Gorham Public Works

As general contractor for Gorham Public Works’ new headquarters, Benchmark worked closely with public works representatives to create a building that would meet the needs of the entire public works department: from the director and administrators to equipment operators, drivers, and maintenance staff, as well as the general public who can reserve the facility’s self-contained common room for meetings.

The garage area features three bays with overhead doors on both sides so that vehicles may drive directly through the garage. An additional overhead door allows vehicles to enter the wash bay for year round cleaning convenience. The slab floor feature radiant heat and trench drains for water run off. The garage area also contains a parts and tool room and explosion proof room for storage of paints and chemicals. The locker rooms, changing areas, and rest rooms were designed and build to be low maintenance for FRP (fiberglass reinforced panels) and epoxy paint on the walls and floors. The entire Public Works building meets all ADA requirements.

The heavy equipment and materials used in the garage required a wide range of special provisions including overhead cranes, powerful exhaust system for ventilation of air pollutants, truck lubricant systems, and storage and dispose areas for lubricants and contaminants. Benchmark was responsible for the installation of all these mechanical systems.

The office area of the headquarters includes spacious offices and a large lunchroom with tables, full kitchen facilities, and restrooms that can be locked off from the rest of the building.

The exterior of Gorham Public Works is painted in two different colors with split face masonry to distinguish the office area from the garage.