What’s happening at the historic school?

In January 2005, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners (BOC) reauthorized spending for the design of Newtown School. They had allocated $250,000 for the architectural design in the 2004 budget, however, the design work was not completed last year. The Board of Commissioners discussed the possibility of funding the construction in the 2005 year budget, but it did not come up for a vote.

The general sentiment expressed by the Board was that the design work needed to be finished before budgeting construction funds for the project. A feasibility study of the project was completed and presented to the BOC at the January 5th budget meeting. There is still an opportunity for the project to be funded in 2005. During the mid-year budget hearings in late June and early July, the BOC could approve funding for construction if….

1. The architectural design work is completed and...
2. Residents and neighborhood associations voice their support of the project in great numbers.
3. What can I do to support this project? Click Here

What are the plans for the Historic Newtown School building?

The objective is to preserve, renovate, and expand Newtown School into an intergenerational, multi-purpose community center to be called the NEWTOWN COMMUNITY CENTER. The original 1929 structure would be renovated into activity and meeting spaces, and a new addition would be constructed on the rear (south-side) of the building and include a large community room, kitchen area, and classroom space. Access to the building would be from Newtown Park’s entrance rather than from Old Alabama Road.

The programming for the center would include an innovative and best practice approach to addressing the diverse needs of the multiple generations within our community. Similar national programs exist, but there are none in Georgia. The programming for the Newtown Community Center would be designed initially by the Fulton County’s Human Services Department and operated by a non-profit organization. It would include programs/activities based on community needs for youth and seniors, as well as the generations in between. For example, classes may include the following:

1. Creative Arts - art classes (in cooperation with Ocee Arts Center), drama, storytelling, etc.
2. Educational – computer, Spanish/English, tutoring, local history, etc.
3. Life Enrichment – volunteer opportunities, community projects, etc.
4. Socialization – field trips, community events and socials, etc.
5. Recreational – gardening, senior walking program, intergenerational softball, etc.

Will the building be restored to its original configuration and features?

The goal is to preserve the historic character of the building, while updating it for its new use. It is the Foundations’ desire to preserve as much of the original design as is practical.

As of January 2005, Newtown Elementary School was nominated to the National Register of Historic Places and will be listed on the national register. The National Register listing provides recognition of the school’s architectural and historical significance and confirms that it is a property worthy of preservation. This designation gives us additional incentives to restore the exterior appearance of the building as authentically as possible, for example, the configuration and structure of the windows.

On the inside, all the wooden moldings were removed from the school because of lead paint. Only the original doors were salvaged and they will be eventually stripped and refinished. Prior to the removal of the moldings, architectural sketches and measures were made to create reproductions of the original features in the future.

What’s been accomplished so far?

In 2004, the county contracted with the architectural firm, Richard+Wittschiebe, to design both the interior renovation of the old Newtown School (Phase 1) and a new addition (Phase 2) which would be added to the rear of the building.

At the early stage of the design effort, a graduate-level team from Southern Polytechnic State University’s School of Architecture (SPSU) volunteered to develop initial plans for Newtown School. The SPSU team worked collaboratively with the county, the Newtown Park Community Foundation, and Richard+Wittschiebe Architects to create schematic designs. The process included a public hearing on the project held by Fulton County. By May 2004, the team from SPSU had completed their project and created an excellent 3-D model of their design. Preservation Initiatives Completed:

1. Comprehensive Building Assessment
2. Lead and Asbestos Abatement
3. Foundation/Floor Assessment
4. New Roofing, gable ends and guttersDemolition of the old steel decking
5. Abatement and stripping of old doors
6. Newtown Community Center Feasibility Study

What is the next step in the process?

To fund the construction of Newtown School! The Foundation is working closely with District #3 Commissioner Lynne Riley to move this project forward at the mid-year budget hearings. Commissioner Riley will propose adding this Capital Improvement Project to the budget. She will, however, need support from the majority of the Board of Commissioners (four votes) if this project is to be approved.


What can I do to support this project?

Newtown Community Center will not become a reality unless you do your part. Our community must speak out publicly.

In May and June of 2005, contact all seven commissioners, including Commissioner Lynne Riley, and let them know that the community wants this project funded!

Saving the historic school as a functional part of our community life will bring opportunities for creative arts, education & life enrichment, socialization, health & wellness, and leisure activities close to home. The community center would also have rental space for meetings and functions.

If this is something you see as valuable for our community, please tell the commissioners. Click here to Contact Each Member of the Board of Commissioners

Who owns the school?

Fulton County owns the building and surrounding property. It is part of Newtown Park.

What’s happening with the property around the school?

The Newtown Park Community Foundation is working collaboratively with Fulton County Parks and Recreation to develop that acreage into passive and garden areas that may include native plant gardens, public gardening space, a historic/art walkway, a garden forum and open space. Demolition of the house located on the 2.66 acres added to the park in 2001 was planned for 2004 as a first step in developing that property as passive areas and gardens. Hopefully, the demolition will occur in 2005.

The Foundation will continue to seek grants and private donors, establish business partnerships, and work with volunteers (see volunteer page) to create and fund such projects. If the Newtown School and the surrounding parkland is to become the jewel of our community and is to be renovated to its maximum potential as a community facility, we the Foundation, Fulton County, and the citizens and business community must work in partnership to achieve this goal.

See pictures in the gallery

How can I help or get involved? (click here)

What else should I know?

Check out the acreage statistics and number of parks in unincorporated Fulton County and learn the facts. Don’t forget to look at the population figures, too.

Go to Park Facts