.
Circulation and Parking Improvements
OFF-CAMPUS CIRCULATION
Off-Campus Traffic
Over the past 15 years, Nueva has intiated measures to reduce the number of cars driving to and from campus. Currently 36% of the students use a privately contracted school bus system with stops in San Francisco and throughout the Peninsula. Ten percent of Nueva Families repor t carpooling to and from school.
Nueva’s car-student ratio is likely to further drop in the future. The 2012 Master Plan Update proposes expanded bus service to encourage ridership and innovative communication efforts to encourage carpooling. Furthermore, the School expects the greater number of bus passengers (resulting from expanded enrollment) would lower the cost of bus service and therefore encourage ridership.
The 2012 Master Plan Update includes a study of 4 nearby intersections to determine the school’s contribution to local traffic patterns.
Key findings from the traffic study include:
• Skyline Boulevard has a low overall traffic volume.
• The proposed enrollment increases would result in a modest increase in local traffic.
• Peak hour traffic volumes disperse quickly
• Nueva School traffic is not anticipated to significantly impact operations at any off-site intersection.
ON-CAMPUS CIRCULATION AND PARKING
Campus Entry
In the 2012 Master Plan Update, an additional lane has been added to the campus entry road allowing for a dedicated lane for the lower loop road and a dedicated lane for the drop-off.A stop sign will be added to the lower loop road near the campus exit to allow for dedicated right- and left- turn lanes exiting campus from the drop-off loop.
Drop-Off
TThe Upper Loop Road will be replaced with a new drop-off loop that reclaims the heart of the campus and provides a safer, more efficient vehicular dropoff and pick-up area for the Nueva community. The drop-off loop includes two wide lanes: one for the drop off and one lane that will remain open for traffic moving through. Twenty-six short-term parking spaces have been provided in the drop-off loop area for short-term parking outside of drop-off/pick-up hours. Signage will be installed that indicates “Student Dropoff and Pick-up Only 7-9 AM and 2-5 PM / Driver Must Remain with Vehicle.” Outside of drop-off hours, these spaces are designated for short-term parking and special event parking. The drop-off provides 500 feet of queuing length with an additional 300 feet in the dedicated drop-off entry lane, exceeding the current vehicle queuing length at peak demand as measured in the traffic study.
Lower Loop Road
The Lower Loop Road is maintained to provide direct vehicular access to enable parents to easily drop off close to, or escort their young children into, the
Circulation and Parking Improvements
Crocker Mansion. Due to the existing oak trees and the proximity to the property line, this road cannot be widened. A 13’6” height clearance is maintained on this road. The bridge leading to the Crocker Mansion was raised as part of the 1996 Master Plan.
School-Initiated Programs
In an effort to decrease confusion and traffic congestion during peak traffic times, parents will be informed of any temporary or permanent changes to circulation patterns on campus. In addition the School will continue to encourage the use of carpools and bus services.
Strategies currently employed by the School to improve on-campus circulation include:
• Staggered pick-up times
• Community carpooling program
• Drop-off monitors to ensure queued cars move up promptly and that traffic flows continue smoothly
• Monitors along Rowan Tree Lane to discourage parents from parking or waiting there
• Lower School students with Middle School siblings escorted to the drop-off loop for one point of pickup for parents
Parking
The 2012 Master Plan Update provides for 208 parking spaces (compared to the 173 spaces provided in the 1996 Master Plan). The on-campus traffic study shows a current parking demand of 115 spaces on campus with a conser vative estimate of 28 spaces needed for growth. Thus, traffic consultants conservatively project mid-day parking demand to be 143 spaces and recommend a total provision of
157 on-campus parking spaces to serve anticipated mid-day parking demand while providing a 10% vacancy factor. The existing campus parking count is 178 parking spaces. Additionally a new lot is created for Housing in Phase IV. The 2012 Master Plan generously exceeds the the traffic study recommendation, proposing 208 parking spaces distributed as follows:
Parking Count
South Parking Lot: 96 parking spaces
Staff and Faculty Lot: 33 parking spaces
LS Short-Term Lot: 3 parking spaces
LS Lower Parking Lot: 14 parking spaces Housing Parking Lot 12 parking spaces Total: 158 parking spaces
Short-Term Parking Count
Drop-off Loop : 25 parking spaces Mansion Parking Lot: 25 parking spaces Total: 50 parking spaces
Parking spaces distributed along the lower and upper loop roads have been eliminated to consolidate parking on campus and improve campus pedestrian safety.
