SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES

Since 1992, Banton has focused heavily on school-oriented projects. As a result, our staff has become accustomed to performing in this type of environment, with its unique requirements and constraints. Performing around classroom schedules, working closely with teaching and administrative personnel and maintaining a safe facility for the occupants are just some of the criteria for successfully completing a school project. Banton's experience in this type of construction allows us to offer quality workmanship and expediency on all levels, from day care centers to elementary, middle and high schools, right up through colleges and universities.

Below is a brief sampling of Banton's key school projects:

Sherman School – Sherman, CT Banton considers Sherman School as one of our keynote projects. The original school was built in 1928 and required extensive structural, environmental and aesthetic improvements. The project involved the renovation of the existing 30,000 square foot facility including each classroom, administrative offices, and gymnasium. In addition, new construction of 26,000 square feet added a media center, additional classrooms, a cafeteria and a full service kitchen. Sitework provided a new playground, site improvements and a new sewage treatment facility. Construction was performed in phased sequences while the school remained occupied. Banton orchestrated the student population moves from temporary classrooms, temporary play areas, revised bus drop off and pick up schedules and all the while did not disrupt the primary functions of the school.
Central Connecticut State University Gallaudet Hall – New Britain, CT The Gallaudet Hall project involved the complete interior demolition and renovation of the existing eight story residence hall. This included converting the flat roof to a gable style with structural steel and standing seam roofing. The project also encompassed the full replacement of the building's mechanical, electrical and fire protection systems. Other components included the installation of new windows throughout the building, restoration of exterior masonry, application of gyp-crete floors, replacement of gypsum board systems and interior finishes.
Dunbar Hill Elementary School – Hamden, CT The Dunbar Hill School project was a full-blown renovation to the existing 64,000 square foot facility. The work also incorporated the construction of ten new additions to the existing facility which included a round vaulted media center as well as the installation of new mechanical systems, roofs, floors, windows, lockers, kitchens and upgrades to the existing grounds. The renovation to the existing structure was extremely extensive; as the only remaining features of the school were the exterior masonry walls and the structural steel shell.
B.P. Learned Mission – New London, CT This project involved new construction as well as the renovation of existing classrooms. The additions to the building, which more than doubled the square footage of the existing facility, included a gymnasium, an auditorium, additional classrooms, state of the art theater, elevator service, a new mechanical room and electrical systems. The ground breaking for this project was late fall, and winter conditions had to be faced during the project. To avoid delays, Banton created a controlled environment dome to construct the foundation in the winter months, which not only allowed work to continue, but also served to accelerate its completion.
Charter Oak State College – New Britain, CT The Charter Oak project consisted of the construction of a new 10,000 square foot building located within the grounds of Central Connecticut State University. Charter Oak is a small college housed entirely at this new location. The building replaces the existing facility's offices and classrooms. The building is a steel structure with metal framed curtain walls and exterior drywall system with a brick veneer. The wood truss roof was prefabricated on the ground and lifted into place in sections.
Ivy Drive Elementary School – Bristol, CT This project involved the complete phased renovation of an existing 25,000 square foot elementary school and three major additions including a state of the art media center, kindergarten wing and a new cafeteria and administrative area. Site development was comprised of new parking lots and drives, concrete walks, staircases and landscaping. One of the challenges of this project was to perform the renovation while the school was fully occupied. All forms of noise, dust and traffic control were employed to allow the school to function in its normal capacity while construction was underway.
Old Lyme Middle School – Old Lyme, CT The work for this project consisted of the complete renovation of an existing middle school. In conjunction with the project's renovation, Banton constructed a new sewage treatment system, a new water system and improvements to the site and athletic fields. All of the components served the town of Old Lyme's elementary, middle and high schools. The turnover of each area was fast track in order to expedite the overall construction and completion time of the project. As the school was fully occupied during the renovation, extreme attention to safety, dust and noise control was required.
Sound School – New Haven, CT The work for this project consisted of the construction of a combination marine biology and shipbuilding magnet school for the City of New Haven. The project involved the construction of two new buildings which effectively tripled the size of the existing facility. The classroom buildings provide a full aquaculture program experience including a marine science laboratory as well as computer and video labs. The other half of the school is devoted to a high-end wood shop where replicated boats are constructed and then used by the students. The entire building is built completely on driven piles and pile caps, supporting the foundation due to existing unsuitable fill and soils. Docks and piers were also constructed to house the school's 100 foot sail boat.
King's Highway Elementary School – Westport, CT This project involved the selective renovation of a 35,000 square foot elementary school, as well as a 26,000 square foot addition to the existing building. The project scope consisted of the construction of new classrooms and the installation of new mechanical, electrical, fire protection and elevator systems throughout the school. Renovation scope included hazardous material abatement, selective demolition, and extensive new finishes.
Southern Connecticut State University Jennings Hall – New Haven, CT The Jennings Hall project involved renovations and upgrades to the existing science facility at SCSU. The work included total upgrades and mechanical replacements of the science centers fume hoods and scrubbers. Additional upgrades included painting of the facility as well as the installation of air conditioning, lighting, and epoxy floors. Sound attenuation systems were also incorporated into the project.
Center Elementary School – Old Lyme, CT The Center Elementary School project entailed the complete renovation of a historic elementary school for the towns of Lyme and Old Lyme. The project's restoration included the installation of new roofs, windows and interior partitions, restoration of masonry and interior finishes. Mechanical, electrical, and fire protection systems were replaced in their entirety. Incorporated into this project were water and sewage treatment systems serving three area schools. Site development included new parking lots, walks, fencing, landscaping and athletic fields.