Ocean Avenue Elementary School

Ledgewood Construction was the General Contractor for the Ocean Avenue Elementary School in Portland. The 70,315-s.f. school occupies the same 12-acre Back Cove site where Baxter Elementary School once stood, and replaced the 102-year-old Nathan Clifford School located nearby. Serving 440 students in grades K-5, the school has two, multi-story classroom wings, as well as a gymnasium, cafeteria and double-height library.

The new school is LEED Registered, and is eligible to achieve LEED Silver Certification. Approximately 75% of the debris from the demolition of Baxter Elementary was recycled, and materials used for the new building were chosen for their high recycled content, sustainability and local sourcing. The school’s heating system is designed to alternate between oil and natural gas, giving the school department flexibility and a more economical and efficient source of fuel. Solar panels located near the gymnasium heat the school’s hot water supply. Completed a full six months ahead of schedule, the Ocean Avenue School welcomed students a semester earlier than planned.

• Owner: Portland School Department
• Architect: WBRC Architects & Engineers
• Location: Portland, Maine
• Market Segment: Education