Fort River Elementary School Construction Contract Signed
Architect's rendering of the new Fort River Elementary School. Aerial view from Southeast. Photo: amherstma.gov
Source: amherstma.gov
The Town of Amherst has announced that the contract to build the new Fort River Elementary School has been fully executed with CTA Construction Managers, LLC of Waltham, Massachusetts, the selected contractor and low bidder. Town Manager Paul Bockelman officially signed the contract, allowing the town to move forward with this important project.
“This is a wonderful New Year’s present to all of us! Our children and the entire Town owe a big thanks to our staff for getting a contract with costs under control and construction scheduled to begin in a few weeks on the exciting new school,” said Cathy Schoen, chair of the Elementary School Building Committee.
It is anticipated that CTA Construction Managers will begin work the week of January 13, 2025. The schedule for school occupancy remains on track, with plans for the new elementary school to open in the fall of 2026. Demolition of the existing structures will be completed in the fall of 2026, and all remaining site work is expected to conclude by June 15, 2027.
To ensure the project stays on schedule, any overtime costs required to accelerate work will be assessed on a time and expense basis, requiring approval from the project team and will be subject to a pre-established upside cap. Additionally, costs attributed to winter conditions will also be evaluated on a time and expense basis, likewise needing approval from the project team with a cap in place.
The execution of this contract follows a delay due to bid protests submitted by two construction industry organizations and one competing bidder. They alleged that CTA Construction Managers, LLC was ineligible for the award and the competing bidder alleged that the second low bidder should also be deemed ineligible. After a thorough public hearing and investigation facilitated by the Massachusetts Attorney General Fair Labor Division, all bid protests were denied.
The new Fort River Elementary School will replace the existing Wildwood and Fort River Elementary Schools with one new school constructed on the Fort River site. The facility will serve students from kindergarten through fifth grade, featuring a three-story design with a capacity for 575 students and five classrooms per grade level. This will be a net zero energy building, utilizing ground source heat pumps and photovoltaic panels to provide 100% of its energy needs.
The site will also include space for outdoor learning and play, featuring innovative and accessible playground equipment. The project aims to enhance community amenities by restoring playing fields, providing basketball courts, developing trails, rain gardens, and more, ensuring recreational opportunities for residents of all ages. The school’s design will facilitate after-hours use, including a cafeteria equipped with a stage for performances.