Hamden, CT Antinozzi Associates completed the addition and renovation of Eli Whitney Technical High School.
Built in 1955, Eli Whitney Technical High School is one of the oldest vocational schools in Connecticut. As part of the state’s plan to modernize the technical high schools, Eli Whitney underwent a 35,000 s/f demolition, comprehensive renovations to 140,000 s/f of the existing facility, as well as received a 91,000 s/f addition to accommodate 800 students.
The addition features a new two-story trade wing, configured and sized to meet current program and enrollment needs. The existing academic areas were renovated to create a new classroom space. The trade areas that were located in the academic area were moved to a new trade wing. The overall design allows for the trade and shop areas to be located in one continuous space. Additional features of the $87 million project included the central relocation of a new media center and auditorium, the renovation and expansion of administrative and student service spaces, and the reconstruction of the school’s athletic fields and parking areas. The new cafeteria and restaurant addition resulted in the improvements to the façade while also giving the culinary arts department visual prominence and marketability.
Labs, drafting rooms, and studio spaces were part of the renovation/addition to provide for their career and technical educational programs. These progressive programs include automotive technology, carpentry, electrical, manufacturing, cosmetology, and health technology.
“The state’s technical high schools are the original magnet schools, bringing together people from many communities under one roof for a specific educational focus,” said Paul Antinozzi, president of the firm.
Various replacements were also made throughout the facility including roof, exterior door/window assemblies, interior finishes, power and lighting, and mechanical systems. The school is also designed to implement energy-efficient systems.
Eli Whitney Technical High School remained in continuous operation with a full student population throughout the construction process. The design and construction team provided the students, faculty, and staff with continued utilization of the site without portable facilities or temporary off site facilities.
The project team includes: Skanska USA, owner’s representative; Fusco Corp., construction manager; Stantec, survey, civil, landscape; and The DiSalvo Engineering Group, structural.
Construction was completed this past winter for the 2016-2017 academic year.