Clark Haddad Memorial/ Sand Hill Schoolhouse

Transcription

1 Clark Haddad Memorial/ Sand Hill Schoolhouse An Important Landmark in Sandwich s History Presented by the Historical Commission to the Board of Selectman

2 Agenda Resources Brief description and history of Sand Hill School House Historical significance Public Forum Examples of two different approaches taken by similar restoration projects on Cape Cod Suggestions for Sand Hill School Next steps Questions

3 Resources In researching the options for Sand Hill, we are grateful for the insight and advice from the following individuals: Sarah Korjeff Cape Cod Commission Historic Preservation Specialist Ben Joyce/Kris Fisher, Cataumet School House Preservation Board Kevin Howard, Executive Director, Cape Cod Arts Foundation Jim Hadley, Orleans Historical Commission and CPC liason Richard Neal/Jackie Reeves, Artists, Old Schoolhouse First Parish (Unitarian Church of ) Barnstable Jo Ann Kelley, Chair, Friends of the Old Schoolhouse, Barnstable Robert Nash/Lauren Wolk, Executive Director and Associate Director of the Cultural Center of Cape Cod (South Yarmouth) Doug Lapp, Assistant Town Manager Each resource had different projects with varying scopes; the commonality was restoring a historic building that benefitted the town through its use. Based on their previous experience and suggestions, we would like to share the lessons learned and present options for consideration of the Sand Hill Restoration. Also: acknowledge the efforts of Matt Schimmel, Ross Vander Pyl and Anne Dessertine for their support.

4 Sand Hill School: The Clark-Haddad Memorial Building: Brief Description and History Built in 1885, the school replaced an earlier school for the children of workers in the Boston and Sandwich Glass Factory. It was used as a school until Photo left of children taken in 1920 Photo below taken in 1970 Starting in 1931, the building was used as the American Legion Post and was later renamed the Clark-Haddad building in honor Alden Clark and Michael Haddad, the first two Sandwich residents who served and died in WW1.

5 The American Legion used the building until the late 1960 s. Until 1986, the building was managed by an elected board of trustees and was heavily used by other local groups. Late in the 1980 s through 2007, the building served as office space for the Superintendent of Schools. The building stands empty today, awaiting restoration, so that this wonderful landmark can be returned to use while preserving its historic character. The Building Today

6 Character Defining Architectural Details The original building is a wood framed, cross-gabled, 5 bay by 4 bay, 1 story schoolhouse in the Carpenter Gothic Style. Note the change to the windows and entry.

7 Public Forum Meetings Highlights Public Forum held on March 24, 2012 where approximately fifty citizens participated. The general consensus was in favor of retaining the building in town ownership and preserving the historical features. Selected Comments: Preserve school because of connection to the past; a cultural center would be a good use for this building (similar to Yarmouth Art and History) The benefit of putting it back on the tax rolls could be nullified by its possible use as a family home and the costs that are associated with it. The building could be used as a museum or a small hall. Appearance must be improved now. The town cannot preserve this building alone need a private/ public partnership at a minimum Think long term in any proposal life cycle and operating costs must be considered. Need a pragmatic evaluation of what the building needs to continue in use. Concerned about protecting the front façade of the building

8 Similar Restoration Projects on Cape Cod: Two different approaches Museum Restoration Cataumet Schoolhouse Mashpee Schoolhouse Eastham Historical Society Adaptive Reuse Old Schoolhouse in Barnstable West Barnstable Community Center Cultural Center of Cape Cod (South Yarmouth)

9 Museum Restoration Cataumet Schoolhouse In the late 1990 s this one room schoolhouse was saved by a group of concerned local residents. The Cataumet Schoolhouse Restoration Group leased the deteriorated 1894 building from the town and began fundraising and volunteer efforts to restore the schoolhouse and manage programming activities and events. Today the Cataumet Schoolhouse is beautifully restored and hosts a variety of events including the annual Holiday Fair, Antique car show, and various lectures and small musical venues as well as interpretive history to support the 3 rd grade curriculum. Antique Car show

10 Museum Restoration: Cataumet Schoolhouse Interpretive history program that supports the Massachusetts State standards for the third grade curriculum.

11 Museum Restoration What did we learn? Pros: Connection to past, support third grade curriculum, focused purpose, restores building to original use and purpose Cons: Lose ability to use for functions (including fundraising); difficulty in moving schoolhouse effects (desks, maps, etc.) if space is to be used for functions

12 Adaptive Reuse Cultural Center of Cape Cod (South Yarmouth) Rehab of a the Bass River Savings Bank which had sat vacant for 17 years until rescued by a group of volunteers who beautifully renovated the building and invited local artisans, writers and musicians to use it for events, classes and workshops. Concerts for all ages and instruments Ample room for functions Art expositions and classes Catering kitchen for events Poetry and writing workshops

13 Arts and Culture Effect Economic Supporting the arts has significant economic benefits for a community. See studies: American Planning Association: How the Arts and Culture Sector Catalyzes Economic Vitality. ers/vitality.htm Americans for the Arts, National Report: Arts and Economic Prosperity, The Economic Impact of Non Profit Arts and Culture Organizations and Their Audiences esearch/services/economic_impact/aepiii/national_ report.pdf National Governor s Association (NGA) Center for Best Practices, Arts and the Economy, Using Arts and Culture to Stimulate State Economic Development ARTSANDECONOMY.PDF Vitality

14 Adaptive Reuse What did we learn? Pros: Flexible - can serve a broad range of venues, i.e. artist studio, place for functions Cons: Not restored to original purpose may lose original layout or fabric on the interior.

15 Considerations for the Sand Hill School Preserve and restore a key historic landmark Significance of Jarvesville connects the village with the boardwalk, tying in with the character of the town and supporting the newly formed cultural district. Can provide numerous options for public use In its current state, neighbors have expressed concerns about vandalism and potential arson.

16 Suggestions for Sand Hill School With the Board of Selectment s direction, partner with a non-profit organization to lease, operate, maintain and raise funds to restore and rehab the building. Have an Architectural Needs Assessment done. (This opens doors to applying for grants) The needs assessment would cost approximately $10,000 to $15,000 which would be requested from the CPC funds. Thank you for your time, interest and support! Questions