The proposed renovation and expansion of the New Canaan Police Station took a significant step forward this week as the Department of Public Works presented the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for the project to town officials. The GMP, which stands at $20,235,000, was recommended by the Police Department Building Committee and Turner Construction Company.
The project, initially referred to as the “Town Hall Option,” has been in the works since July of 2023 when architectural services were first retained. Over the past year, the design team, under the guidance of the Police Department Building Committee, developed the bid documents that served as the foundation for the GMP.
Turner Construction Company, which was brought on board in March of 2023 for construction services under a Construction Manager (CM) with a GMP contract form, conducted a comprehensive bidding process consisting of 25 separate bid packages. These packages covered various trades and were used as the basis for determining the GMP.
On August 29, the Police Department Building Committee voted unanimously to recommend the GMP amendment prepared by Turner. The proposal was thoroughly reviewed by committee members, including Bill Walbert, Amy Murphy Carroll, Paul Foley, Jim Beall, Mike Mauro, Penny Rashin, Paul Tully, Stuart Sawabini, and Michael Chen, who serves as an advisor to the committee.
Additionally, the project’s documents underwent scrutiny from the Police Department, SLAM Construction Services, Jacunski Humes Architects, the Department of Public Works, and the town attorney.
The total cost for the project, including the GMP, currently stands at $29 million, which has been fully funded by all relevant town boards and the Town Council. This funding includes the GMP of $20,235,000, a town contingency of $1.9 million, temporary police department costs of $2 million, and soft costs totaling $4,865,000.
During the presentation to town officials, it was clarified that the $29 million encompasses all project-related expenses, including soft costs and temporary relocation costs, such as the move to the temporary police department at Locust Street.
Selectwoman Kathleen Corbet expressed her gratitude for the comprehensive work done by various parties involved in the project and sought confirmation that the $29 million covered all costs, including the temporary relocation expenses. Joe Zagarenski, representing the Department of Public Works, confirmed that the $29 million was all-inclusive and covered all pre-construction services, architecture fees, and construction costs.
Looking ahead, the next approvals required will be for the construction administration portion, involving SLAM and Jacunski Humes, both of which are part of the $5 million allocated for soft costs within the $29 million budget.
The proposed renovation and expansion of the New Canaan Police Station aims to provide modern and efficient facilities for the town’s law enforcement, ensuring the safety and well-being of the community. With the GMP now approved by the Police Department Building Committee and presented to town officials, the project is one step closer to becoming a reality.
