The New Jersey Schools Development authority awarded a $91,750,000 design-build contract award to Terminal Construction Corporation to design and construct a new middle school in West New York.

By John Heinis/Hudson County View

“The start of the design-build contract for this important project continues the Authority’s efforts to address school construction needs throughout the state,” SDA CEO Manuel Da Silva said in a statement.

“Together with our construction partners, we move one step closer to delivering a school building that will alleviate capacity deficiencies in the district while offering students new opportunities for academic and personal growth. The commencement of this contract allows for the completion of final design activities that will support the construction of a high-quality, efficient facility that best meets the needs of West New York students.”

The construction of this highly anticipated school will result in a 162,000-square-foot facility for a maximum of 862 students in grades six through eight.

Some highlights of the educational spaces to be included in the new school are: 30 general classrooms, six science labs, three art rooms, a dance studio, a gymnasium, instrumental and vocal music rooms, a media center, a STEAM lab, an auditorium with a stage, and a cafeteria.

The first phase of this design-build contract is design phase services, which already commenced. This initial phase typically takes about six to nine months.

By utilizing a design-build approach, some design and construction activities are often able to proceed concurrently through phased advancement. Terminal Construction Corporation is working with DMR Architects, Inc. on the design of the school.

SDA accepted proposals last month for the engagement of a firm to provide construction management services for the project. A construction management award is expected in early 2026.

An early site preparation contract, previously awarded to APS Contracting, Inc., allowed for demolition and removal of the remaining foundations and associated site conditions at the former Warminster building site.

This initial site work prepared the site for future construction of the new school.

The new school facility is anticipated to open to students in September 2028 and the total estimated SDA project costs for the new school is $121.8 million, officials said.

SDA officials visited the site of the middle school back in October, as HCV first reported.