West Hartford Picks Architect For New Community Center Project

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Local officials said Tuesday they hired the architectural firm that will design West Hartford's new community center.

According to the town, GWWO Architects — with offices in West Hartford and Baltimore, Md. — will design the new Elmwood Community Center, which, when complete, will also incorporate a library branch, teen center, and senior center.

The project is anticipated to start construction in 2025.

"For more than 30 years, GWWO has specialized in the planning and designing of cultural, educational, and community facilities that inspire and foster connectivity," reads an announcement from the town.

West Hartford officials said, "the firm's work has been recognized with numerous awards for design excellence and sustainability at the local, regional, and national levels."

This, however, is just a single step of many before a shovel hits the ground sometime next year.

A year ago, a report submitted by Tecton Architects out of Hartford showed a total project cost of $66.45 million for an 82,000-square-foot facility at 100 Mayflower St.

In 2021, West Hartford purchased the old St. Brigid School site, which encompasses 8.5 acres in the Elmwood section of town, for $3 million, with the state reimbursing most of that figure.

The project would eventually replace the community center and library in the Elmwood section of town, as those buildings are seen as being antiquated.

A final price tag still needs to be finalized and the public must decide on the project.

From Jan. 20, 2023: 'Massive West Hartford Community Center/Library Plan Unveiled'