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Construction update: South Norwalk School on track for 2025–26 opening; high school work progressing amid material-tariff concerns
Summary
City staff told the Land Use and Building Management Committee that South Norwalk School remains on schedule to open for the 2025–26 school year and that Norwalk High School/P-TECH construction is progressing. Staff warned that tariffs and supply-chain issues—especially for aluminum exterior materials—could pose future exposure.
City staff reported May 5 that South Norwalk School is on schedule to open for the 2025–26 school year and that work on Norwalk High School and the P-TECH building is advancing as planned.
Presenters showed site photos and progress updates: exterior brickwork and storefront curtain wall were in place at South Norwalk, interior finishes and ceiling grid preparation were ongoing, and a stairwell and gym finishes were visible in recent photos. Staff said additional property adjacent to the original site is under development for site work.
On Norwalk High School and P-TECH, staff said under-slab utilities and portions of concrete slabs have been placed, steel erection is continuing and fireproofing is being applied. The crane moved to a second of several locations as steel work continues; site work behind Strawberry Avenue was cleared and a retaining wall for future fields has begun.
Committee members asked about supply-chain exposure, particularly tariffs that could affect aluminum used in exterior cladding and window framing. Staff said structural steel is purchased and fabricated, and that they estimate roughly 65%–70% of project costs for Norwalk High School are beyond exposure to potential new tariffs. ‘‘There could be some exposure, in regards to, that material,’’ staff said, noting conduit and aluminum framing as potential vulnerabilities. Staff said they plan to review purchasing timing at the next weekly coordination meeting to reduce risk.
Officials also confirmed the earlier electrical issue at South Norwalk that had threatened the opening has been resolved via an alternate approach, keeping the project on track for August.
Next steps: continue construction work, monitor material purchasing and tariffs, and report schedule or procurement risks back to the committee as needed.
