The New Morgan: An Introduction

In an effort to keep the public informed of the New Morgan project, The Morgan Building Committee will submit an article semi-monthly to the Harbor News. To suggest topics or request answers to questions, write to morganbuildingcmt@clintonct.net.

In April 2012, in a town wide referendum, voters approved the construction of a new Morgan School. Since that time, the project has moved forward and a great deal of work has been done to prepare for construction.

Before the referendum, David Thompson Architects developed a conceptual design, which was used to confirm that the Town of Clinton could construct a school that meets the town's needs while meeting the requirements set by the State of Connecticut. This grants Clinton the maximum reimbursement that the state allows after the exception of the added gymnasium and auditorium space. During all of the presentations to the public, it was stressed that the design was only conceptual and subject to change.

Newman Architects is now working on a design to meet the educational specs provided by school administrators. Newman Architects has the advantage of more detailed info about the site and the town's needs.

The new Morgan will have an oversized gym with a soundproofed movable wall that will separate the gym into two full sized courts. This will serve not only Morgan athletics, but also Clinton Park & Recreation programs. The gym will have viewing access from the upper level.

The auditorium will seat 700 and have better acoustics than ever and a specially designed theater. The entire school will be air conditioned.

In response to the community's needs, there will be a common area that will connect the gym, auditorium, and cafeteria for musicals, sporting events, and other performances.

The layout of the classrooms has been formulated through collaboration among the Clinton Schools administrators, faculty, and staff and the programming architects from Newman Architects. It meets all of the educational specs filed by the school system with the State of Connecticut. The new school will have an improved traffic flow, new athletic fields and tennis courts, additional parking, and access to the Peters Complex and the Joel School campus.

Security and safety of our school community is at the forefront of ongoing discussions among the administration, our local police and fire departments, and the security consultant with Newman Architects.

The new Morgan will also address the concerns raised during discussions before the referendum regarding the failing roofs on the current facility. To that end, the plan calls for 10 rooflines, rather than the 26 on today's school. Construction of the most durable and efficient roof system is a priority for every member of the Morgan School Building Committee.

The new Morgan is a work in progress. With the help of a professional architectural firm, construction manager, and owner's representative, the Morgan School Building Committee is meeting frequently and working tirelessly to bring the best possible educational facility to the Town of Clinton.