The South Parking Lot is planned for expansion to replace spaces displaced by development and provide the additional spaces required. This location is the only relatively flat area on the campus available to accommodate 88 cars. Because this location is severely impacted by traffic noise from Highway 280 and Skyline Boulevard it is ideal for parking, as the impact of the noise associated with the parking lots will be minimized. The Plan proposes paving and
Circulation and Parking Improvements
striping this existing lot to maximize car accommodations.
The total number of parking spaces near the Lower School will be maintained but the lots will be restriped and reconfigured to allow for a more efficient parking layout to provide more landscape area near the Crocker Mansion.
Overflow Parking
Overflow parking will be accommodated on the soccer field during large events.
Pedestrian Circulation
The 2012 Master Plan Update improves pedestrian safety and provides an expanded network of pathways to weave the campus together. By removing the upper loop road, students are able to access the spor ts courts and soccer fields without crossing the road. An amphitheater with an accessible ramp through the existing trees, connects the Middle and Lower School, the new drop-off and the Crocker Mansion. A campus loop trail provides access around the edge the Lower Loop road, providing a pedestrian path from the South Lot to the Lower School and creating a Cross-Country running loop.
Phasing
Sufficient parking, construction activity areas, safe student loading areas and good circulation will be accommodated by the phased implementation of the Update.
See the Implementation and Phasing Plan for more detail.
Parent Notification
In an effort to decrease confusion and traffic congestion during peak traffic times, parents will be informed of any temporary or permanent changes to circulation patterns on campus.
Facility Use
[The 1996 Nueva School Master Plan Page 20-21]
The primary purpose of the proposed facility upgrades is to better support The Nueva School’s educational missions and programs. The 2012 Master Plan Update site plan bases its physical framework on School-related programmatic needs.
SCHOOL USE
The School’s broad educational missions require intensive, year-round campus use. Current and projected educational uses include:
• Day use for the School, Summer School and Mission II operation.
• The Mansion is used occasionally (3-6 events per year) for non-school, private, invitational functions
• Weekend and evening uses for school-related and sponsored functions such as:
• Recitals, performances, plays, concerts, dances and fairs for students, families and staff;
• Meetings and events for parents, staff and trustees; and
• Lectures, courses, seminars and workshops for educators as part of Mission II.
COMMUNITY FACILITY USE
Community use will remain restricted in order to prevent inter ference with School educational functions and impacts to the surrounding neighborhood. The School does not anticipate an increase in community use at this time.
Sports Field and Athletic Facilities
The School plans to continue to offer the Sports Field and Athletic Facilities to the Hillsborough community as a recreational resource. Local athletic organizations will continue to have limited access to the soccer field and baseball diamond on weekdays and weekends.
In addition, the Spor ts Field provides a benefit for the surrounding community as a qualified FAA-approved helicopter landing for emergency services.
Mansion Use
The Mansion is used occasionally (3-4 events per year) for non-school, private, invitational functions. The School will continue to enforce self-imposed measures to control the noise produced during these events.
See the Schedule of Uses for more detail.
“We need more spaces for gatherings.”
- Azmi, PE Teacher
Facility Program
[The 1996 Nueva School Master Plan Page 22-28]
The 2012 Master Plan Update accommodates new Middle School classrooms and specialized educational facilities including a new Environmental Center, a covered sports court, a multi-purpose building, affordable housing, and a theater. When fully implemented, the Update utilizes the remaining entitled building area of 20,785 SF from the 1996 Master Plan and proposes an additional area of approximately 23,000 SF to meet current and projected needs over the next 15 years. The proposed Theater (16,000 SF) comprises a significant proportion of that area.
