Bristol council votes to pursue Gutierrez School conversion; RFQ for project manager and architects approved

The Town of Bristol Council voted on Oct. 22 to move forward with planning work to convert Gutierrez School into a consolidated town government center and authorized issuing a request for qualifications for a project manager and architects.

Town staff presented a schematic and financial overview showing the Gutierrez endowment has grown to about $1.7 million; staff proposed using that endowment to fund initial renovation design and phased improvements. Eric (town staff) told the council each floor provides roughly 14,000 square feet and the building already has an elevator and space that could be reconfigured for walk-up public services, council chambers and municipal court.

"Going from classroom space to office buildings isn't a far reach," Eric said, noting savings from vacating and selling two existing town properties and eliminating leased parking. The administration presented estimated annual utility savings and noted the sale of Court Street and High Street properties would return them to the tax rolls.

Council members expressed consistent support for consolidating town offices into a single, recognizable government center. Councilor Tim made the motion; Councilor Tony seconded. Council unanimously approved issuing an RFQ for project-manager and architectural services and agreed that the RFQ should disclose the roughly $1.7 million endowment as a funding source for initial work.

Next steps indicated by staff include selecting a project manager, producing a more detailed timeline and phasing plan, and returning to the council for budget approvals tied to each phase. Staff said the school department would retain athletic fields and that some public meeting and recreational uses could remain in the facility.

The council did not adopt a final design or construction budget; it voted to proceed with the procurement step that will develop a formal cost and schedule.