The primary architectural focus for the redevelopment of the historic Oconee Schoolhouse campus was to rehabilitate and preserve the existing structures. The campus had been vacant for some time and fallen into disrepair. The exterior façade repair scope included reconditioning and repairing existing windows; performing brick repointing and brick repair in specific locations; reconditioning and repairing existing entry doors, including sidelights, and transoms; and repairing the existing sheet metal cornice at the roof line.
New exterior architectural elements are limited in scope. This work included installation of new steel canopies at the side and rear entry points of the main building and all entries into the annex building. To maximize accessibility, a new ramp and steps were added to the east entrance of the main building.
The interior rehabilitation pays careful attention to the historic classrooms by utilizing site-built glass storefronts for transparency, creating reveals between new walls and original walls and allowing the historic classrooms to maintain their original volumetric legibility. In the annex building, new storefront openings were added to improve natural light for the building’s interior. This also will give the building a stronger street presence.
All new elements and rehabilitation work were performed within the guidelines of the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and the project received historic preservation tax incentives.
This project won an Historic Athens Outstanding Rehabilitation Award in 2022.
