HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – A section of Attucks High School that has been determined to not be structurally sound will soon be torn down, with plans to repurpose the historic bricks during the extensive restoration project by a local nonprofit.
According to a news release from WB Properties, contractors met with city officials on Sept. 21 to share progress on the Attucks Revive to Thrive project, an initiative to restore and redevelop the historic Attucks High School. It was announced in August that WB Properties and Men 2 Be would partner up to further address structural issues with the building and to advance the restoration initiative.
They shared that they have entered into a contractual relationship with Miranda Construction to complete phase one for redevelopment of the Attucks campus. This ork will include “removing” the north wing of the 1916 building, preserving the bricks for future use in the renovation, stabilizing the building’s shell and reroofing the south wing of the original structure, according to the news release.
“We knew this was a monumental task, but very much one that’s attainable,” said WB Properties CEO Eric Coleman. “We are driving toward the highest and best use of the entire building and its remaining assets, incorporating attainable housing in and around the building, and we’ll be soliciting the community’s support as we advance this important project.”
History of Attucks and resoration project
This reinforced effort to save the building comes after a hearing with Hopkinsville Code of Enforcement Board that left Men 2 Be with 90 days to fix structural issues in order to avoid demolition of the oldest section of the school.
That section of the campus was deemed an unsafe structure after a roof collapse, with the stability of the building in question. Non-emergent code violations were reported on the addition of the building that was constructed in 1957. During the hearing, the board went back and forth about next steps before deciding to give them extra time.
“Miranda Construction is excited to partner with WB Properties and Men 2 Be on this important historic revitalization project,” Koetter said. “We look forward to completing Phase 1 and continuing to work with the team on the highest and best use of the building and the surrounding area. We understand the timeline and we’ll be coordinating closely with the project team, the city planning team and local entities to move the work forward expeditiously.”
Built in 1916, Attucks served as the first public school for black students in the area during segregation. Men 2 Be plans to turn the school into a community center which may cost upward of $1 million. Initial renderings showed space for community meetings, gatherings, and classes with apartments built in. The school could potentially function as an emergency shelter and food pantry as well.
Attucks Revive to Thrive
Brian Koetter, design director at Miranda Construction, said the company is ready to work closely with the project team and local officials. The project team has 45 additional days to advance the work, Coleman shared.
The Attucks Revive to Thrive initiative is guided by three pillars:
- Preservation and restoration of the historic Attucks School within the city limits of Hopkinsville and Christian County.
- Redevelopment of the Eastside, a legacy Hopkinsville neighborhood, with attainable housing as a core focus.
- Economic empowerment through a hub for education, entrepreneurship, health and wellness activities that will benefit all.
For more information about the Attucks project, visit http://wbpropertiesse.com/.
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