Essex School Building Committee Picks Doran Whittier as Project Manager

ESSEX — February 26, 2025 — Essex school building committee selects Doran Whittier as owner's project manager for planned new elementary school. The Manchester Essex Regional School District Essex Elementary School Building Committee voted Wednesday to advance Doran Whittier after a three-firm interview evening, with the Newburyport-based firm earning a weighted score of 93.85 out of 100 points — edging Left Field at 88.82 percent and Turner Townsend Heery at 73.46 percent. Doran Whittier project executive Mike Burton cited 14 MSBA projects and continuity from the firm's prior work on Manchester Memorial Elementary; Left Field principal Jim Rogers countered with a deep bench including an MEP specialist and educational liaison. A fault line emerged in deliberations between members who had not served on the Manchester project — several of whom favored Left Field's sustainability focus and team depth — and veterans of that prior process who valued institutional continuity. "I cannot not think about the last 8 years and the amazing experience we've had with Doran Whittier," said member Gordon Brewster. The committee also passed a procedural vote approving the original request for services solicitation for MSBA certification. Total project costs were estimated by presenters at between $62 million and $72 million for a K-through-5 building serving 250 students, with a town meeting funding vote tentatively targeted for November 2026.