By Laura Kostin
School building projects across Greenwich are approaching significant milestones, including the long-awaited start of construction at Old Greenwich School. Renovations at Julian Curtiss School are moving toward Phase 3 of four phases, and at Central Middle School the installation of the building’s façade is progressing while the new auditorium and stage take shape inside.
Construction fencing will be installed during the week of April 6 at Old Greenwich School to allow preliminary work to begin on the new kindergarten addition and playground. Renovation of the school’s gymnasium, cafeteria, music and art rooms, and mechanical spaces will begin over the summer while students are on break.
The Old Greenwich School Building Committee requested an interim appropriation of $8,177,174, which the Representative Town Meeting approved last month so the project could move forward fully funded. Building Committee Chairman James Waters said the project may be eligible for greater state reimbursement following recently passed legislation that provides additional funding for school construction projects that include spaces for early childhood education and special education services.
Renovations at Julian Curtiss School are also reaching a transition point. With Phases 1 and 2 nearing substantial completion, the Julian Curtiss Building Committee is preparing to begin Phase 3, which will modernize the school’s cafeteria and is expected to be completed this summer. Phases 1 and 2 focused on creating a secure and ADA-accessible entrance, adding code-compliant bathrooms, installing an elevator, and constructing ADA parking.
Julian Curtiss Building Committee Chairman David Levine said, “We are excited to continue making progress with our phased approach to modernize Julian Curtiss School in a practical way to achieve the Board of Education’s ADA goals while balancing the fiscal constraints of the Town’s substantial capital demands. We look forward to sharing future updates over time.”
Funding for the continued work at Julian Curtiss was included in the Board of Education’s capital budget and the First Selectman’s budget. The BET Budget Committee made no adjustments to the $3.67 million request, and the full Board of Estimate and Taxation is expected to vote on the funds at its March 31 “Decision Day” meeting.
Meanwhile, construction continues on the $112 million Central Middle School project. Crews are working full-time, with additional evening and weekend work as needed, to prepare the building for the upcoming school year. Last month, crews began painting the first floor and installing flooring and finishes on the second floor, where the grade-level classrooms are located.
Work scheduled for this month includes installation of climate control systems, near completion of drywall installation and taping, continued work on the building’s façade, and outfitting of the stage and auditorium. The auditorium will serve as a high-use space for school performances and events, as well as meetings of the Board of Education and the Representative Town Meeting, along with ceremonies such as the annual Distinguished Teacher Awards.
