Waynesboro Elementary School

Waynesboro - Burke County

This Colonial Revival style school built in 1926 once faced the wrecking ball, but a successful two-year rehabilitation brought Waynesboro Elementary back from the brink and now provides much needed senior housing to the community. The deteriorated roof structure needed to be replaced while maintaining the historic, complex gabled-roof form. Historic windows in the gymnasium and cafeteria buildings were repaired. Original plaster walls were retained and repaired throughout, while careful attention was given to maintaining original wainscoting and trim. Beautiful hardwood floors were uncovered and repaired. A nod to the building’s past, original chalkboards can be found in most of the living areas. The auditorium stage was restored, and in the gymnasium, the school emblem in the flooring was retained. Thanks to the vision of the developer, the buildings will continue to serve as local landmarks and as evidence of the important of community and education in Waynesboro. 


Excellence in Rehabilitation Awards recognize projects that make compatible use of a building through repair, alterations or additions while preserving features of the property that convey its historic value.