Included in this section are general descriptions of existing and proposed facilities and their uses. Each facility description includes a review of current and projected impacts. The building areas and structural coverage areas proposed are estimates. Total campus structural coverage through 2027 will not exceed the Town of Hillsborough Development Standards as allowed by the total site acreage.
Facility Program:
Existing Building Facilities
The Crocker Mansion and Surrounding Grounds
Currently the Mansion houses homeroom and specialty classrooms (for approximately 200 PreK – 4th grade students), and administrative and Mission II functions. The Ballroom on the ground-floor level of the Mansion hosts some larger group events including assemblies, concer ts and special events. Day activities at the Mansion extend out onto the surrounding lawns, the Ballet (Upper) Lawn and the Kindergarten (Lower) Lawn.
The lack of space within the Crocker Mansion has begun to adversely impact the curriculum. Additional space is required to meet classroom needs, particularly specialty classroom needs in the sciences, and to accommodate indoor physical education, athletic programs and the School’s burgeoning fine arts and performing arts programs.
Programs: Ballroom, 16 Classrooms, Music Practice Rooms, Administration, Maintenance, Support Services
Existing Building Area: 34,000 SF
The Middle School J Building
Currently, the J Building houses the Innovation Lab; multi-purpose classrooms (serving approximately 200 5th – 8th grade students) which suppor t primarily middle school humanities and languages; and administration.
Programs: 7 Classrooms, I-lab, Support Services
Existing Building Area: 12,340 SF
The Middle School C,D,E and F Buildings
The old Middle School quad comprises four temporary buildings with classrooms (ser ving approximately 200 5th-8th grade students) that suppor t primarily middle school arts, music and sciences; space for administrative functions and support (technology); and a small outdoor courtyard/amphitheater. In addition to classroom and recess activities, the Middle School courtyard is used occasionally for small gatherings and special events. These facilities currently are insufficient to accommodate the middle school’s burgeoning electives programs particularly in the performing arts and fine arts, the School’s support services for its broad and deep technology curriculum, and program support services.
Programs: 5 classrooms including Art and Music, Support Services, 1 small classroom/meeting space
Existing Building Area: 6,600 SF
Gymnasium/Community Center
The GCC is the School’s only large-capacity indoor assembly, athletic and per formance space. The School currently experiences significant scheduling constraints in accommodating its existing enrollment and programs, many of which have been adversely limited and otherwise impacted. These impacts are particularly acute when inclement weather limits the School’s ability to conduct physical education, athletics and performing arts activities outdoors.
Programs: Gym, Assembly, Rehearsal, and Performance Space, Classroom and After-school programs, Admissions Services
Existing Building Area: 14,300 SF
Library
The library serves as the School’s primary physical books and electronic reference resource as well as an important informal and formal community gathering and meeting area for the Nueva community. The library also houses the School’s media lab which supports the broad digital literacy, citizenship and programming / engineering programs.
Programs: Library, Meeting Rooms, Computer Lab
Existing Building Area: 6,700 SF
Cafe
The cafeteria meets the lunch requirements of the Lower School and Middle School through two separate lunch hour seatings. It functions also as a mid-size community gathering, meeting and performance venue. In addition to supporting the lunch and catering requirements of the School, the kitchen also is used occasionally as an instructional space. The small amphitheater outside the Café serves as an occasional outdoor performance venue.
Programs: Cafeteria, Kitchen
Existing Building Area: 3,800 SF
Environmental Center
The “Environmental Center”, the original Mansion garage, has been imperfectly adapted to accommodate its current principal use as a lower school science classroom. However, the current lower school science facilities which are insufficient and not proximately located, adversely impact the expansion and coordination of these programs.
Programs: Classroom
Existing Building Area: 1,200 SF
Business Office
The business office currently occupies a por table trailer on the most remote periphery of the built campus; this location impedes the ability of the office to support Nueva faculty, staff and the community.
