South Kingstown committee approves 60% demolition and site-stabilization plans for Curtis Corner project

Project staff presented the committee with 60% construction documents and a cost estimate focused on partial demolition and site stabilization at Curtis Corner Middle School, seeking approval to submit the package to the reviewer for bid advertisement.

Project representative Phil and project manager Kate said the 60% package is aimed at establishing cost certainty for partial demolition and site stabilization so the team can refine the scope and budget for the athletic-field redesign. The presentation explained the district has an $11 million allocation for Curtis Corner work that must cover demolition, site stabilization and the eventual athletic-field construction; the committee was told that bidders will provide the cost certainty needed before ordering the field design work.

Board members asked whether retaining a portion of the existing building would change the budget. The project team said the expectation is a near-net-zero change in cost because demolition scope is reduced while stabilization work is added; final impact will be known after bids are received. The team confirmed utilities (electric, water and minimal heat), fire alarm, and access for future use would be retained to allow future reuse of the portion of the building.

A motion to approve and submit the 60% construction documents and estimate passed unanimously. Timeline targets presented: advertise and bid in November, receive bids in December, demolition and site stabilization work in July/August, and final athletic-field construction aligned with the new high-school completion schedule in 2027.

Ending: The committee approved the submission and will receive bid results and updated cost information before proceeding to the next design phase.