University Building Demolished To Make Way For New Bassick HS

BRIDGEPORT, CT — Bridgeport officials gathered Tuesday for the demolition of the former Bodine building on the University of Bridgeport campus, which will soon be home to Bassick High School.

The development of a new Bassick High School has been in discussion and planning for several years. The effort included a combination of state and local partnerships to find the right location, including one that will allow Bassick athletic teams to finally have the opportunity to practice and compete on their own field.

“This project is happening today in large part because of the clear vision and commitment by the Board of Education, committee members, and the superintendent," Mayor Joe Ganim said in a city news release. "These school buildings become monuments, centers for learnings, but most importantly a place where students will receive their diploma for the next few 100 years.”

Ganim was joined Tuesday by Superintendent Michael Testani, Board of Education and School Building Committee members, City Council members, and Bassick Principal Joseph Raiola for the demolition.

The new building will house both Bassick High School and Bridgeport Military Academy students and is designed for a peak enrollment of 1,237 students. The four-story structure will be fully equipped with a gym, auditorium and athletic field with 950-seat capacity. The building will be raised to bring its first floor out of 500-year flood elevation. Occupancy is projected for 2025.