News

Branford Advances Two Elementary School Projects Following Unanimous Approval

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Mary T. Murphy Elementary School ©Branford Public Schools

Mary R. Tisko Elementary School ©Branford Public Schools

The Town of Branford has reached an important milestone in its plans to renovate and expand Mary T. Murphy and Mary R. Tisko Elementary Schools.

The Representative Town Meeting recently voted unanimously to appropriate $196 million for the two projects, following unanimous support from the Board of Finance and a unanimous request from the Board of Education.

CSG began supporting Branford Public Schools in May, after special legislation provided the Town with an extended October 1 deadline to submit its applications for state grant funding. With two significant school projects to advance in just a few months, CSG immediately mobilized a multidisciplinary team to coordinate the planning and documentation required for both applications.

That work has included the development of educational specifications, procurement of conceptual architectural and cost estimating services, a demographic study, stakeholder communications, and early project planning. Branford also elected to conduct traffic, wetlands, and geotechnical studies, providing an additional level of due diligence beyond what is typically completed at this stage.

Central to the effort has been close coordination among Town and school officials. A working group representing the Board of Education, Board of Finance, and Town leadership met every other week to maintain momentum, address decisions, and keep the process transparent and accountable.

CSG congratulates Chief Operating Officer Blaize Levitan, Superintendent Dr. Christopher Tranberg, and Branford’s Town and education leaders on this significant achievement. We are grateful for their partnership and proud to support a community demonstrating what can be accomplished through collaboration, shared priorities, and decisive leadership.

With local approvals now secured, CSG is focused on completing the remaining grant requirements and successfully submitting both applications to the State by the October deadline.

Where We Work: CSG's History in the City of Norwalk

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Settled in 1649 along Connecticut’s coastline, Norwalk has spent centuries reinventing itself while remaining connected to the water that helped shape its identity.

From its early days as a colonial settlement to its growth as a railroad hub and thriving coastal city, Norwalk has continually invested in the places that bring people together. Today, that spirit is reflected in its schools, public spaces, and cultural destinations serving a growing and diverse community.

CSG’s partnership with the City of Norwalk began in 2017 and has since grown into one of our most comprehensive municipal programs. Working alongside the City and Board of Education, CSG has supported projects at ten schools across the district, helping guide more than $400 million in new construction, renovations and facility improvements through Norwalk’s long-term capital program.

That work includes several of the district’s most transformative projects. At Cranbury Elementary School, CSG provided program management services for the construction of a new school while the existing building remained fully operational. At Norwalk High School, the team is managing the phased construction of a new 328,000-square-foot campus designed to bring a comprehensive high school and P-TECH program together in one facility serving approximately 2,000 students.

Cranbury Elementary School

Norwalk High School Construction

The City’s investment in education is also evident at South Norwalk Elementary School, the first new neighborhood elementary school built in South Norwalk in more than 40 years. Designed to provide the South Norwalk neighborhood its own elementary school where children will be able to attend the same school as their neighbors and learn in flexible, student-centered learning spaces. This school represents both a long-term investment in education and a renewed commitment to the surrounding community.

South Norwalk School

Across the district, CSG has also supported additions, renovations, and capital improvements at Jefferson Elementary School, Naramake Elementary School, Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy, Brien McMahon High School, Roton Middle School, and Silvermine Elementary School, with additional work continuing as the district’s facilities evolve.

Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy

Naramake Elementary School

Jefferson Elementary School

Beyond the classroom, CSG has supported projects that enhance community life throughout Norwalk. At the Maritime Aquarium, the firm provided owner’s representative services for a major expansion that included new marine exhibits and a state-of-the-art 4D theater, helping strengthen one of Connecticut’s premier waterfront destinations. CSG has also supported improvements to community recreation facilities, including those serving the Grassroots Tennis program.

Nearly a decade after our partnership began, we’re proud to continue helping Norwalk invest in the schools, public spaces, and community assets that will serve residents for generations to come.

Where We Work: CSG's History in the Town of Enfield

Tue, 19 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Settled along the Connecticut River in the late 1600s, Enfield has long been shaped by industry, education, and reinvention.

The town carries a unique piece of New England history as well — until 1749, Enfield was actually considered part of Massachusetts, before a surveyor’s error was corrected and the town officially became part of Connecticut. From the early mill villages of Thompsonville and Hazardville to the growth of its public schools and civic spaces, Enfield’s history reflects generations of investment in community infrastructure and opportunity.

