Long Lots Update: What’s Happening, And When

For over 2 years, the renovation of Long Lots Elementary School was one of Westport’s most controversial issues.

Since June — when the Long Lots School Building Committee received unanimous approval from every town board and commission to move ahead with the design development, construction documents and construction of the new Long Lots and Stepping Stones Preschool project — we’ve heard very little.

Long Lots Elementary School — as it looks now …

But that does not mean nothing’s happening.

Yesterday, the LLSBC issued an update.

They said they have met with neighbors to review the first phase of the project. Once construction actually begins, they promise “more frequent updates.”

The project has been broken into 5 phases for state approvals. This will allow the geothermal drilling portion of the project to begin, while construction documents for the new building are in process.

“This will allow the construction manager the space to better stage the project,” the committee says.

… and one look at the future …

They note that the 5 phases of state approvals will not always align with the construction schedule. Those phases are:

Geothermal wells (underway): Approved by the state Office of School Construction to go out for bids last August. A contractor was selected.

The area has been fenced; construction trailers and temporary electric service has been installed; the lower soccer fields have been stripped in anticipation of drilling, and topsoil has been screened.

Drilling and installation of the geothermal wells is currently taking place on the lower soccer fields. Each of the 100 wells is 500 feet deep. Eighty have already been drilled. Completion is expected next month.

Pre-purchase of electrical switchgear and generator (underway): Approved by the state Office of School Construction to go out for bids last September. A contractor was selected.

The generator and electrical switchgear are being purchased early, to avoid nationwide supply chain delays of up to 17 months. This equipment will be installed during the construction of the new school.

… plus another.

Construction of the new Long Lots Elementary and Stepping Stones Preschool (next): Construction documents have been reviewed by the state Office of School Construction, and were released for bid in December.

Received bids will be evaluated in March. It is anticipated that construction will begin in April, with excavation for footings and foundations.

Furniture, fixtures and equipment: This will be submitted to the state for approval in late 2026. All furnishings will be new, and purpose-designed for the school. Delivery will align with the end of the new school construction. It is anticipated that no student-related equipment will be moved from the current building.

Demolition of the old school; construction of parking lots, athletic fields and Playgrounds (Late 2027; into 2028): Demolition of the current school will begin after the new one is occupied. Playgrounds, parking lots and athletic fields will follow the demolition of the old school.

The LLSBC notes that the upcoming bid process will help establish a more defined construction timeline.

Long Lots site plans.

The committee expects to meet with the Board of Education, and the faculties of Stepping Stones and Long Lots, to review the interior finishes in mid-February.

The LLSBC plans to have another neighborhood update prior to the start of the new building construction.

They will provide the Architectural Review Board with an update, followed by a town-wide project presentation in late February.

(For the Long Lots School Building Committee’s page on the Westport town website, click here.)

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