Building committee update

COLCHESTER- The William J. Johnston Middle School (WJJMS)/ Senior Center/ Community Center Building Committee (Building Committee) was established for the construction of a combined Middle School and Senior Center at the site of the existing William J. Johnston Middle School. The Building Committee is charged with overseeing, coordinating and supervising all aspects of the planning and construction process. The Building Committee recently recommended an architecture firm to fulfill the town's vision to renovate the WJJMS, provide a new community center and a dedicated senior center. Sixteen firms responded to the Town's Request for Qualifications. The Building Committee narrowed that down to four firms, and conducted interviews. An open discussion on the four finalists ultimately lead to the unanimous recommendation of Tecton Architects, Inc. Once the Board of Selectman and Board of Finance approve our recommendation, the Committee will begin to incorporate requirements for each major element of the project into a series of design options that ultimately will be narrowed down into a final design. Communication with all residents, businesses, civic groups and other interested parties will be vital for the project's success. Residents will be asked to support this project in an upcoming referendum. Once schematic designs are completed, the Building Committee will hold a series of meetings to show the different design options, gather input and answer questions. Dates for these meetings are not yet set. Building Committee meetings are held the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month, 7 p.m. in the library at WJJMS or town hall. Check the Town website for meeting minutes, meeting agendas and other details. The public is welcome to attend to learn more about what is going on with this important project.