Branford, CT Antinozzi Associates Architecture has completed design and construction administrations services for the Francis Walsh Intermediate School.

Originally constructed in 1970, the existing building was approximately 191,000 s/f and located on 29 acres. In 2016, Antinozzi Associates was awarded the commission to provide design and construction administration services to alter 30% of the existing structure and replace 70% of the facility with a new academic addition.

This $88 million alteration and extension project was subdivided into a commons building (existing) and an academic building (new). The commons building, consisting of approximately 53,000 s/f of renovated and repurposed existing space, now contains the school’s administration offices, school nurse’s office, the school-based health suite, and athletic facilities including the natatorium and auditorium. The new academic building, comprised of the three-story 116,000 s/f addition, consists of shared classrooms, art classrooms, and instructional / life-skills spaces for special education. The addition’s first floor also incorporates the cafeteria, kitchen, and service space for the technology workshop and storage.

The Francis Walsh Intermediate School renovation and rebuilding project team included Paul Antinozzi, AIA; Michael LoSasso, AIA, LEED|AP BD+C; Kevin Matis, LEED|AP; Patti McKeon, NCIDQ, IIDA, WELL AP; Kevin Gatzke, architectural designer; Brittney Dishian, senior registered interior designer; and Leo Gutierrez, assistant project manager. Additionally, the Antinozzi Associates consultant team included Colliers International, Consulting Engineering Services (CES), e2engineering, Fusco, JaffeHolden, Langan, Raymond/Raymond Associates, Stantec, and Theater Design Inc.

Construction of the school was phased and it was able to remain in operation throughout the entire process. Antinozzi worked with the support and collaboration of the town of Branford, The Public Building Commission of Branford, the Branford Board of Education, and Branford Public Schools.