Summary
SLAM Architects presented a stage‑2 proposal for Smithfield school renovations that prioritizes bathroom renovations, a remodeled CTE culinary space, theater upgrades and options for elevator installation. Project scoping will be trimmed to match a target 5‑year budget of $4.3 million with a 35% reimbursement noted in the district presentation.
SLAM Architects presented the school district’s stage‑2 schematic options and cost drivers for Smithfield High School and the middle school, highlighting a suite of prioritized renovations the building committee must pare to a $4.3 million five‑year capital target.
The presentation, led by SLAM and supported by Cash Grover from Carter’s project leadership, outlined priority work that includes replacement and ADA‑upgrades to multiple restroom suites, a full renovation of the high‑school CTE culinary labs (new hoods, ranges, refrigeration and mobile workstations), theater seating and audiovisual upgrades, and multiple elevator strategies (interior enlargement versus exterior additions). SLAM emphasized that individual bathroom “bays” were estimated at roughly $250,000 each based on the current scoping and that costs will escalate over the five‑year plan.
Several site‑specific technical issues were flagged: some second‑floor restrooms cannot be made ADA‑compliant without major structural work or an elevator solution; a tree‑damaged roof area has been recently replaced while the rest of the roof would require replacement to deck and new tapered insulation; and the current emergency generators are old or oversized with several options proposed (replace with right‑sized generator, retain temporary hookup for portable generators, or full replacement). SLAM will price two sprinkler‑routing approaches: exposed piping under ceilings (lower cost) and concealed piping above ceilings (higher cost and more expensive to retrofit).
The district presentation included a target capital plan of $4.3 million over five years; the administration noted an anticipated 35% reimbursement from “Bridal” as part of the financing model described during the meeting and said the reimbursement mechanism will be applied after project completion claims. The district also plans to use a combination of capital funds and possible future bond or operating support to meet cash‑flow requirements. Patrick (finance) provided a net cost breakdown that showed a projected net district cost of approximately $2.82 million after the cited reimbursement, with a total capital improvement cost of about $4.34 million in the presentation.
Committee members were told SLAM will provide independent line‑item estimates for each bathroom and elevator option so the school building committee can select a set of projects that fit the district’s cash‑flow and reimbursement schedule. Presenters asked the committee to provide prioritization guidance when cost estimates arrive; town council review and potential approval were discussed, with the administration seeking to give town council more time to review materials before a final vote.
The administration cautioned the committee that the full scope as shown would exceed available capital funds and that the committee should expect to make tradeoffs. Committee members asked for detailed cost estimates next week and for the administration to prepare a prioritized list showing which projects deliver the most instructional or safety value per dollar.
No formal vote was taken on specific construction items at the meeting; the building committee will meet again once SLAM furnishes detailed cost estimates so the committee can select a subset of work to fit the capital plan and reimbursement timing.
