Dr. Mark Zito Gives An Update On Rocky Hill High School Construction Project

While substantial progress has been made towards getting a shovel in the ground on the Rocky Hill High School renovation project, the awarding of the contract for the architect is on hold.

Kaestle Boos Inc. of New Britain was recommended to be the architect for the $45 million project by the Public Building Commission after interviewing three firms. 

The Town Council has asked that all three of the firms be interviewed again.

Earlier this year, the town council agreed to hire O & G Industries of Torrington as construction manager after a recommendation by the commission.

"We have a high school construction manager in O & G so that was the first step," Rocky Hill Superintendent Dr. Mark Zito said. "The Public Building Commission recommended Kaestle Boos at a meeting on Nov. 12. The Joint Facilities Committee asked for a special meeting to review all three architects, so we're waiting to see what will happen next."

The project will need a construction manager, an architect and a project manager. Until all three are hired and under contract the town will not be able to go forward with final plans and schematics.

Two of the bids were close, Kaestle Boos at $1.625 million and Fletcher-Thompson Inc. of Shelton at $1.733 million. Friar Associates of Farmington came in with a $2.2 million proposal. 

Voters approved the project June 5. It is hoped the project will begin in the summer of 2014.

To go back and read more about the referendum vote and renovation project, go here.

To read more about the O & G hiring, go here.