Neighborhood Threatened by Abandoned School
The Story: A.L. Miller Senior High School for Girls, built in 1930, is situated in the middle of an historic neighborhood that is in much need of revitalization. Designed in the Collegiate Gothic Revival style, the former school features decorative brickwork, trefoil decorations, brick interior walls and maple flooring in the classrooms. The school once served as an important educational center for Winship Heights/Montpelier area, and is now owned by Bibb County Public Schools.
(Steps to) Miller High. Photograph by Giles Hoover.
The Threat: Abandoned neighborhood schools have become a statewide problem. Neighborhoods are becoming threatened by these former anchor institutions that now stand vacant, making revitalization more difficult. Miller High School for Girls remains empty near major arteries to downtown and Mercer University, where development is only right around the corner.
The Solution: The structure’s large size and good condition make it a strong candidate for adaptive re-use such as school administration offices. A recent feasibility study found the building to be structurally sound. The roof was recently stabilized with a gift from a local foundation. Rehabilitation could have a significant catalytic effect on the surrounding area.
Miller’s Tower. Photograph by Giles Hoover.
The Plan: To utilize this web site to gather a community — here in Macon and across Georgia — to reclaim, restore, and revitalize the A. L. Miller High School for Girls. Keep reading for how you can get involved!
Gregory Fischer on 11 Jun 2008 at 9:26 am #
I am a developer in the area less than two blocks away and I would venture to say this school is one of the finest buildings now left vacant in the entire Southeast. A newly designed state of the art Central High School is now under construction and set to open in Fall of 2009 less than 0.10 miles away. The area is poised for dynamic growth and this landmark building sits right in the middle of it all. A recent meeting regarding the future of Miller High School was attended by well over 100 folks on a cold rainy night this past Spring. Interest is higher now than ever for its redevelopment and with the new passing of HB 851 improving state tax credits to $300k, the project has become much more attractive. I know the “locals” will be receptive to creative ideas for the project and if someone knows of anyone who has taken on a successful similar project somewhere else, please let me know. The building sits I believe on roughly 4+ acres and the main building has 100,000 square feet with an additional building of around 40,000 square feet. Plenty of room on the ground for new additions. Private investors need to jump on this building pronto, public/govt investment can’t save them all. The site is perfect for a Loft Development, Arts Center, Music Center, Mixed Use, etc..Mercer University has its main campus with over 6000+ students only 1/4 mile away. E-mail me with any questions or concerns. I have a vested interest in the neighborhood, I have spent nearly two years redeveloping historic homes there.
chris mclaughlin on 20 Jun 2008 at 8:45 pm #
I am glad to hear that there are efforts to save this
great building. I live in the Atlanta area and make pencil
drawings of many schools here. I did recently complete
drawings on both Miller High School, and, Lanier Boys
High that was nearby. They have both been very well
received even here in Atlanta. Hopefully, the school
can be saved!
Regards,
Chris McLaughlin
Artist