Antinozzi Associates is thrilled to share the grand reopening of Washington Elementary School in West Haven, celebrated on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, a true “New Beginning” for students, staff, and the community. Being part of this project has been an incredible honor, and seeing the culmination of years of planning and collaboration come to life was profoundly rewarding.
From the moment families and staff arrived, the excitement and energy was shared by all. Children explored the new playground, families enjoyed community food trucks, and the excitement of the ribbon cutting ceremony, led by Board of Education Chairwoman Cebi Waterfield, set the tone for the innovation, inclusivity, and opportunity this school represents.
Inside the new state-of-the-art gymnasium, the ceremony continued with heartfelt remarks from Superintendent Neil C. Cavallaro, Mayor Dorinda Borer, and other dignitaries. Their words reflected exactly what we hoped to achieve through design: a learning environment that inspires students, supports educators, and uplifts the entire community.
Our goal was to honor the rich history of Washington Elementary, while creating a modern, functional, and welcoming facility for decades to come. From classrooms to collaborative areas, and the cutting-edge technology integrated throughout, every space was designed to enhance learning, encourage exploration, and foster a sense of belonging. Principal Alicia Limosani captured it perfectly when she said, “This will be a warm, loving, and supportive place where all students can and will learn.”
A project like this succeeds only through partnership. From the City of West Haven and the Board of Education, to the Building Committee, teachers, families, and community members, it was the shared commitment and vision that turned plans into reality. We are proud to share that the project was completed on time and 3.2% under budget (due to a negative change order ratio), an achievement that reflects careful planning and collaboration at every level.
As architects, we often think in terms of school function and design, but the true measure of our work is the impact it has on the children. Seeing Washington Elementary filled with joy, curiosity, and possibility is a reminder that thoughtful design can shape not just spaces, but experiences, futures, and communities.
Antinozzi Associates wishes to recognize the important contributions made by Ken Carney and the West Haven Building Committee; Superintendent Neil Cavallaro, along with West Haven’s Board of Education and the Washington Elementary School staff; Gilbane Construction Company; and our design consultants: CES Engineering – MEP/FP; MHAI – Structural Engineering; Stantec – Site/Civil/LA; D’Agostino & Associates – Technology/Security/AV; Raymond & Raymond – Food Services; whose combined efforts have resulted in this amazing new school.