By Anne White
On Tuesday, January 28, 2025, the Central Middle School Building Committee approved a major milestone: the finalization of a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) contract with Turner Construction. At $93,587,800, the GMP comes in over $4.1 million under the initial projection of $97,705,000. This savings increases the project’s contingency fund from 3% to 6%, providing greater flexibility to address any unforeseen challenges as construction progresses.
The committee, established in July 2022, has remained focused on delivering a modern educational facility that meets the needs of Greenwich students. With a total appropriation of $112,017,000, the project is on budget, and construction began last week, setting the stage for the new Central Middle School to open its doors in the summer of 2026.
The project represents one of the most significant public investments in Greenwich’s recent history, underscoring the town’s commitment to providing its students with a first-class education. The Building Committee, composed of financial executives, attorneys, construction experts, and representatives from key town agencies, has worked to ensure the project adheres to its schedule and educational specifications. Their collaboration highlights the value of combining professional expertise with civic responsibility.
“This project is not just about bricks and mortar,” said Joe Rossetti, Chair of the Building Committee. “It’s about creating a space where our students can thrive, learn, and grow in an environment that reflects the excellence Greenwich is known for.”
The financial achievement of securing a GMP below projections is notable, particularly given the challenges of today’s construction market. Inflation, labor shortages, and supply chain disruptions have caused delays and budget overruns in school projects across the state. However, the Building Committee’s diligence and planning have allowed Greenwich to manage costs effectively.
“This achievement by the CMS team bodes well for other major projects in town such as the Old Greenwich School renovation, and we look forward to further abatement of inflationary pressures,” said BET Chairman Harry Fisher.
The project’s journey began with the granting of Municipal Improvement (MI) status in 2023, a unanimous decision by the Planning and Zoning Commission that underscored broad community support. Since then, the committee has worked closely with town agencies to align the project with both educational needs and fiscal responsibility.
The decision to increase the contingency fund to 6% provides additional stability, ensuring that unexpected costs will not derail progress. This approach reflects a broader commitment to maintaining transparency and careful budget management.
As construction continues, the focus remains on delivering a state-of-the-art facility that will serve as a cornerstone of education in Greenwich. With doors set to open in 2026, this milestone marks another step forward in a project that has demonstrated the importance of teamwork, planning, and a long-term investment in the town’s future.
