Thompson Middle School Newport, Rhode Island Architect HMFH Architects, Inc. Cambridge, MA Contract General Contractor: Restoration and New Construction Description On this project - the first new school to be built in the city of Newport in many years - it was imperitive to preserve the historic value of the school originally built in 1882. The goal was tto restore the historic facility and construct an addition of approximately 107,000 square feet that included a four-story common area and an outdoor recreation area. The existing school was completely renovated with particular attention to historic value, and the new school was constructed with a structural steel frame and masonry veneer. The Thompson Middle School is an outstanding example of urban revitalization and historic preservation. The four-story common area joins the old and the new school and includes a student cafeteria and teacher dining room overlooking the open atrium.