CSG’s relationship with Enfield Public Schools dates back to 2015 and one of the firm’s earliest major projects: the $103M renovate-as-new consolidation of Fermi and Enfield High Schools into the new Enfield High School campus.

Completed while the existing facility remained occupied, the award-winning project transformed the site through extensive renovations, major additions, hazardous materials abatement, and expanded site development — all while creating a unified home for the Town’s high school students.

That partnership continued with the extensive renovate-as-new project at John F. Kennedy Middle School, another award-winning effort that modernized nearly every aspect of the school. The multi-year phased project included classroom and science lab upgrades, expanded athletic and auditorium spaces, accessibility improvements, site enhancements, and the removal of portable classrooms, all coordinated while students and staff remained in the building.

Beyond these projects, CSG has supported the Town through roof replacement projects at several schools, including Eli Whitney Elementary School, Hazardville Memorial Elementary School, and Barnard Elementary School.

More than a decade after our first project in Enfield began, we’re proud to continue our partnership on projects that support students, educators, and the broader community for generations to come.

CSG Selected to Support Wethersfield’s Three-School Capital Program

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Construction Solutions Group is proud to announce our selection as Owner’s Project Manager to support the Town of Wethersfield on the first three schools advancing as part of its capital program: the new Highcrest Elementary School and renovate-as-new projects at Webb and Charles Wright Elementary Schools.

Working alongside TSKP Studio, CSG will support the Town in overseeing this coordinated, multi-site, multi-year initiative.

The program begins with the construction of a new Pre-K-4 Highcrest Elementary School on the Town-owned Kycia Farm property. Once the new facility is complete, the existing Highcrest building will be used as swing space during the subsequent renovate-as-new projects at Webb and Charles Wright Elementary Schools.

This sequencing is intended to reduce the challenges often associated with phased occupied school construction while creating a more efficient path forward for the overall program. It also allows the Town to approach the work in a way that supports continuity, careful planning, and long-term coordination across all three schools.

CSG’s team for the program will be led by Senior Project Manager Michael Faenza, with support from project management, financial administration, estimating, and educational planning resources structured to maintain continuity across the full initiative.

“This work reflects something our team has built with intention over time,” said James Giuliano, President of CSG. “We’ve developed a strong niche in municipal school construction program management, and I’m proud of the way our team continues to bring the planning, discipline, and long-term perspective these programs require. It’s meaningful to be trusted with work that has such a direct impact on students, families, and communities.”

CSG looks forward to partnering with the Town of Wethersfield and TSKP Studio on this important initiative and to sharing updates as the program moves ahead.

Revitalizing Communities with Neighborhood Schools

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000

A community isn’t quite the same without a neighborhood school.

Some might call it the heart of a neighborhood — a place where the future is constantly in motion, with generations of students passing through its doors. At its core, a neighborhood school is rooted in a simple idea: children should be able to learn close to home, walk to class, and grow up alongside the neighbors they know.

Families see one another at morning drop-off. Gymnasiums and auditoriums fill for concerts, games, and celebrations. Over time, a school becomes part of a place’s identity — a steady presence that helps define the character of a community. That’s something we recognize and take to heart at CSG.

Over the years, it has been a privilege to work alongside districts across the State of Connecticut to support community-based schools. We take pride in serving as a guide, helping shepherd complex school construction programs with discipline, transparency, and a long-term perspective.

In both Norwalk and Norwich, we have supported multi-year facilities master plans representing significant public investments in education — more than $400 million in Norwalk and $385 million in Norwich.

Within those programs are two projects that stand out for what they represent beyond construction alone: the return of neighborhood schools.

In Norwalk, the new South Norwalk Elementary School marks the first new neighborhood school built in South Norwalk in more than 40 years. The 86,332-square-foot facility, which opened for the 2025–2026 academic year, serves more than 600 students in grades K–3. Situated on a 12-acre site, the school was thoughtfully planned to serve the South Norwalk community and relieve overcrowding in other district schools. With modern classrooms, flexible learning environments, and welcoming outdoor spaces, it represents both a capacity solution and a long-term neighborhood investment.

“When a city commits to a neighborhood school, it is making a long-term commitment to the people who live there. South Norwalk Elementary reflects that kind of vision — creating a place where students can learn close to home and where the school itself becomes part of the community’s future,” says Jim Giuliano, President.

