March 29, 2016 – The Public Building Commission heard presentations for the four architectural/engineering firms selected as finalists
for the Walsh Middle School renovation project. And Antinozzi Associates of Bridgeport won.
The commission met in executive session Monday night at Fire Headquarters. Thirty-minute presentations were given by Antinozzi Associates of Bridgeport, Kaestle Boos Associates Inc. of New Britain, JCJ Architecture of Hartford, and DTC/Perkins Eastman of Stamford.
In a surprise move, Antinozzi Associates was selected by the commission.
Close to home, the firm designed North Branford Intermediate School, along with many elementary, middle, and high schools in Connecticut. The company has also been involved in various higher education, corporate and municipal, financial, and residential projects. F. Michael Ayles, one of the principals was at the meeting, along with Kevin Matis, Patti McKeon, Michael LoSasso, and several other representatives.
DTC Perkins/Eastman had developed the original plans as part of its feasibility study for the Board of Education. The Board of Education selected a hybrid plan that includes a new two-story academic wing and retains the current gyms and pool.
Town Engineer Janice Plaziak and Marc Sklenka of Colliers International, newly selected as the owner’s representative, attended the meeting along with members of the Building Commission, which included Michael Krause, BOE chair, an ex-officio member. Sklenka will act as spokesperson for the town for the construction process.
“It came down to who was the best fit for the project and their approach to the project along with cost considerations,” Plaziak told the Eagle. “All were well-qualified firms,” she said.
The total cost of the school is expected to be $88.2 million. Reimbursement from the state is expected to bring the cost down to $55 million. The BOE is looking to submit its application to the state by June.
Completion of the school is targeted for 2019.
Read the article in the New Haven Independent.