February 14

Big changes on campus of South Portland High

By Gillian Graham ggraham@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer

A major expansion of South Portland High School is taking shape and will reach a milestone Friday when the top structural beam is lifted into place. The $47.3 million project includes a new learning commons, cafeteria and lecture hall. Construction began in June and is expected to end by spring 2015.

20130214_HighSchool
click image to enlarge

Workers add trim to the windows of the new cafeteria added to the roof of an original building as part of an expansion and renovation of South Portland High School. Photographed on Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013.

Gordon Chibroski / Staff Photographer

20130214_HighSchool
click image to enlarge

Workers await the lowering of another beam into place as part of construction work for an expansion and renovation of South Portland High School. Photographed on Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013.

Gordon Chibroski / Staff Photographer

Additional Photos Below

Superintendent Suzanne Godin said Thursday that the project is on budget and about a week behind schedule. "The project is going up within, in many cases, inches of our classroom spaces," she said.

Godin said it is hard for passers-by to miss the changes on campus, including two three-story classroom spaces and the distinctive new cafeteria with its rounded roof.

In November 2010, South Portland residents approved a $41.5 million bond to renovate and expand the high school. The total cost of the project is $47.3 million, to be covered by the city's taxpayers because no state aid was available.

Friday's "topping off" ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. Members of the school board, the building committee, the City Council and the Student Senate will sign the beam before it is lifted into place.

 

Were you interviewed for this story? If so, please fill out our accuracy form

Send question/comment to the editors


Additional Photos

20130214_HighSchool
click image to enlarge

Workers move materials to the work area as part of construction work for an expansion and renovation of South Portland High School. Photographed on Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013.

Gordon Chibroski / Staff Photographer

  


Further Discussion

Here at PressHerald.com we value our readers and are committed to growing our community by encouraging you to add to the discussion. To ensure conscientious dialogue we have implemented a strict no-bullying policy. To participate, you must follow our Terms of Use.

Questions about the article? Add them below and we’ll try to answer them or do a follow-up post as soon as we can. Technical problems? Email them to us with an exact description of the problem. Make sure to include:
  • Type of computer or mobile device your are using
  • Exact operating system and browser you are viewing the site on (TIP: You can easily determine your operating system here.)


Most…