Programs: Office Space
Existing Building Area: 1,230 SF
Admissions Office
The admissions office occupies a small administrative extension to the GCC and a small por table building. The current space does not sufficiently meet the needs of the admissions office which include reception; offices; and private meeting, testing and group gathering facilities. The admissions office currently borrows space from other already-impacted facilities to meet their needs. The creation of more suitably organized space will dramatically increase the capability and effectiveness of this function and team.
Programs: Office Space
Existing Building Area: 1,100 SF
Facility Program:
Proposed Improvements and Projected Uses
The Middle School
A two-story Middle School classroom building will face the Hillside Learning Complex cour tyard, creating a unified Middle School Quad. This new classroom building will replace the classrooms in the existing C, D, E and F buildings that have outlived their expected lifespan, and will add 5 additional classrooms to accommodate enrollment growth.
Programs: Classrooms, Support Space
Existing Building Area to be demolished: Middle School C,D,E,F Buildings (-6,600 SF)
New MS Classrooms:
Estimated Building Area: 11,000 SF
Estimated Structural Coverage: 5,500 SF
The Theater
The purpose of the theater, which was approved in the 1996 Master Plan, remains the same: to accommodate the School’s extensive per forming arts program as well as assembly needs for school-related and sponsored events. Classes, assemblies, rehearsals, performances and other large school events currently held in the mansion ballroom, cafeteria or GCC could be moved into the theater. The theater will not be a commercial facility used for ticketed events open to the general public, and the expected number of performances is not anticipated to increase as a result of the proposed theater. The School proposes that permission for community use be applied for through Hillsborough City Council.
Programs: Fixed Seating for 475 people, Lobby, Stage, Stage and Side Wings, Set and Costume Shops, Support Services
Estimated Building Area: 16,000 SF
Estimated Structural Coverage: 12,000 SF
Administration Space
Middle School administration space will be included in the new Middle School Classroom wing to better integrate the Middle School Staff with the students. A small addition to the library will provide expanded administration space adjacent to the drop-off and will enable relocation of the Business Office and Admissions services from portables to long-term, more central and accessible locations.
Administration Space: Programs: Offices, Meeting rooms, Faculty Workspace
Existing Building Area to be demolished: Admissions Office, Business Office (-2,330 SF)
Estimated Building Area: 3,600 SF Estimated Structural Coverage: 2,000 SF
MS Administration Space: Programs: MS Administrative offices, workrooms and meeting rooms to replace the existing MS Administration areas in Buildings C,D,E,F
Estimated Building Area: 1,800 SF Estimated Structural Coverage: 900SF
Café Expansion
An expansion of the existing café will allow accommodation of an expanded number of middle school students. This could be in the form of an indoor/outdoor terrace with expansive views and a direct connection to the Nueva Garden.
Programs: Kitchen, Cafeteria Seating
Estimated Building Area: 2,300 SF Addition Estimated Structural Coverage: 2,300 SF
Multi-Use Buildings
Environmental Center
A new Environmental Center classroom will support the growing environmental and general sciences curriculum, and replace the existing portable currently used for this purpose. This building will suppor t and elevate a reconceptualized pre K-8 environmental education curriculum.
Programs: Classroom, Lab
Estimated Building Area: 2,800 SF
Estimated Structural Coverage: 2,800 SF
Multi-Purpose Building
A Multi-purpose building near the Lower School will provide recreational and a flexible teaching space for the Lower School students. This building will alleviate scheduling pressure on the GCC and provide a space, easily accessible to the Lower School, for allweather recreation, per formances, and art classes and exhibitions.
Programs: Gym, Music, Art
Estimated Building Area: 6,000 SF
Estimated Structural Coverage: 4,000 SF
Covered Sports Court
A covered sports court will provide greatly needed all-weather recreational space to alleviate current overcrowding and scheduling conflicts on the heavilyused existing Gymnasium/Community Center
Programs: Physical Education and Athletics
Estimated Building Area: 7,000 SF
Estimated Structural Coverage: 7,000 SF
Housing
The proposed housing includes 6 units that could be used to provide affordable, interim housing for teachers or staff members recently relocated to join the Nueva School and short-term housing for visiting speakers, educators, scholars and artists-in-residence.
