Latimer Lane School Project Groundbreaking Delayed In Simsbury

SIMSBURY, CT — A less-than-stellar weather forecast for Wednesday has prompted Simsbury school officials to reschedule a groundbreaking ceremony for a school addition to next week.

As a result, the Latimer Lane Elementary School building project groundbreaking ceremony will be Monday, Dec. 12, at 1 p.m. at the 33 Mountain View Road facility in the Weatogue part of town.

The Latimer Lane School building expansion was approved in May 2021 at a price tag of $36.7 million.

But the post-pandemic supply chain/inflation bugaboo that is impacting many building projects resulted in that not being enough for this project.

As a result, voters next month will go to the polls to decide another $1.8 million in funding for the addition, a referendum finalized after the Simsbury Board of Finance finalized the matter following a hearing Nov. 29.

The referendum will be held on Saturday, Jan. 7, at Simsbury Town Hall.

Apart from a roof replacement, Latimer Lane Elementary School hasn’t received any major upgrades since it was originally constructed in 1962, according to the town.

"This 24-month, multi-phase project will give the children of Simsbury a 21st century educational experience," wrote the Town of Simsbury in promoting the project.

According to the town, the 68,500 square feet of additions and renovations will allow for programmatic changes and address Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility issues, building envelope and structural systems technology as well as new mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.

It will also feature upgraded food service, library/media center and nursing/health services.

Town officials said it will be constructed in conformance with Connecticut’s High Performance Building Standards and will meet the district’s vison to “cultivate the mind, body, and character of each student,” and “engage students with a meaningful and rigorous academic foundation so that they can contribute to a global society with integrity, compassion, and resilience.”

The project was designed by Tecton Architects, of Hartford. O&G Industries of Torrington is the construction manager.

From Nov. 28: 'Simsbury Finance Board To Receive Testimony On School Project Cash'