Fredonia Community Center
Small Project (25,000 sf or less)
The owner, a County Government in Middle Tennessee, commissioned the Architect to conduct a feasibility study of an existing dilapidated 1920’s rural schoolhouse structure and grounds to determine whether to demolish the structure and build new or restore the existing structure as an adaptive reuse Community Center. Depending on the results, the Architect would then proceed to reconstruct or responsibly restore the school house as a community center and museum to its past and provide a cornerstone for community engagement.
Awards Year | 2024
Project Statement
The Fredonia School House has been an historic cornerstone to its rural community for the past hundred years. At the turn of the century, the schoolhouse had been abandoned for decades and was deteriorating much to the chagrin of the community. Originally, the jurisdiction had plans to tear down the structure as it was deemed irreparable; however, under the leadership of outspoken local alumni, the community insisted on a professional study to officially determine if the structure could be saved.
The result of the study was that a complete restoration of the schoolhouse could occur and after three packed public input meetings, the County voted to fund the project.
Previously, the painted wood clap board building taught generations of students – one of note being Pat Head Summitt who later became a world-renowned basketball coach at the University of Tennessee. Her classmates say that Summitt learned to play basketball on the rim located in the school’s gymnasium, which was personally restored by the Architect and reinstalled in the building as part of the restoration.
The school’s existing condition was bleak - collapsing floors, broken and rotted windows, layers of roofing and facade material, and temporary solutions that needed addressing. With a tight budget and limited resources, it was necessary for the Architect to be strategic in all design decisions and a Contractor was brought on early and selected specifically for their expertise in restoration of historic buildings to help monitor costs and collaborate strategies with the architect. The school house was restored into its former condition with minor supportive spaces added such as restrooms and a catering kitchen for future events. New additions include history rooms which tell the story of the Fredonia School House and showcase exhibits created by the local museum curator and an outdoor amphitheater for performances and events.
The project is the first phase of a larger master plan development that will add trails, restore a baseball field, and add other supportive recreational programming. As an overlooked rural community, this will provide opportunities for future generations in developing valuable team experiences, attending local events, and learning the history of a building that has been given a second life.
Framework for Design Excellence Narrative
- Water - There were no city waste sewer systems available to this area, therefore, a multi-zone septic system was designed. All rainwater is routed to below-grade and/or intentional surface drain swells to a bio-retention basin, resulting in clean water. An old original cistern was restored and will be used for plan irrigation purposes as a part of the upcoming Phase II of the master plan, including a full public park on site. A former historic ground water well was used to serve drinking water and kitchen service from the 1920’s to 1960’s and has been protected for future use.
- Resources - With most of the structure being built of existing wood framing, only additional support framing and replacement of damaged trim and hardwood flooring was added. There was a serious effort to replace material that was beyond a state of repair. Floors were brought to level by multiple wetting and jacking exercises. Much of the interior paneling and trim was salvaged and refurbished. If replacement trim was added, exact profile duplications from locally sourced material was incorporated.
- Equitable Communities - The restoration of the Fredonia School House into the Fredonia Community Center is the first part of a phased master plan as illustrated to the left.
From multiple community meetings, the group requested restoration of the baseball field and other recreational programming for public use. The recreational design is done in a matter to facilitate local leagues and promote healthy habits at a local landmark.
This master plan is providing resources for an area that is often overlooked and passed over for county development. The facility is open to the public with intentionally low daily rental rates for gatherings such as weddings, reunions, church services, small concerts, small trade shows, etc. This building has reclaimed itself as the center and focus of its community after nearly being demolished from years of neglect and has simultaneously lifted the community around it.
The city’s interest in Fredonia School House and giving it renewed purpose has given a new sense of pride, focus, and importance within this community and overall county.
LEED/Green Certifications
Photo Captions
1. Dusk shot of Fredonia Community Center.
2. Historical photos and exhibit display panels.
3. Existing conditions photos.
4. Campus Master Plan & site water remediation.
5. Project Diagram
6. Aerial - showing the community center (Phase I) and the land behind for future Phase II development.
7. Aerial - illustrating the addition of the amphitheater and restored connection to the street.
8. Restored front facade.
9. Restored front facade.
10. Before and After of front entry.
11. Before and After of amphitheater space.
12. Restored classroom setting and corridor.
13. Restored gymnasium with refinished basketball goal.
14. Grand opening of the Fredonia Community Center.
15. View of the front entry through shady pines.
