Project Modifications Increase Pell Elementary School Savings

Through strategic project modifications, the Pell Building Committee brought the total savings for the construction of the Pell Elementary School to about $450,000. The goal was to have reductions total $464,000.

The most discussed saving measure came from an aesthetic decision to use jumbo brick over the traditional brick masonry or the concrete-like CMU material. The jumbo brick seemed to the best of both worlds to the committee, as it incorporates the traditional brick style of Newport’s architecture while doubling as a cost-saving measure. Jumbo brick is less labor-intensive than the smaller, traditional bricks.

Different colors of bricks may be up for discussion during future talks to off-set the one-dimensional exterior.

Past discussions regarding the exterior construction of the school can be seen

Overall, the decision to use jumbo bricks resulted in more than $71,000 in savings.

A $50,000 city grant could also curb costs, literally. The project already includes $24,600 to repave Dexter Street with concrete curbing. If the city grant is approved to coordinate with the school’s construction, the cost may be covered. Granite curbing would be added as a potential alternate.

The largest accepted reduction was the decision to change the playground surface from rubberized material to Fybar, which cut costs $91,000. The committee will use the rubberized material as an add alternate.

There may be some other cost reductions on the way. Strategic Building Solutions owners representative Jonathan Winikur said in previous meetings that recent trends indicate bids are coming in as much as 10 percent under budget.

All that’s left now, architect Laura Wernick said, is getting the Newport School Committee’s official blessing on the reductions.