Consultants say Weston middle school 'could' qualify for state renovation aid; costs remain uncertain

Consultants for the Weston School District told the district's Education Oversight Committee on June 18 that the middle school's original structure appears sound and could meet Connecticut's criteria for a renovation designation, but the cost of fully renovating the building remains uncertain.

The consultants — Jim Holden, project manager for SLAM; Kemp Moorhart, SLAM principal in charge; structural engineer Steve Murray (SLAM); Lucian Trigulski and Kim Simmons (Bemis Associates); and Scott Pellman of Palia's Project Leaders — summarized a Phase 1 assessment that included one day of on-site inspection, document review and a 15-page memorandum delivered April 16. Holden said, "the renovation could meet the criteria for renovation status. However, right now, it's uncertain about the cost of the renovation."

The consultants said Phase 1 was intentionally limited in scope: teams popped ceiling tiles, inspected mechanical rooms, reviewed available drawings and photographed conditions, but did not perform invasive testing. They recommended a Phase 2 study to develop a feasibility plan, a professional cost estimate, conceptual drawings and the documentation required by state forms (referred to in the presentation as SCG3501 and SCG3520) for a renovate-as-new grant application to the Department of Administrative Services (DAS). Colliers/Palia's representatives said Phase 2 would cost $40,000; the team's Phase 1 fee was $7,500 and is complete.

Why it matters: a renovate-as-new designation can trigger higher state reimbursement but…