West Broad Street School
The Story
The West Broad Street School, a collection of three education buildings, sits on a piece of land dedicated to the education to African American students from the late 19th century through integration. The Minor Street building, constructed in 1938, dates to the Jim Crow era. The other buildings date to the 1950s, during the equalization era. Although it has not been used as a school for many years, the buildings have remained in use since they were constructed.
The Threat
The Clarke County School District had proposed demolition of the buildings to allow for new construction of an early learning center, putting the site’s historic architecture at risk of being severely altered or lost. Local partners and community members have worked tirelessly to advocate for sensitive reuse of the existing buildings. The school district has agreed to reconsider its proposal, though final plans have not been approved and a preservation outcome is not guaranteed.
Update:
Following a community design charrette in March 2026, the Clarke County School District recently unveiled plans to revitalize the campus for educational and community use. The proposal includes rehabilitating the historic Minor Street and Campbell Lane buildings for classrooms, offices, gathering spaces and events, alongside new facilities for career and technical education. A commemorative courtyard will also honor the site’s history. Construction is anticipated to begin in early 2027, with the campus expected to reopen for the 2028–29 school year. For more visit Historic Athens’ website.
Disclaimer: The Georgia Trust does not own nor has any direct involvement with this historic site. The Trust’s involvement is limited to listing it on our Places in Peril list to bring awareness to it.
Images by Halston Pitman & Walter Sippel | MotorSportMedia
