Thompson Middle School New Addition and Renovation

One of Newport, RI's most politically challenged municipal projects, the decision to salvage this 1897 school building – the city's only middle school – was vehemently opposed by many taxpayers. The challenges included shallow setbacks from Broadway, the main city street, and a primary access route to the downtown area. The tight site logistics made demolition and excavation work difficult when sandwiched between two historic structures, City Hall and St. Joseph's Catholic Church.

Renovation of the original building included preservation of the front façade and exterior shell. Demolition and total interior rebuild to create a new library, administrative offices, and two computer labs. Construction of a 3-story classroom wing included cafetorium, gymnasium, locker rooms, and technical classrooms.

Successful completion of this state-of-the-art facility meets the school district's present and future needs while preserving the architectural fabric of Newport's historic city center. Value: 19.35 million. Completed on time and under budget. This project has received several historic preservation awards and is considered one of the City of Newport's most successful construction projects.