Published on 06 Jun 2008 by GilesH
A March, 2005, blurb in the Macon Telegraph regarding grant awards from the Community Foundation of Central Georgia for, among other things, a study for adaptive reuse of Miller High School.
Page 1 of 1. Click for larger.
This article’s significance is underscored now, several years later, with the published study.
Article copyright ©2005 The Macon Telegraph; used with permission. Thank you!
Published on 06 Jun 2008 by GilesH
An undated (presumably 2005) article from the Macon Telegraph discussing the Bibb County Board of Education’s plans to study possible adaptive reuse of the former Miller High School.
–
Page 1 of 1. Click for larger.
This article’s significance is underscored now, several years later, with the published study.
Article copyright ©2005 The Macon Telegraph; used with permission. Thank you!
Published on 06 Jun 2008 by GilesH
2005 article from the Macon Telegraph discussing whether Miller might be replaced with a new Central High campus.
–
Page 1 of 1. Click for larger.
Article copyright ©2005 The Macon Telegraph; used with permission. Thank you!
Published on 06 Jun 2008 by GilesH
A spotlight from February, 2006: a 1956 event honoring folks who worked at Miller High School during its first 25 years.
–
Page 1 of 1. Click for larger.
Article copyright ©2005 The Macon Telegraph; used with permission. Thank you!
Published on 04 Jun 2008 by GilesH
Scans of a two-page article from the Macon Telegraph.
–
Headline: Two Midstate Sites on ‘Places in Peril’ List
Page 1 - click for larger. (Most browsers also support a second click, which will fit to your screen.)
Page 2 (of 2). Click for larger.
Copyright ©2007 Macon Telegraph; used with permission. Thank you!
Published on 04 Jun 2008 by GilesH
Charles E. Richardson writes an insightful opinion piece on behalf of the Macon Telegraph editorial board, discussing options — and aspirations — for Miller and the surrounding community. Published November 28, 2007.
–
Click for larger; page 1 of 1.
Copyright ©2007 Macon Telegraph; used with permission. Thank you!
Published on 28 May 2008 by GilesH
Lee Berg, AIA, Partner, Robertson Loia Roof, architects and engineers in Alpharetta, writes:
We did a quick sketch to help visualize a ‘mixed use’ alternative for the school; with retail/restaurants on lower level & residential or office on upper floors [...]. We had some fun with it.”
Note: This drawing is a proposed sketch and has not been approved. The idea is to generate and consider alternative approaches to Miller’s use, including this idea.
Click the above to see a larger version. (Warning: large file.)
Your feedback on this possible alternative use for Miller is welcome and appreciated. If you have ANOTHER idea for Miller, let us know! Leave a comment.
The image above is used with permission from Lee Berg, AIA. This file may not be used by a third party without permission.
Published on 23 May 2008 by KBrown
The following is posted with thanks to Brittain Thompson Bray Brown, Inc., Architects and Planners, Macon GA
FEASIBILITY STUDY
FORMER MILLER HIGH SCHOOL
BTBB #23-007
10 September 2003
Introduction
The former Miller High School is a very prominent building located on Mercer University Drive between Pio Nono Avenue and Mercer University. Not only is the location a major connection leading to Mercer and to downtown Macon, it is also a prime location for an educational facility within walking distance of the Beall’s Hill neighborhood, which is currently undergoing a significant urban renewal program, and to a number of other historic neighborhoods that have been or are now undergoing a resurgence.
The imposing 3 story structure occupies a small portion of a substantial parcel of land, particularly given its proximity to the urban city core. There are several other more recent school buildings on the site, none of which are of historical significance, with the possible exception of a small free-standing gymnasium building. That building has exterior detailing that is very similar to the high school building. The gym may have been built near the time of the original building or sometime shortly thereafter. That building is not included in the scope of this Study.
The main building was formerly utilized as a high school but has been used only for storage and other very limited uses in the last several years. Currently, the Board of Education’s Print Shop occupies the lower level.
Central High School sits just several short blocks from this site. The Board of Education’s Facilities Plan includes the demolition of the existing Central facility and construction of a new Central High School on the same site. The Central site also accommodates athletic fields.
While the Board of Education has no definitive plans for this building or this site, there have been several potential uses suggested over the last several years. One of those suggestions was that of using this building and site for a new high school. That consideration, coupled with an interest in the architectural significance of the building, has laid the groundwork that formed the basis for this Feasibility Study. Should this concept ultimately be deemed feasible, the existing Central site would have to be utilized for athletic fields and/or other ancillary facilities.
While, in theory, the concept is sound, there are a number of issues that need to be considered to determine the feasibility of such a project. Therefore, this Study was defined in a number of phases. None of the phases, taken alone, will determine that this project is feasible. On the other hand, several of the phases alone could conceivably determine that the project is not feasible.
Initially, only Phase I of this study has been funded to-date. The scope of this phase addresses the evaluation of the existing building and building systems only. The scope of this phase does not address the feasibility of maintaining / restoring the historical portions of the building(s), the feasibility of utilizing the building to meet the programmatic space requirements, or the feasibility of accommodating enough new building construction on this site (with necessary space for parking, etc.) in order to meet the necessary space requirements for a new high school facility.
In a building of this age, there is absolutely no question that the plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems are outdated or inadequate by current standards. The significant issues in this phase relate to environmental and structural issues. Unless there are glaring structural deficiencies or monumental environmental problems, this phase of the study will not solely determine the outcome of the Feasibility Study.
Structural damage can generally be stabilized and made sound, and asbestos / lead can be encapsulated or abated – the question, of course, is…..at what cost? The answer to that question is not a part of this phase of the study. Therefore, the feasibility of the project will not be determined by this phase of the Study alone.
Return to the Miller Feasibility Study, Phase I index page.
Published on 23 May 2008 by GilesH
In September of 2003, Macon architects and planners Brittain Thompson Bray Brown, Inc., completed Phase I of a Feasibility Study for the Bibb County Board of Education. The study was funded by the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, and parts of it are available through this web site:
Introduction, Phase I
Premise for Phase I
Feasibility Issues (by Phases)
Conclusion, Phase I
Floor Plans (PDF, 2.8MB download)
Environmental and Building Code Analysis (PDF, 3.2MB download)
Structural and Roof Report (PDF, 1.8MB download)
We appreciate Brittain Thompson Bray Brown allowing the posting of these materials.
Published on 23 May 2008 by KBrown
The floor plans for Miller High School are available as a 2.7MB PDF. Click below:
Posted courtesy of Brittain Thompson Bray Brown, Inc., Architects and Planners, Macon GA