Programs: 6 Units of Short-term, Affordable Housing
Estimated Building Area: 3,600 SF
Estimated Structural Coverage: 3,600 SF
“I would like to see building spaces that encourage collaboration and interdisciplinary work, and to find ways to best develop the outdoor space for enhanced curricular and community use.”
2012 Master Plan Update Preliminary Plan
Building and Site Development Strategies
Height LImits
The Town of Hillsborough Zoning Code establishes a maximum building structure height of 32’ measured from a warped plane parallel to natural grade. Height Limit
Site Development Strategy
The placement of new buildings is based on minimizing environmental disturbance by using previously developed sites wherever possible. Building heights comply with the zoning code, with the exception of the theater which applied for a height variance of 40’ as part of the 1996 Master Plan. Proposed buildings such as the new Middle School, the Theater and the Multi-Purpose Buildings are tucked into their respective hillsides to minimize their mass.
Building locations and massings were determined with the goal of balancing cut and fill across the site.
Section Cut Key
2012 Master Plan Update
Preliminary Plan
Building and Site Development Strategies
The 1996 Nueva School Master Plan applied for a variance that allows a 40’ building height for the proposed theater. The building massing steps down the hillside, working with existing grading to minimize cut and fill
Height Limit
Section Cut Key
Illustrative Site Plan
Key
Existing Building
Proposed Building Road
MASTER PLAN PROGRAM COMPARISON CHART
1996 Master Plan
Enrollment: Self-limited to 400
Existing Building Area: 42,000sf
Approved New Building Area: 60,000 sf , (42,200sf - 51,300sf)
Total Building Area Approved: 102,000sf
Completed Between 1996-2012
Current Enrollment: 414
Approved New Building Area in 1996 Master Plan: 60,000 sf Total Built Area Since 1996: 39,215sf , Remaining Entitled per 1996 Master Plan 20,785sf
2012 Master Plan Update
Proposed Enrollment: 517
Proposed Building Area in 2012 Master Plan Update: 54,100sf Proposed Buildings for Demolition: 10,075sf , Net Proposed Building Area 44,025s f
Net Proposed Building Area 44,025s f Remaining Entitled per 1996 Master Plan 20,785sf , Additional Building Area Proposed 23,240sf
ADMINISTRATION
ADMINISTRATION
J Building Administration (Completed in 2007) 1,340sf
ATHLETICS
Gymnasium 11,000-13,000sf
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Middle School Classrooms 6,600-7,500sf Middle School remodel (unbuilt)
LOWER SCHOOL Mansion Remodel THEATER Theater (unbuilt) 17,000-20,000sf
MULTI-PURPOSE BUILDING Mission II Center (unbuilt) 4,000-6,000sf
HOUSING Mission II Housing (unbuilt) 3,600-4,800sf
ATHLETICS Gymnasium (Completed in 2000) 14,300sf
MIDDLE SCHOOL
J Building Classrooms (Completed in 2007) 11,000sf Library (Completed in 2007) 5000sf
LOWER SCHOOL Mansion Remodel (Completed in 2007) Seasonal Court Covering (Scheduled for 2012) 2,100sf
Estimated Building Areas: ADMINISTRATION/FACULTY SPACE Administrative/Admissions Space 3,600sf MS Administrative/Interdisciplinary Office Space 1,800sf
ATHLETICS
Covered Sports Court 7,000sf
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Middle School Classrooms 11,000sf (replaces existing and add 5 for growth)
THEATER Theater 16,000sf
MULTI-PURPOSE BUILDINGS
Multi-Purpose Building 6,000sf Environmental Center Classroom and Labs 2 ,800sf
HOUSING Mission II Housing 3,600sf
PARKING Parking Spaces 173
CAFE Cafe/Student Center 3,800 sf
PARKING Parking Spaces 178 Shuttle Bus System
CAFE Cafe Expansion 2,300sf
PARKING Parking Spaces 208 Expanded Shuttle Bus System
Implementation and Phasing Plan
Development Phasing
Implementation of the Master Plan is proposed in four development phases. Phases I,II,II and IV will be built at the School’s discretion and are subject to securing adequate funding and other school circumstances. All proposed buildings and site development are explicitly independent of, and not contingent on, the build-out of any other phase of the master plan.
