Historic West Broad Street School Set for Revitalization
The Clarke County School District is taking significant steps to breathe new life into the historic West Broad Street School campus. After nearly a decade of inactivity, the site is poised to become a pivotal extension of the Athens Community Career Academy (ACCA), with plans revealed during two public hearings on Tuesday.
Interim Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Scott highlighted the district’s commitment to restoring the structural integrity of the property, which holds historical significance as a former educational center for Black residents during segregation. The district’s vision is to transform the campus into both a learning facility and a community gathering place.
The proposed development includes the incorporation of new and existing career pathways at ACCA, such as a construction pathway supported by local industry partnerships. The Minor Street building is slated for renovation to accommodate classrooms, versatile community spaces, and a heritage area dedicated to the campus’s historical legacy. The Campbell Lane building will be adapted to comply with state standards for career and technical education laboratories.
Plans also include a public park area and historical markers to commemorate the site’s contribution to the education of Black Athenians. Dr. Scott mentioned that the district will finance the project through ESPLOST/EAST funds and is currently in the process of selecting a structural engineer via a request-for-proposals. The district aims to present its findings to the Board of Education by January, with guidance from a building committee that includes community members connected to West Broad.
