Canton taps Consigli Construction to lead GMS rebuild

By Mike Berger

Canton Public Schools has selected Consigli Construction Company, Inc. of Milford to build the town’s new Galvin Middle School, pending contract negotiations.

Consigli will join design firm Ai3 Architects and LeftField Project Management to work with the Canton community on this multi-million-dollar building project.

“We held interviews over the course of two days with six different firms,” said Superintendent of Schools Derek Folan. “Consigli rose to the top because of their comprehensive and inspiring presentation and proposal, their work ethic and professionalism, and their decades of experience building state-of-the-art schools. They placed great emphasis on partnering with the community and really understanding and addressing the top priorities brought forth through the forums.”

Consigli has built over 60 schools, including Stoughton High School, Sharon High School, Sharon Middle School, Attleboro High School, and the recently completed renovation of Blue Hills Regional Technical School in Canton.

“Consigli has an exemplary track record of building schools in the area and working closely and effectively with school communities,” said Folan. “They were very thoughtful around safety for GMS, [the adjacent] Hansen Elementary School, and the youth groups, and they provided a strong idea for an auxiliary road and parking during construction. They also offered construction strategies that made efficient use of funds and time, while also offering some transformative ways to achieve sustainability and community spaces. Their team was outstanding; we look forward to working with them.”

“Our team is honored to partner with Canton Public Schools, Ai3 Architects and Leftfield Project Management to deliver a new, state-of-the-art school for the current and future children and families served by Galvin Middle School,” said William O’Rourke, project executive for Consigli Construction Co. “Consigli is committed to creating a space for the Canton community that will offer a supportive and inspiring learning environment for many generations to come.”

The GMS School Building Committee was expected to vote on a proposed contract at its meeting on Wednesday, May 1. If awarded, Consigli will present at that meeting as well. Consigli would join the team for the final two months of the Schematic Design phase in May and June, and then return to the project once it is fully funded (pending approval of a debt-exclusion vote in December).

“The Galvin Middle School was built over a half century ago and is in need of significant educational, capital and maintenance improvements,” said Folan. “The school is undersized and was not configured in a way that lends itself to the district’s modern, educational vision.”

In March 2021, the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) accepted the GMS project into their Core Program, meaning the state will offset a portion of the estimated $232 million cost, as long as MSBA guidelines are followed. Recent MSBA projects have included reimbursements as high as 40 percent of the total cost. Canton’s reimbursement rate will be determined at a future date.

The Canton School Committee has approved reconfiguring the new middle school to accommodate students in grades 5-8, with a clearly defined separation between grades 5-6 and grades 7-8. The preliminary design for the new building also includes an 800-seat auditorium and flexible learning spaces.

Founded in 1905, Consigli employs over 1,600 people, including over 650 skilled carpenters, laborers, and masons.

“The Consigli team brings a wealth of experience to this project,” said Kristian Merenda, Canton School Committee clerk. “Their diligence and attention to detail, as well as how they form a true relationship with the town, makes them a great fit to work alongside the rest of the project team. We are grateful to have them on board and look forward to working with them over the course of the build.”

Share This Post

Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=124310