During development sustainable construction and waste diversion practices will be utilized. Construction equipment consisting of the best available technologies in regards to noise reduction and emissions will be used to the greatest extent possible.
Phase I - Middle School ,EC, Covered Sports Court Net 17,725sf (anticipated in 2013-2017)
Middle School Classrooms 11,000sf
Middle School Administration/ Faculty Workspace 1,800sf Covered Sports Court 7,000sf Environmental Center Classroom 1,400sf 21,200sf
Remove Building Office Portable -1,175sf
Remove Admissions Portable -1,100sf
Remove Environmental Classroom Portable -1,200sf -3,475sf
A new two-story Middle School building, providing five additional classrooms for growth, will face the Hillside Learning Complex courtyard creating a unified Middle School Quad. This new classroom building will replace the existing C, D, E and F buildings which are approaching the end of their useful lives. A new Environmental Center classroom will support the growing Environmental Sciences curriculum and replace the existing portable currently used for this purpose. A covered sports court will provide crucial recreational space to alleviate overcrowding and scheduling conflicts in the heavily used Gymnasium Community Center.
Phase II - Lower School and Multi-Purpose Building
Net 9,700 sf (anticipated in 2018-2022)
Multi-Purpose Space 6,000sf Environmental Center Labs 1,400sf Expand Existing Cafe 2,300sf 9,700sf
In the second phase of development, a new multi-purpose building, easily accessible to the Lower School, will provide for all-weather recreation, performances, and art classes and exhibitions. An expansion of the existing café will allow the café to accommodate a larger number of middle school students.
Phase III – Theater and Amphitheater
Net 13,000sf (anticipated in 2023-2027)
Theater 16,000sf Administrative Space 3,600sf 19,600sf
Remove C,D,E,F Buildings -6,600sf
In the last phase of development, a theater will provide a muchneeded venue and space for Nueva’s growing performing arts program. The theater is included in the 1996 Master Plan; however, this Update reduces the size of the theater and relocates the building, taking advantage of the natural topography of the site to tuck the building into the hillside. Phase 3 also includes expansion of administrative space.
Phase IV - Housing
Net 3,600sf (anticipated after 2022)
Mission II Housing 3,600sf
In the fourth phase of development, an affordable housing complex comprised of six units will be constructed. This housing will be built at the School’s discretion and subject to securing adequate funding and other school circumstances.
Projected Student Enrollment
2012 414 Students 2013 + 25 - + 32 Students 2014 + 25 - + 32 Students 2015 +25 - + 32 Students 2016-2028 +7 - + 27 Students
Projected Staff Increases
2012 97 (Full and Par t-time Staff/Faculty) 2013 + 2 - 3 2014 + 2 - 3 2015 + 2 - 3 2016 - 2028 + 2 - 3
Projected Parking Increases By Phase
2012 178 Spaces Phase 1 196 Spaces Phase II No Change Phase III No Change Phase IV 208 Spaces
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Technical Evaluation and Supporting Data
Nueva School Information: • Schedule of Uses • The Nueva School Use Permit • The Nueva Philosophy • Nueva School Letters to Neighbors • Accessible Entrace to Mansion
New Campus Studies: • Circulation and Parking Evaluation, Traffic Studyand TIA Report - dated December 2012
• Campus Environmental Noise Evaluation - dated December 2012 • Response Memo to Atkins regarding Environmental Comments • Stormwater Site Analysis Report - dated October 2012
Campus Geotechnical Reports: • Geotechnical Report - dated July 2005
Geotechnical Report - dated February 2006
Geotechnical Report - dated August 2007
Geotechnical Report - dated August 2008
Campus Utility Usage Information:
Supporting Data
A student performance in the GCC Teacher Training Insitutute
Schedule of Uses
The following table lists existing use of school buildings and grounds according to weekday, weeknight, weekend, and 24-hour time periods. For Nueva School educational uses, the table compares existing uses to projected uses. For community uses, it compares existing uses to planned uses. The plan proposes application to Hillsborough City Council for any changes in community use of the facilities. Information within provided by The Nueva School.
