Gorham has selected PDT Architects of Portland to design the White Rock School project, according to Jim Hager, chairman of the school committee.
The Gorham Town Council allocated $100,000 last week for an architect, the first step towards the project. The cramped White Rock School has been ranked 10th on a list of the state’s most needy schools. Town Manager David Cole said the town had received a letter from Superintendent Ted Sharp requesting the money to further a project.
Hager said Monday the options would include renovating the existing White Rock School or constructing another school. Hager told the council that White Rock is located on a small site. The state would require proof that a renovation would not be cost effective, Hager told the council.
The project calls for a kindergarten through grade 5 school. “We have to study renovation versus a new facility,” Hager said.
He said PDT would interview teachers and administrators to develop ideas for a project. PDT, which designed Gorham Middle School, was one of three architectural firms who were finalists for the White Rock project.
“We’re looking forward to keeping the community well informed,” Hager said.
A project would require approval by Gorham voters. If approved, it could open in the fall of 2010.
The council also approved a measure to allow PDT to design a renovation of the current Municipal Center on Main Street into a public safety building. Municipal offices will relocate this fall to the former Shaw School on South Street.
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