In Norwich, the new Greeneville Elementary School brings a community school back to its original site for the first time since the previous building closed in 2010. The approximately 80,000-square-foot facility will serve nearly 600 Pre-K through Grade 5 students. Located in the historic Greeneville village — named for early industrialist William Greene — the project reconnects the neighborhood with an institution that once played a central role in daily life. Now under construction and progressing toward completion in early 2027, the new school restores a local option for families who have spent more than a decade without one.

“Projects like Greeneville Elementary show that school construction is not only about new space — it is about restoring access, connection, and community identity,” says Mike Faenza, Senior Project Manager. “Bringing a school back to this neighborhood helps reestablish something that has long been part of daily life here.”

These are large, complex capital projects requiring careful coordination, financial stewardship, and steady leadership. But they also demonstrate something more fundamental: when cities choose to reinvest in neighborhood schools, they reinforce stability and strengthen the fabric of their communities.

Managing programs of this scale requires technical expertise and fiscal accountability. It also requires an understanding that schools are long-term civic assets. We are proud to support Norwalk and Norwich in delivering facilities that meet today’s educational needs while restoring something many neighborhoods have been missing.

CSG Announces Promotion of Mike Faenza to Senior Project Manager

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Construction Solutions Group (CSG) is pleased to announce the promotion of Mike Faenza to Senior Project Manager, recognizing his leadership, experience, and expanding role in managing complex public-sector building programs.

Mike joined CSG in 2018 and has steadily advanced through the organization by taking on increasing responsibility and demonstrating a strong commitment to project execution, client service, and team leadership. Early in his tenure at CSG, Mike played a key role in delivering several major school construction projects for the City of Norwalk, gaining hands-on experience managing large teams, tight schedules, and the challenges inherent to publicly funded work.

In Norwalk, Mike managed the Ponus STEAM Academy addition and alteration project, which was completed during the COVID-19 pandemic and required heightened coordination, flexibility, and problem-solving to maintain progress amid unprecedented constraints. He also supported the renovate-as-new project at Jefferson Elementary School, as well as the new construction of Cranbury Elementary School—a project that exemplified collaboration and excellence in public school design and delivery.

Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy, Norwalk, CT

Jefferson Elementary School, Norwalk, CT

The Cranbury Elementary School project was recognized with the First Place Award in the Large Pre-K–12 Schools category at the 2024 Connecticut Building Congress (CBC) Project Team Awards, a testament to the exceptional teamwork required to deliver a facility that balances form, function, and community focus.

Cranbury Elementary School, Norwalk, CT

Leadership on the Norwich School Construction Program

Most recently, Mike has taken on a leadership role within the Norwich school construction program, one of the most significant and multifaceted K–12 capital programs currently underway in Connecticut. As the program has expanded, Mike has stepped into increased responsibility managing multiple projects at varying stages of design, preconstruction, and construction, while supporting team integration and maintaining strong working relationships with municipal partners and school leadership.

His ability to manage complexity, anticipate challenges, and lead through action has made him a trusted resource within the program and across the broader CSG team.

Stanton Elementary School, Norwich, CT

A Career Built in Educational and Municipal Facilities

Mike brings more than 10 years of construction management experience across secondary education, higher education, and municipal facilities. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Central Connecticut State University and has built a career grounded in project delivery, quality control, safety, and collaboration.

Prior to joining CSG, Mike served as a Project Manager at the Capitol Region Education Council (CREC) from 2015 to 2018, where he worked as a Clerk of the Works and Owner’s Project Manager on public safety, community, and educational facilities. Notable projects include the Town of Ledyard Police Facility and the Town of North Stonington Center for Emergency Services, as well as multiple large scale K–12 school and energy conservation projects.

Mike previously held project management roles with Milestone Construction Services in New Haven, where he managed renovation and upgrade projects for Yale University and the University of New Haven, along with earlier positions at Shawmut Design and Construction, Standard Builders, and Jacobs Engineering.

Experience That Adds Value to Every Project

Mike’s diverse portfolio includes K–12 schools, higher education institutions, municipal buildings, and public safety facilities. His experience on both the Owner’s Project Management and Construction Management sides of the industry provide him with a comprehensive understanding of construction administration, quality assurance, and stakeholder coordination—skills that are essential to the successful delivery of complex public programs.

“Mike’s promotion reflects the responsibility he has taken on, the initiative he has shown, and the consistency of his performance,” said Jim Giuliano, President of CSG. “He has earned trust through his actions and results, and his leadership will continue to be an asset as our work grows in scale and complexity.”