[The 1996 Nueva School Master Plan Pages 35 and 65]
Schedule of Uses
WEEKDAY USE [Weekdays, Monday-Friday 7:30am-6:00pm]
Regular School Year
Current Nueva School Educational Use Projected Use
Activity: Day School/Extended Care No Change
Location: School Buildings and Grounds Existing and New Facilities Time of Year: September - June (approximately 175 days total) No Change Days: Monday-Friday No Change Time of Day: 8:30am-3:30pm school day No Change
8:30am-3:30pm (Fire drills monthly, No Change emergency drills annually)
7:30am-8:30am and 3:30pm-6:00pm extended care No Change Students: 414 in day program increase to 517 Staff: 97 Full and Part-Time Staff and Faculty increase to 109 Full and Part-Time Staff and Faculty
Weekday After School and Athletic Programs
Current Nueva School Educational Use Projected Use
Activity: Day School, Extended, Local Community Use No Change
Location: School Buildings and Grounds No Change Time of Year: September - June No Change Days: Monday - Friday No Change Time of Day: 3:30pm - 6:00pm No Change Attendees: Approximately 200 participants and spectators No Change
School Business
Current Nueva School Educational Use Projected Use
Activity: Operation of the School: No Change Administration, Board and Committee Meetings, Business Appointments, Tours, Deliveries, Etc.
Location: School Buildings and Grounds Existing and New Facilities Time of Year: Year Round No Change Days: Monday-Friday No Change Time of Day: 8:00am-6:00pm No Change Attendees: Varies No Change
Schedule of Uses
Other General Small School-Related and Sponsored Events
Current Nueva
School Educational Use Projected Use
Activities: Student Dances, Small Parent Meetings, School Board/Committee Meetings, Mission II Outreach Lectures, etc...
Location: School Buildings and Grounds Existing and New Facilities Time of Year: Primarily when School is in Session No Change Days: Mondays-Fridays No Change Time of Day: 6:00pm - 10:00pm No Change Frequency: 6 - 8 times annually No Change Attendees: Typically 100 or less No Change
Summer School
Current Nueva School Educational Use Projected Use
Activity: Day School/Extended Care No Change Location: School Buildings and Grounds Existing and New Facilities Time of Year: June - July (approximately 6 weeks total) No Change Days: Monday-Friday No Change Time of Day: 8:00am-5:00pm No Change Students: 300 students per week increase to 350 Staff: 70 (FTE) increase to 75 Staff
Schedule of Uses
Grandparents Day
Current Nueva School Educational Use Projected Use
Location: School Buildings and Grounds No Change Time of Year: Mid November No Change Days: On or around November 15 No Change Time of Day: 8:00am-1:00pm No Change Attendees: 150 family members and students/staff Increase to 200
WEEKNIGHT SPECIAL EVENTS [Weekdays, Monday-Friday 8:00am-6:00pm]
Curriculum Fairs
Current Nueva School Educational Use Projected Use
Location: School Buildings and Grounds Existing and New Facilities Time of Year: Varies - generally one per season during the No Change regular school year Days: Monday - Friday No Change Time of Day: 6:00pm - 10:00pm No Change Attendees: 250-414 students, staff, family, friends No Change
General Large Assembly School-related and Sponsored Events
Current Nueva School Educational Use Projected Use
Activity: Per forming Arts Performances, Large Parent Meetings No Change Mission II Outreach Lectures and Seminars
Location: GCC, Mansion Ballroom, Library, Cafe, I-Lab, No Change Time of Year: September - June No Change Days: Monday - Friday No Change Time of Day: 6:00pm - 10:00pm (times vary) No Change Attendees: Typically 300 or less No Change
WEEKNIGHT COMMUNITY EVENTS [Weekdays, Monday-Friday 8:00am-6:00pm]
No Events or Activities
Current Nueva School Educational Use No Change
Schedule of Uses
