Norwalk High/P‑TECH construction update: April 2027 building completion targeted, sports complex and funding requests outlined

Alan Lowe, the city construction lead, told the Facilities Committee on Jan. 28 that Norwalk High School/P‑TECH remains on a multi‑year schedule with building completion expected in April 2027. Lowe said the construction scope is large — staff cited a state‑approved budget number (spoken in the meeting as roughly $239,000,000) — and that the district anticipates submitting a capital request to help cover remaining packages and contingencies, stating an expected request amount of about $22,000,000.

Lowe described sequencing that after building completion the district will demolish the existing site elements and construct a new parking lot and sports complex: he said the sports complex is scheduled for completion by April 2028 to align with the football season and that the tennis courts will be finished later (discussed as 2029). He invited board and Common Council members to tour the site to see construction progress and noted that material, soil remediation and potential rock excavation are among the risks driving contingency needs.

Staff also discussed reviving a long‑range school construction strategy (commonly referred to in discussion as a “25‑year plan”). Lowe and Sandra Fayouis said the city, mayor’s office, board and council will coordinate on timing and financial capacity; they noted that shifting a project (for example, West Rock) by one year to take advantage of reimbursement timing and debt‑service calculations was under consideration.

The committee asked about ADA access and project change orders. Staff confirmed elevator access and legal ADA compliance and described high levels of change‑order activity on large construction projects and the associated cost‑management challenge.

Next procedural steps: staff will prepare formal capital budget requests and follow up with board members; a site tour will be scheduled for committee and council members.