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Board of Education central office at 34 Simsbury Road described as unsafe, costly to repair
Summary
BOE and town staff told the council the existing central office has asbestos, ongoing basement flooding and failing systems; feasibility work estimates core renovation costs of about $4.64M and full renovation/expansion could exceed $10M.
During a Sept. 11 presentation, Superintendent Dr. Bridget Carnemolla described the current Board of Education central office at 34 Simsbury Road as having "asbestos throughout the building" and multiple infrastructure failures that have required evacuations and relocation of critical server equipment. She said the basement is currently unusable because of water damage and that the building does not meet ADA or future air-quality assessment requirements for student access.
A feasibility study presented to council showed core renovation costs (MEP systems, asbestos remediation, ADA upgrades, roofing, and finishes) estimated at about $4,644,424 including a 4.5% escalator and project fees. Option 1(b), which would renovate and add 7,320 sq ft, carried an estimated total price exceeding $10 million. Architect Cheryl Newton told the council that, because of the building's age and construction, renovating to extend useful life would be expensive and technically challenging.
"It is expensive and challenging to renovate to new with an expected useful life of 50 years," Newton said, advising the council that electrical service, HVAC, and fire alarm systems would require substantial replacement. Counsel and staff characterized renovation as feasible but with high capital and long‑term maintenance implications for the town and BOE.