Grandparents Day
Current Nueva School Educational Use Projected Use
Location: School Buildings and Grounds No Change Time of Year: Mid November No Change Days: On or around November 15 No Change Time of Day: 8:00am-1:00pm No Change Attendees: 150 family members and students/staff Increase to 200
WEEKNIGHT SPECIAL EVENTS [Weekdays, Monday-Friday 8:00am-6:00pm]
Curriculum Fairs
Current Nueva School Educational Use Projected Use
Location: School Buildings and Grounds Existing and New Facilities Time of Year: Varies - generally one per season during the No Change regular school year Days: Monday - Friday No Change Time of Day: 6:00pm - 10:00pm No Change Attendees: 250-414 students, staff, family, friends No Change
General Large Assembly School-related and Sponsored Events
Current Nueva School Educational Use Projected Use
Activity: Per forming Arts Performances, Large Parent Meetings No Change Mission II Outreach Lectures and Seminars
Location: GCC, Mansion Ballroom, Library, Cafe, I-Lab, No Change Time of Year: September - June No Change Days: Monday - Friday No Change Time of Day: 6:00pm - 10:00pm (times vary) No Change Attendees: Typically 300 or less No Change
WEEKNIGHT COMMUNITY EVENTS [Weekdays, Monday-Friday 8:00am-6:00pm]
No Events or Activities
Current Nueva School Educational Use No Change
Schedule of Uses
WEEKEND EVENTS [Weekends, Saturday and Sunday 8:00am - 10:00pm]
Curriculum Fairs
Current Nueva School Educational Use
Location: School Buildings and Grounds
Projected Use
Existing and New Facilities
Time of Year: Varies - usually one per season during the school year No Change Days: Saturdays, Sundays (or Friday eveings, see above) No Change Time of Day: 10:00am - 8:00pm No Change
Frequency: 2 - 3 times annually No Change
Attendees: 275-400 students, staff and families No Change
Rehersals and Pre-production Activities
Current Nueva School Educational Use
Activity: Music and drama rehersals, set construction and other pre-production activities
Projected Use
Location: Ballroom, GCC, LS Courtyard, MS Courtyard Existing and New Facilities Time of Year: Primarily when school is in session No Change Days: Mondays - Sundays No Change Time of Day: 8:00pm-10:00pm No Change Frequency: 6 - 8 times annually No Change Attendees: Typically 75 or less No Change
General Large School-related and Sponsored Events
Current Nueva School Educational Use Projected Use
Activity: Music per formances, Student plays, Large parent meetings, Mission II Outreach lectures, etc.
Location: School Buildings and Grounds
Existing and New Facilities
Time of Year: Primarily when school is in session No Change Days: Saturdays No Change Time of Day: 2:00pm - 6:00pm or 6:00pm-10:00pm No Change
Frequency: 4 - 6 times annually No Change
Attendees: Maximum 350 increase to 475 maximum
WEEKEND EVENTS [Weekends, Saturday and Sunday 8:00am - 10:00pm]
Schedule of Uses Athletic Programs
Current Nueva School Educational Use Projected Use
Activities: Local Community use No Change
Location: GCC and Sports Field Existing and New Facilities Time of Year: Primarilty Fall, Spring and Summer No Change Days: Saturdays No Change Time of Day: 8:00am - 5:00pm No Change Frequency: March - November No Change Attendees: Typically less than 50 for games No Change
The Friends of Nueva Program
Current Nueva School Educational Use Projected Use
Activities: Private Invitational Events such as weddings and No Change group functions, (these are not open to the general public)
Location: Buildings and Grounds Existing and New Facilities
Time of Year: Year Round No Change Days: Saturdays and Sundays No Change
Time of Day: Saturdays between 1:00pm - 9:00pm No Change Sundays between 11:00am - 9:00pm No Change Frequency: 3-6 times a year No Change
Attendees: Typically 100 or less No Change