What's Old Could Become New Again At Farmington High Site

FARMINGTON, CT — Ever since taxpayers approved spending $135.6 million in 2021 for a new Farmington High School, the dominant issue in town has been what to do with the historic, old section of the current FHS.

Last week, the Farmington Town Council made it clear what it wants the Monteith Drive building to become — a new Farmington Town Hall in a fully renovated, historic building dating back to 1928.

In two separate votes, Farmington leaders approved a $9 million local spending cap on the project, as well as a new charge for the 1928 Building Committee toward that end.

Both votes were unanimously approved after a lengthy presentation by the committee, which has been studying what and how the old portion of FHS could be utilized.

At one point, the fate of the entire FHS site was undetermined, but in March 2022, a town survey showed nearly 78 percent of respondants supported preservation of what is called the "1928 Building," according to the committee's presentation to the council.

The committee recommended to the council, which council members agred with in the vote, to transform the 1928 building into a new Farmington Town Hall.

Then, the committee said, the existing town hall at 1 Monteith Drive would become a town hall annex facility for social service programs, storage and an expanded regional probate court.

Council members voted to keep the project's total cost to about $16.6 million, but pandemic relief funds via the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) will cut the taxpayer-funded portion down to about $9 million.

Since ARPA funds must be expended by 2024, the project is expected to kick off prior to that if its approved by voters.

Town officials are hoping to have a referendum question to voters when the budget is decided by spring, with project designs, costs, timelines and revenue streams requiring finalization beforehand.

For the minutes of the Jan. 24 Farmington Town Council meeting and the 1928 Building Committee presentation documents, click on this link.

From Sept. 29, 2022: 'Old Farmington High Site's Timeline Finalized'