CSG congratulates Mike on this well-earned promotion and looks forward to his continued leadership in delivering high-quality facilities for communities across Connecticut.

The Heat is On: Preparing for FF&E in School Construction Projects

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 04:00:00 +0000

When a new school year begins, students, teachers, and staff expect to walk into a fully functional, welcoming building. That means the furniture, fixtures, and equipment—commonly referred to as FF&E—must be installed, tested, and ready to go. In school construction projects, the FF&E phase often lands in the summer months, making it one of the most critical and time-sensitive parts of the process.

Few know this better than Eileen Eagle, Project Manager at Construction Solutions Group (CSG). With a background in corporate real estate, she first learned the intricacies of FF&E by managing interior buildouts, gaining hands-on experience with everything from furniture selection to logistics. More recently, she assisted with the FF&E process for the new South Norwalk School, guiding the project from showroom visits to the final installation.

“Furniture delivery doesn’t always wait for you to finish paving,” says Eileen. “You have to be ready. That means the building needs to be clean, accessible, and properly staged, and it is best to have both a plan A and a plan B.”

What is FF&E and Why It Matters

FF&E includes everything from student desks, lab benches, and library shelving to whiteboards, filing cabinets, and cafeteria tables. These movable assets aren’t part of the structure itself, but they are essential to creating a safe, functional, and engaging learning environment.

In today’s schools, FF&E choices go far beyond aesthetics. Furniture must be durable enough to withstand heavy daily use, adaptable to support collaborative and independent learning, and ergonomic to enhance comfort and focus.

Technology integration is also increasingly important, with charging stations and power access designed directly into desks and tables.

“Schools need furniture that’s flexible,” Eileen explains.

“It has to serve multiple purposes—whether that’s for group projects, quiet study, or just making it easier for custodial staff to clean. Something as simple as stackable chairs can make a big difference.”

Planning Ahead

For CSG, successful FF&E coordination starts months before trucks arrive at the site. Eileen emphasizes the importance of involving the right professionals early: “It’s best to work with a dealership and the architect. For new schools or major renovations, staff will often visit showrooms to try out furniture. Having an architect create a color board helps narrow down choices that can otherwise feel overwhelming.”

That planning stage should also involve administrators, facilities teams, and IT departments. For example, choosing the right finishes—laminate versus veneer, vinyl versus fabric—not only affects look and feel but also durability and maintenance. Considering student growth and varying sizes ensures that furniture fits users over time. Even small details matter. “In administrative areas, I always recommend keying filing cabinets alike,” Eileen notes. “It makes life a lot easier for staff. Those types of suggestions are things that you don’t immediately think about, but are no less essential.”

Tackling Delivery Logistics

The true crunch time for FF&E is delivery and installation, which often falls during the summer. Everything must be coordinated around the final stages of construction. If the main entrance isn’t complete or elevators aren’t available, deliveries can grind to a halt.

“Simple things—like posting floorplans on classroom doors—save time and headaches,” says Eileen. “Delivery crews can see exactly where furniture goes. You also need staging areas ready, rooms clean, and clear communication about where trucks can unload. If a driveway is still being paved, you need an alternate plan.”

Helping Owners Prepare

Eileen stresses that owners play a key role in a smooth FF&E process. Clear communication and early involvement are crucial. “Owners should be made aware of the schedule well in advance,” she explains. “That means knowing when furniture is coming, when to start purging old items, and how to coordinate staff moves.”

Move meetings can begin up to six months before delivery for larger projects. These sessions cover everything from labeling and color-coding existing furniture to deciding who will pack and handle IT equipment or library books. “Each time you do one of these projects, you always take away a lesson learned,” Eileen reflects.

More than just Furniture

At its core, the FF&E phase is about a lot more than simply installing desks and chairs. The goal is to create a safe, adaptable, and inspiring environment where students and staff can thrive from day one. With careful planning, strong communication, and attention to detail, the chaos of summer installations transforms into a seamless first day of school.

“Communication is the key to everything,” says Eagle. “When everyone is on the same page—owners, architects, contractors, and movers—that’s when it all comes together.”

Groundbreaking Marks Start of John Wallace Middle School Transformation

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 04:00:00 +0000

CSG President James Giuliano and Project Manager Eileen Eagle were pleased to attend Wednesday’s groundbreaking ceremony to signify the official start of construction for renovation of the John Wallace Middle School in Newington.

