LEWISTON — To thank taxpayers and show how the money was spent, the public is invited to an open house to show off the new-and-improved Lewiston Middle School.

The open house will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 3.

“We want to welcome the public, who overwhelmingly supported the renovation project,” Principal Shawn Chabot said.

The renovation was paid for by a $9.2 million bond that’s being paid off by local taxpayers.

“It’s a way of us saying ‘thank you,’ especially to all the residents of Lewiston who went to high school here and have a lot of memories here.”

Students moved into the renovated school in September. All major construction was done by Halloween, which was ahead of schedule.

The school holds 700 students in grades seven and eight. Big improvements in the renovation include new science labs, a new library, extra classroom space, a front office that is more welcoming to the public and more security for students.

The bathrooms, which were built in 1931, have been updated. Walls are new and bright. The new front section of the building offers a lot of natural light with large windows and scenic views of the neighborhood.

Other improvements include a new, efficient heating system and a new electrical system with wires and pipes that are no longer visible on walls and ceilings.

The building, which previously had no ventilation, now has ventilation in every room.

“These are things you can’t see that are costly improvements that will improve air quality, safety and allow the building to last another 50 to 75 years,” Chabot said.

The best part of the improvements is “we’re working in a building that’s well taken care of,” he said. “It was feeling old and tired. The environment isn’t everything, but the environment can be a very positive thing. Walking in the hallways now, you can feel positive energy.”

During the open house, 12 to 15 student councilors will lead the public, showing off the school.

“They’ll be the tour guides,” Chabot said.

The building was built as Lewiston High School and used as the high school from 1931 to 1973. It then became Lewiston Junior High School, and later, the middle school.

Plaques from the original dedication have been erected, as well as a new dedication plaque for the current renovation.