Dora L. Small School- South Portland, Maine

The new 35,500 square-foot-elementary school replaced the existing school and is located on the same site. Construction of the new facility continued while school was in session. Demolition of the original school and final sitework were completed over summer vacation to minimize disruption to the staff and students at

Designed by HKTA architects, the school building is a steel frame structure with light gauge metal exterior wall infill, bar joist and metal deck roof, and brick veneer exterior. The interior includes fifteen classrooms, an art room, computer room, library, administrative offices, clinic, and a multi-purpose room with a stage. A new playground and tennis courts also were constructed on the site.

Benchmark was selected as general contractor for the 4.2 million dollar project from a pre-qualified list of six construction firms.

After summer vacation, students started the 2003 school year in the new Small School.