We were joined by Mayor Jon Trister, MPA, Town Council members, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Maureen Brummet, Principal Daniel Dias, State Representatives Kate C. Farrar and Gary Turco, and State Senator Matthew Lesser. The ceremony highlighted the collaborative nature of the project, which saw the Town’s Board of Education and Town Council join forces to get a referendum passed, in turn receiving a higher reimbursement rate from the State.

School projects are at the heart of what we do, and CSG is honored to serve as Owner's Project Manager for this renovation. This project represents the continuation of a rewarding partnership with the Town of Newington and its schools. What started as a professional relationship has grown into a genuine partnership – we’re honored to work alongside Chairman Stephen Woods and the building committee, Town leadership, the Board of Education, and Newington Public Schools staff.

Managing renovations while keeping schools operational requires a particular kind of coordination, in this case provided by CSG’s Eileen Eagle. Eileen’s experience managing phased renovations in occupied facilities has been integral to the success of this project, and she has navigated these challenges with grace. We’d also like to thank our collaborative partners on this project: Newfield Construction and Friar Architecture Inc.

As we formally break ground, we're excited to see this vision come to life. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the community of Newington, and seeing John Wallace Middle School serve students and families for generations to come.

Greenville is Back: Groundbreaking Celebrates the Return of a Beloved School

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 04:00:00 +0000

On a sunny June afternoon, members of the Norwich community gathered on Golden Street to celebrate not just a groundbreaking — but a homecoming.

The future Greenville Elementary School, now officially underway, will bring new life to the same site that housed the original school, which closed in 2010 due to accessibility, budget, and parking constraints. For the neighborhood that once rallied around that building as a community cornerstone, Monday’s ceremony marked a meaningful return.

Construction Solutions Group (CSG) is proud to serve as Owner’s Project Manager for the second of six new schools being delivered through the City of Norwich’s historic $385 million school construction program.

Speakers throughout the afternoon reflected a shared sense of pride, perseverance, and purpose. Dr. Marianne Nardone, former principal of the original Greenville School, described it as a true community center — a place where families felt welcomed and supported. She recalled a Norwich Bulletin headline from 2010: “Families bid Greenville goodbye.” At the podium, she offered a powerful reply: “Today, we say hello again.”

Pictured from left to right: Tim Smith, Mark Bettencourt,
Mike Faenza, and Mike Jackson

State Representative Derrell Wilson, a graduate of Norwich Public Schools and former Greenville student, described the surrounding neighborhood as “resilient” — a densely populated area that has endured many evolutions of change.

With 37 languages spoken and dozens of ethnic backgrounds represented, Greenville was identified early in the Facilities Review Committee’s process as a top priority for reinvestment. Mayor Peter Nystrom emphasized the importance of listening to the community and delivering on the promise to restore this vital resource.

Building Committee Chairman Mark Bettencourt acknowledged the challenges of the site — ledge, rock, and extensive sitework — but underscored that the effort is well worth it. The return of Greenville is not only an investment in education, but in community.

The new school will once again serve as a vital anchor in one of Norwich’s most historic and dynamic neighborhoods.

CSG is honored to help bring Greenville back — and forward — alongside our design and construction partners, DRA and Downes Construction.

Outstanding Young Professional: Sam D’Agostino Recognized by Construction Institute

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 04:00:00 +0000

We’re proud to share that our very own Samantha D’Agostino was recognized as the 2025 Outstanding Young Professional by the Construction Institute during a special ceremony this week.

Sam joined Construction Solutions Group in 2020 and has quickly distinguished herself as a rising leader in the industry. She currently serves as the on-site lead for a $42 million renovate-as-new Sherman School project, which is set to begin construction this summer. But that’s just one piece of her growing portfolio.

In addition to leading that major initiative, Sam also supports several other active and upcoming programs — from supporting active K-12 school programs with grant applications and pre-referendum strategy, to providing guidance during early design phases, and juggling miscellaneous projects across various stages of planning, construction, and closeout. Her ability to stay organized, focused, and client-centered across so many fronts is part of what makes her such an asset to the CSG team.

Sam’s nomination highlighted her professionalism, creativity, and unwavering dedication to learning and improvement — qualities that show up daily in her work and in her leadership across the firm.

During her acceptance speech, Sam reflected on the many mentors, colleagues, and family members who helped shape her journey and encouraged her to take on new challenges. “This award isn’t just about me,” she said. “It’s about all the people who’ve helped me along the way.”

Congratulations, Sam! We’re proud of the leader you are and the teammate you continue to be.