The first phase of construction on a $37.5 million project to renovate Portsmouth Middle School is slated to begin in April. Residents can preview the design with architects, learn about the construction schedule and ask questions during a meeting at Portsmouth Public Library on Wednesday, March 23. 

The reconstruction and renovation will add about 30,000 square feet to the 80-year-old building on Parrott Avenue, improving energy efficiency while preserving many of its historic elements. The three-phase project is scheduled for completion before the start of school in the fall of 2013. 

The project’s first phase will include construction of a new wing. Subsequent phases will involve renovations to the 1930s portion of the building and demolition of the 1970s addition. The design was developed by Connecticut’s JCJ Architects, with help from Portsmouth’s DeStefano Architects. 

The meeting begins at 7 p.m. on March 23 in the Levenson Room at Portsmouth Public Library, 175 Parrott Ave., Portsmouth, 603-427-1540. It will be broadcast later on Cable Channel 22 and will be available online at www.cityofportsmouth.com.