the "Betts" site; and the Clark estate at Grove Street (168th Street), known as the "Clark site". In June 1923, the New York City Board of Estimate approved the Clark site, in spite of protests from local parents. By 1924, a preliminary design for the school was in place, created with the Clark estate site in mind. The Clark site was officially chosen 1925. Because of the topography of the area, it was decided to build the school facing south towards Gothic Drive, as opposed to facing 168th Street. Meanwhile, the height of the school was limited to three stories by architect William H. Gompert due to the profile of the site. Groundbreaking on the new building took place on March 16, 1925. One week later, an architectural drawing of the school was released. Excavation of the site's basement and swimming pool began in April of that year. Upon exhuming the site, it was discovered that the bed of the future building consisted of clay, similar to that of Goose Pond in nearby Captain Tilly Park. The cornerstone was laid at the southeast corner of the building on June 29, 1925. By that year, accusations were already made towards Gompert of faulty construction and inferior material use at the new high school and other new schools under his watch. The new Jamaica High School building was opened February 1, 1927. It was officially dedicated May 12, 1927. The school cost $3 million to construct. At the time of construction, the school building was the largest in the United States. A resolution to create park space around the school was reached on April 30, 1928. Around this time, the property immediately behind the school was acquired in order to create the athletic fields. Meanwhile, accusations of faulty construction persisted, evidenced by warping of school floors due to water damage. This and other accusations of shoddy craftsmanship led to Gompert's resignation from the Board of Education. Upon opening, the only available entrances to the school were at either side. Immediately in front of the school was a large wall of dirt, while six houses were situated along the north side of Gothic Drive; both obstacles impeded access to the school from the south at Gothic Drive and blocked views of its facade. A road provisionally named "Upland Parkway" had initially been planned directly in front of the school, but was not built.