2016-04-06

CUMBERLAND – The four architectural firms vying to design the town’s new public safety complex finished up their presentations to the building committee this week.

Now, a deliberation process is expected before a winner is announced late in April, according to George Stansfield, the mayor’s chief of staff and committee member.

Allowing for design time, and mid-winter weather issues, the committee is looking at a time line that will put a shovel in the ground a year from now, he said.

Nine firms had followed through with proposals after 17 indicated original interest in the project. The committee invited two of the nine to make presentations on March 28 and two others on Monday, April 4.

The final four are as follows:

• Northeast Collaborative Architects of Providence, whose lengthy portfolio includes the creation of living units in Ashton Mill in Cumberland and Slatersville Mill in North Smithfield, and Pawtucket’s new Route 95 bridge.

• Edward Rowse Architects of Providence, which designed the East Providence and Ashaway fire stations, the North Kingstown police and fire station, and Wyatt Detention Center.

• Robinson Green and Beretta Architects of Providence, which has designed a long list of public safety buildings including Barrington, Narragansett, Little Compton and the Smithfield fire station.

• Kaestle Boos of Providence, which designed police stations in Massachusetts in Foxboro, Bellingham, Harwich, North Attleboro, Sharon and others.

Stansfield said the committee hopes to announce a decision by the end of April.

He commented that all are large, experienced companies. “All can get the job done,” he said.

Police Chief John Desmarais said the challenges for the finalist are many, starting with the guidelines of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

“This isn’t a normal office building,” he said.

Additionally, the design and work schedule must accommodate the traffic flow of the school next door, as well as manage construction disruption to classrooms.

Also needing flexibility will be the impact on the neighborhood and the baseball field, Desmarais said.

Desmarais said the possibility of building in phases to take advantage of the existing station next door has been discussed.

Members of the Building Committee overseeing this entire project along with Stansfield are Chairman Mark Lindgren, and citizens Brian McCourt and Wayne David Wagner.

Sitting as ex-officio members are Bob Anderson, who is the town’s Public Works director, and Chief Desmarais.

Town:

Cumberland

Pubzone:

Cumberland, Lincoln area

Category:

News

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