South Portland Middle School

The $69 million South Portland Middle School serves grades five through eight in a single new building, consolidating two former middle schools into one. The project’s furniture selection, procurement and installation efforts were led by Red Thread in collaboration with WBRC Inc. Together, they conducted custom workshops that included leadership discovery and floor plan reviews with faculty, staff, and administration. These workshops played a key role in identifying the specific functions of spaces—such as library, cafeteria, art rooms, STEM areas, and classroom spaces—and creating tailored solutions that aligned with both the design direction and budget. To support confident decision-making, the approval process included detailed furniture renderings depicting architectural finishes.  Mockup classroom test-fit installations during the design process allowed live feedback from both students and staff.

The innovative school design features academic wings connected to shared spaces for art, STEM, library, dining, and gym activities. New furnishings and visual displays enable flexible classroom layouts, accommodating both traditional seating and collaborative small group work. Students can also choose from a variety of seating styles to meet their preferences. Additionally, a versatile multi-purpose room serves as an auxiliary space for gym classes, stage performances, and large community gatherings.

Photos © Jeff Roberts Photography