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Restoration and large repairs to the auditorium and science labs have been a concern of district officials since 2007. This would be the first renovation of the auditorium since the 1960s.
As it stands today, the auditorium does not let in natural light, and the balcony is not safety compliant. Aesthetically, the acoustics and sight lines of the room are substandard according to Schools Superintendent David Quattrone.
The science labs are antiquated, and due for an upgrade, Quattrone said. The district plans to update and reorganize the classrooms to optimize the space at an approximate cost of $3 million.
Village voters approved the renovations in October 2012. According to Quattrone, the project is currently open to bids, which will be opened in December. The district anticipates awarding a contract shortly after the New Year.
“The district’s construction management firm, Park East, and architectural consultants Nasco Construction have reviewed and reconciled the total cost estimates,” he said. “To ensure that bids come in under the $10 million budget, the bids include several alternates concerning the scope of classroom renovations and other options.”
In May 2012, the Bronxville Board of Education approved the borrowing of $5 million through a bond referendum to support the $10 million project. Another $2 million will come from a construction reserve the district created in 2011. The final $3 million is coming from the Bronxville PTA, the Bronxville School Foundation and other private donors.
The current construction schedule calls for turning the auditorium over to contractors before February break next year. Construction will continue for approximately a year.
Science lab renovations will begin at the end of June next year, with completion planned for September 2015. There are several variables that could force the schedule to be altered, beginning with how long the state department takes for approval and contractor requirements.
The Board of Education’s Facilities Committee plans to continue reviewing options to reduce costs even further. Project consultants are exploring the feasibility of beginning asbestos abatement as soon as this summer.
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