O&G completes construction of net-zero middle school

MIDDLETOWN — O&G Industries recently completed the construction of the new Beman Middle School (formerly Woodrow Wilson Middle School) at 1 Wilderman’s Way, where 650 students in sixth through eighth grade now attend.

The project included the construction of a new 190,000-square-foot facility, with abatement and demolition of the existing facilities administrative and classroom space, according to the Torrington-based firm. The existing middle school pool and gymnasium were not demolished. They are being renovated, and will eventually be turned over to the Middletown Parks and Recreation Department as a standalone structure.

The new net-zero facility meets Connecticut High Performance School standards (LEED Silver equivalent) and includes STEAM classrooms, an innovation lab, auditorium and multi-facility gym, according to a press release. The building will be over 28 percent more energy efficient than similar size buildings, and includes rooftop solar arrays that will help offset the buildings energy usage, it said.

TSKP was the project architect.