SOUTH PORTLAND — The budget and the concept for the proposed South Portland High School project are reasonable, according to consultants hired by the city to evaluate the project.
Robert Howe of HKTA/Architects and Tom Frederick of Wright-Ryan Construction Inc. presented their review of the $47.3 million project to the City Council during a workshop Monday.
The city hired the consultants to review the renovation and construction proposal developed by Harriman Associates for the School Department.
Large portions of the project would have to be removed to see deep cuts in the cost, the consultants said.
“I don’t have any good news for you today. It is what it is, based on this plan,” Frederick said.
In many instances, the educational programming dictates how much space is needed, according to the consultants. They said programming is a matter of policy and therefore outside the purview of the review.
Howe emphasized that the school’s poor condition and its problematic site also create constraints for the project.
Howe reported that the estimated cost compares favorably with that of other school projects and that Harriman came up with a good solution with its plan.
He did recommend that city officials seek more information about certain aspects, such as the large amount of space for circulation, the size of the cafeteria and the entry plaza.
The City Council wanted an independent review of the project before deciding whether to put a $44.2 million borrowing plan before voters.
In 2007, voters by a 3-to-1 margin rejected a larger plan that required $56 million in borrowing.
The City Council will continue its discussion of the high school project at a workshop Wednesday.
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