The renovation-expansion project at the Clifford Phaneuf Environmental Center has been pursued off and on for the past two decades.
SPRINGFIELD — The city plans to advertise for bids this month for an estimated $3 million project to renovate and expand the Clifford A. Phaneuf Environmental Center at Forest Park, culminating nearly two decades of on-again, off-again discussions and plans.
Peter Garvey, the city's director of capital asset construction, said the bid documents will be available beginning Nov. 26, and bids are scheduled to be due by Dec. 18.
"I'm thrilled," said Burt Freedman, a long-time center teacher and strong advocate for the project. "I could not be happier for the students. The news will put smiles on the faces of thousands of people."
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, who approved the use of federal funds for the project, said both he and his daughters went through the Environmental Center of Our Schools (ECOS) program at the Forest Park center.
The log-constructed building, which served as the old skatehouse at Porter Lake, has housed ECOS since 1970, helping to educate thousands of Springfield students.
"I am very excited about it," Sarno said regarding the center project. "It holds a special place in my heart and in my mind."
Sarno said the program plays an "invaluable role" in providing a diverse education for students and respect for the environment.
He praised Freedman for his "stick-to-it-ness" in pursuing the project over the years.
Freedman, one of the original ECOS teachers who has spent much of his teaching years at the center, said the upcoming project "makes an important statement to the students about the value of environmental science education." Freedman said his continuous advocacy for the project has been "a labor of love," and he praised Superintendent of Schools Daniel Warwick for his support.
The project will both preserve and enhance the center, restoring and protecting its historic features, adding a multitude of energy conservation measures, and expanding its academic and public uses, said Stephen Jablonski, of Jablonski Devriese Architects of Springfield, the project architect.
The building, constructed in the 1930s, will have two compatible additions – one for a classroom and wrap-around porch, and one for a new kitchen, Jablonski said. The renovations will bring in 21st century features while restoring the look from the 1930s, including the addition and replacement of windows, he said.
The renovations and expansion will also result in the building being used for some public functions and meetings, and can generate rental income, officials said.
The environmental center was named after the late Clifford Phaneuf, who was a teacher instrumental in creating ECOS and directed the program for 17 years. Approximately 10,000 students, teachers and parents come to the center each year, Freedman said.
"People who participated in ECOS when they were kids – when they go back there, they are going to recognize it," Jablonski said, of the coming renovations. "But they are not going to believe how much it has been upgraded and added on to."
Eighteen years ago, city officials including then-Mayor Michael Albano stood outside the log building, announcing plans to use a portion of a $5 million state grant toward renovations of the center among other projects.
After multiple stumbles and steps over the years, the city is now prepared to move forward with the project, officials said.
The city will finance the project now by using a portion of $25 million in federal disaster aid, received as compensation for damage in the city related to the tornado of 2011. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, which awarded the grant, gave approval for projects on a case-by-case basis, whether or not the uses were directly affected by the tornado of June 1, 2011.
Jablonski said the improvements and highlights include making the building completely code-compliant; a new fire sprinkler system; and switching from oil heat to high-efficient natural gas. The switch to gas will result in the removal of an old oil tank next to Porter Lake that has been of concern, he said.
In addition, the improvements will result in installation of a pump for sewage and resulting tie-in to the city's sewer system, Jablonski said.
Among features aimed at energy conservation, there will be solar electric panels, known as a photo voltaic system, installed on roof of the building, Jablonski said.
There also will be water-based heat pump using water in Porter Lake as a heating and cooling source, and radiant-floor heat in the classroom addition, he said. The landscaping plan will be "wonderful," including a 'stunning" semi-circle plaza with stone pavers and plantings, he said.
"ECOS is something to be proud of, and is home-grown," Jablonski said. "But the (current) building is out of sync with the main goal – getting people interested in, and respectful, of the environment."
Freedman said many people have been worried that the deterioration of the existing building could affect ECOS continuing.
"So there has been unbelievable public support from current and former teachers, parents and students," Freedman said. "What especially has been gratifying is the response from parents and now grandparents who were once students themselves and love that their children and grandkids can go through the ECOS program. It's great news for the city and the school district."