By Lindsey CoulterÌý

STAMFORD, Conn. — Stamford officials have approved plans for construction ofÌýtheÌýnew Roxbury Elementary School, advancing one of the city’s largest K-12 capital projects as part ofÌýtheÌýbroader,Ìý$1.5 billionÌýStamford Public Schools Long-term Facilities PlanÌýto improve facilities across the city.Ìý

The Stamford Planning Board voted Dec. 19 to approve the project, which will replace the existing 70-year-old Roxbury Elementary School. The new facility is being funded in part through House Bill 7288, which provides significant state support for school construction projects across Connecticut.ÌýThe project’s next steps include a bid-authorization meeting with state officials, along with final approvalsÌýrequiredÌýfrom city and state agencies.Ìý

In December 2022, the state increased its reimbursement rate for eligible school construction projects to 60%, up from 20%, a change that will apply to the new Roxbury K-8 school. Roxbury was added to the state’s priority list that same month, and formal design work began in December 2023.ÌýConstruction is expected to begin in late 2026, with the school now slated to open during the 2028-29 school year. Earlier projections had targeted occupancy in the 2027-28 school year, butÌýtheÌýbuildingÌýtimeline hasÌýbeen extended by risingÌýconstructionÌýcosts.ÌýAnother significant project now underway,ÌýWesthill High School,ÌýwasÌýinitially estimated at $301 millionÌýbutÌýhasÌýseen its projected cost increase to $461 million. Similarly, the Roxbury Elementary School project was first budgeted at $86 million when announced in 2022 and is now estimated at $130 million.Ìý

The new Roxbury Elementary School will increase capacity from 500 to 850 students and expand grade levels served through eighth grade. In addition to addressing long-standing maintenance and repair issues, theÌýschool will be organized around nine learning pods, each dedicated to aÌýspecificÌýgrade, where students will spend the majority of their school dayÌýto reduceÌýcirculation.ÌýAll pods willÌýincludeÌýrestrooms and breakout spaces andÌýwill be connected by a central corridor.ÌýThe projectÌýalsoÌýincludesÌýaÌýshared media center, cafeteria and library as well as aÌýmodern gymnasiumÌýthat will conserve square footage by also serving as a performance space.ÌýIn addition to newÌýoutdoor play areas,Ìýthe project will includeÌýsustainability upgrades, such as theÌýinstallation of geothermalÌýwells,Ìýexpanded parking capacity,Ìýand safer schoolÌýbusÌýand parent pickup loops.ÌýÌý

The existing K-5 Roxbury Elementary School will remain in operation throughoutÌýthe constructionÌýof the new building.ÌýThe project will require the demolition of several portable structures that have been used as temporary classrooms for decades to address overcrowding. Once the new facility is operational, the existing school building will be demolished.Ìý

The project team includes TSKP Studio as architect, O&G Industries as construction manager, and Arcadis U.S. Inc. providing project management services.ÌýProgram planning for the new Roxbury school is complete, and design work is currently underway.ÌýÌý

The post Stamford Leaders Approve Plans for Roxbury Elementary ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï appeared first on ÍøÆسԹÏ.

The post Stamford Leaders Approve Plans for Roxbury Elementary ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï appeared first on ÍøÆسԹÏ.