NORWICH – Although still under construction, the Norwich Middle School is quickly turning into a state-of-the-art academic institution both inside and out, a group of school officials and district residents said Thursday.
After an in-depth look into the $35.3 million dollar building project, a handful of employees and district residents were amazed at the transformation of the structure.
Approximately 10 people joined Norwich Superintendent Gerard O’Sullivan and Greenwood Associates project Manager Jeff Hambalek for a guided tour of the work site yesterday afternoon.
The tour included a look at the recently enclosed breezeway between the middle and high schools; new classrooms; a large multi-purpose area for the auditorium, gymnasium and cafeteria; bathrooms; storage areas; the kitchen and more.
O’Sullivan said the periodic tours give him a chance to show off the capital project to interested residents and district employees.
Tours are scheduled Monday and Thursday afternoons starting at 3:30 p.m. Residents interested are asked to reserve a spot by calling the district office at 334-1600 ext. 5503.
As O’Sullivan identified specified areas, he, too, seemed surprised at the fast pace of the work accomplished. “Some of this wasn’t even done on Monday,” he said, referring to classrooms that he had just seen three days prior.
Hambalek pointed to where the district’s new offices would be located along with the middle school’s administration.
“It is unbelievable that they have gotten that much done in such a short amount of time,” said school staff worker Vicki Manwarren. “It looks wonderful.”
The project is estimated to be complete by opening day this fall.