Old Greenwich School Breaks Ground on Phased, Occupied Renovation

Wednesday was the perfect spring day to gather for a long-anticipated groundbreaking ceremony at Old Greenwich School.

“After seven years of vision, planning and teamwork we are officially breaking ground on a much anticipated renovation of Old Greenwich School,” said Old Greenwich School principal, Dr. Jen Bencivengo.

“Soon we will have two new playgrounds – hopefully ready for you to play in the fall – a sunny courtyard to have outdoor lessons and places to work, a welcoming ADA building and front entrance, and air conditioning in every room including the gym,” she said to hoots of appreciation. “Sprinklers for safety and a brand new building with four kindergarteners right where you are sitting right now.”

The event was well attended including members of the building committee, members of the BOE, including chair Karen Hirsh, Jen Behette, Laura Kostin, Sophie Koven and Dr. Michael-Joseph Mercanti Anthony. Also attending were State Representatives Steve Meskers (D-150) and Hector Arzeno (D-151).

BOE chair Karen Hirsh said the renovation was a long time in the making.

“For generations Old Greenwich School has been more than just a building. It’s been the  cornerstone of this incredible community and a place where students have learned, grown and built memories that will last a lifetime,” Hirsh said. “When the work is complete, Old Greenwich School will be a beautiful blend of its historic beginnings and a modern student-centered learning environment.”

Greenwich Schools Superintendent Dr. Toni Jones thanked elected officials and families.

“I also want to say to parents in the community – you showed up – some of our students actually spoke at meetings. We’re so grateful and we’re ready to get shovels in the ground. Go Dolphins!” Jones added.

Old Greenwich School chair James Waters said he felt privileged to work with the building committee over the past 2-1/2 years to prepare for the renovation of the school.

“I want to thank everyone on the building committee for all their stellar work for the town. Without these people, we wouldn’t be here today. This team worked tirelessly,” he said. “They met 119 times at the school at 7:00am over the past 30 months and 10 days. And we didn’t pay them a dime.”

Waters real their names aloud: Jackie Welsh, Barbara O’Neill, Christina Dawson, Leigh Izzo, Leander Krueger, Dr. Michael Mercanti-Anthony, Steven Selbst, Principal Dr. Jen Bencivengo, Molly Saleeby, Janet Stone McGuigan, Peter Lowe, Peter Schweinfurth and Alan Gunzburg.

He also thanked architects, Silver Petrucelli & Associates, owners representative Morganti, and construction managers Downes Construction Co.

“They are going to be with us throughout this entire project,” he said. “You won’t find a finer group of professionals out there.”

Waters said there was a long way to go.

“Right now we’re working on our building permits and the project is out to bid. We’ll start seeing some our bids next week and the rest in early May. We’re hoping to get the project started in late May or early June. We’ll then be working through our phased, occupied renovation in a methodical way to keep everyone safe, to protect all the learning, and to get this on time and on budget.”

“Sometimes you’ll see a lot happening and other times it will be quiet,” he added. “That is exactly what a phased renovation looks like. Our goal is to have this completely done by January 2028.”

Find more on the renovation and expansion project here.

After the event, BOE member Dr. Mercanti-Anthony reached out by email to say, “There is a common school infrastructure narrative in town that we can’t get anything done, but here is an example of the entire community coming together to do right by the students of Old Greenwich. When done, the remodeled building will have improved ventilation, a new secure entrance, much needed added instructional space, and be fully ADA compliant.”

State Rep Steve Meskers 9D-150) reached out to say, “It was so wonderful to be there in such a beautiful atmosphere with a can-do group of people. It’s refreshing.”

“My kids attended the old Greenwich School and I was so proud to be part of advocating the the needed upgrades and renovations.”

 

See also:

Old Greenwich School Renovation/Expansion: “Supreme Mission Focus” Jan 31, 2024

Arora Accused of Fear-Mongering for Calling Renovation in Place at Old Greenwich School Unsafe  Oct 15, 2023

P&Z Watch: Many New Faces Testify; Old Greenwich School MI is Complete
Oct 4, 2023

Selectmen Reaffirm Referral of Old Greenwich School Renovation to Planning & Zoning Sept 30, 2023

P&Z Watch: Feedback Positive on Old Greenwich School Renovation  August 9, 2023

BET’s “Ugly, Messy Conversation” on Discontinuing OGS Independent Cost Estimator Project July 18, 2023

BET Republicans Turn Down Old Greenwich School Interim Appropriation, Favor New School June 23, 2023

Town Lines up to Push Old Greenwich School Renovation Forward…What will the BET do? June 20, 2023

With Blessing from Selectmen, OGS Building Committee to Proceed to P&Z with Pre-Application in May: “Every Week Counts” April 13, 2023

Building Committee “Moving with Purpose” on Renovation Plans for Iconic Old Greenwich School March 25, 2023

PHOtOS: Disappointment Echoes as Major Renovation at Old Greenwich School Deferred to FY25  Feb 3, 2023