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District previews 2026 bond scope: Garfield, Nijiro and Webster renovations estimated at about $10 million
Summary
Architects and construction partners presented design-development plans for three schools (Garfield, Nijiro, Webster) as phase‑5 of the bond work; preliminary construction bids are expected in coming weeks with an estimated combined construction budget of roughly $10 million.
Livonia Public Schools’ bond team and French Associates Architects presented design and budget highlights on Oct. 13 for the next phase of bond work, covering Garfield, Nijiro (Japanese immersion school) and Webster. Clark Construction and Plant Moran participated in the briefing.
Scope and priorities
- Garfield (special education): major items include exterior window replacement, air-conditioning installation in classrooms and conversion of two classrooms to a community food pantry and clothing room. The project also includes upgrades to toilet rooms, door replacements and kitchen reconfiguration to better serve older students enrolled in baking/cooking programs. - Nijiro (Japanese immersion): work focuses on permanent classroom air-conditioning (replacing temporary units), kitchen serving-line updates (stainless movable units and an additional convection oven), LMC reconfiguration with movable bookcases and flexible seating, and improved art and multipurpose spaces. The team emphasized cultural design elements (origami crane motifs and lantern-style lighting). - Webster (gifted, special programs): scope includes infilling step-down areas in the kitchen to improve flow, upgraded OT/sensory room finishes, a basic-skills baking/cooking space, and a media center refresh with a flex space and “idea factory.” Some doors and finishes will be replaced; much of the building already has air conditioning.
Budget and schedule
Brian Weber from Plant Moran said design-development estimates put the three‑building construction scope at about $10 million, with contractor bids forthcoming in the next few weeks and contractor recommendations expected in November. The team stressed logistical planning for construction in occupied buildings and noted some sites require special sequencing, tight isolation or summer work windows to reduce disruption.
Why it matters
The preview reflects continuing bond‑program work to modernize schools and address accessibility, classroom environment and specialized program needs. The board and staff emphasized coordination with principals and building teams to minimize classroom disruption and to give staff time to prepare for moves and purges of materials prior to construction.
Next steps
The district will receive contractor bids soon; staff expect to bring contractor recommendations in November and continue community outreach, design refinements and logistics planning ahead of summer construction windows.
