Marcia Chambers Photo
The town’s building commission approved six out of 14 architectural and engineering firms for upcoming interviews regarding designs for a new and combined senior and community center at 46 Church St.
The 14 firms submitted a request for qualifications to undertake the project. They were asked to describe their qualifications and their firm’s connection to the design and construction of municipal facilities, particularly senior centers and community centers.
The five members of the building commission each came in with about a half-dozen names on their short list and over an hour engaged in a lively give-and-take. They examined firms for their experience with senior center projects, their reputation, their work with municipalities and other criteria.
The commission asked for hourly rates, which the firms gave for different categories of work.
Silver/Petrucelli, the architectural firm that designed Branford’s main firehouse, made the cut as did Quisenberry Arcari of Farmington, whose work the commission seemed to admire (the firm has done a number of senior centers), Moser Pilon Nelson Architects of Wethersfield, Geddis Architects of Southport, and Bl Companies of Meriden; Arbonies King Vlock Architects of Branford also made the final interview list.
First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove hired Sandra Vlock of the Branford architectural firm to assess senior center needs and to present her initial conception of a design for the new building. She did so at a March Board of Selectmen meeting where the project was approved. Hers is the only Branford firm selected for an interview. Click here to read the story.
Leonard Tamsin, a construction manager and a member of the commission, said it was important that the firm selected be well versed in senior center issues. “Some have done senior projects; that is what we want.”
Paul Cianci, a board member and an engineer says he looks at a firm’s “reputation, experiences and how they have done in the past. It is a subjective process.”
Marci Palluzzi, a commission member, said she “gravitated toward those who took the time to answer our questions.”
James Killelea, an attorney and a longtime member of the Inland Wetlands Commission, asked a number of questions about the relative strengths and weaknesses of the applicants.
Peter Banca, commission chair, said the commission’s next meeting will be Wednesday, May 27, at 7 p.m. at the firehouse.
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