April 17, 2026

By the Numbers: The Benn High Redevelopment

More: Historic Tax Credits
By: Madelyn Livingston

The Benn High Redevelopment is bringing a long-vacant, 100,000 square foot public-school building back to life in Bennington, Vermont. This restoration will transform it into a community anchor that provides housing, services, and opportunities in a rural community with limited access to investment capital.

With financing support from the National Trust Community Investment Corporation (NTCIC), the project was designed from the start to serve residents across all income levels and life stages. Benn High’s tenants, including the Town of Bennington, the YMCA, and the University of Vermont Extension, deliver essential services to low- and moderate-income residents while strengthening community ties.

40.2 million Total Project Cost; 100% Electric Facility

40.2 million Total Project Cost: The school’s revitalization was supported in part by NTCIC through the facilitation of an equity investment in the $5.54 million Federal Historic Tax Credits generated by the project and an allocation of $5 million in New Market Tax Credits.

100% Electric Facility: When complete, Benn High will be 100% electric, powered in part by geothermal and solar energy systems.

27 Permanent Full Time Jobs Created; 22 Workforce Housing Units Created

27 Permanent Full Time Jobs Created: The project will generate 27 new permanent full-time jobs while retaining 35 existing full-time roles. Construction on the facility has generated 187 jobs, with 92 of those considered high-quality full-time equivalent [GU2.1] positions.

22 Workforce Housing Units Created: The project will create 22 workforce housing units, including 5 affordable units, expanding housing options for local workers and families.

1,940 New Users of Rec Center and Community Programming; 102 Children Served in YMCA Childcare Facility; 1,400 Residents to be Served by University of Vermont Extension

1,940 New Users of Rec Center and Community Programming: Town of Bennington programming is projected to benefit over 1,940 new users (out of 4,300 total users). A dedicated senior center on site will serve more than 150 seniors annually.

102 Children Served in YMCA Childcare Facility: One of the major project tenants, the YMCA, will operate a 102-seat childcare center, with 55 percent of children expected to come from low-income households.

1,400 Residents to be Served by University of Vermont Extension: More than 1,400 community members will have access to hands-on education and practical resources for local agricultural, nutrition, and community development

Rendering of the Benn High Redevelopment project in Bennington, Vermont.

A woman with long brown hair looks at the camera ina tan top in a checkerboard pattern. She is wearing a necklace that has a circle pendant.

Madelyn Livingston is the Marketing Coordinator for the National Trust Community Investment Corporation, a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.