Reviving the Heart of Bristol, Va.: New Ventures for Old Schools

Bristol, Va. – Exciting changes are on the horizon for the community as plans are in motion to rejuvenate two of the city’s former elementary school properties. Once buzzing with the sounds of young learners, these buildings have been lifeless since the closure of Stonewall Jackson, Washington-Lee, and Highland View schools at the end of the 2023-24 school year. But the wait for their second act is over.

In the wake of these closures, the Bristol Virginia Public Schools made way for a new intermediate school, necessitating a strategic decision regarding the now-empty properties. According to City Councilman Neal Osborne, the council swiftly moved to put these properties on the market, hoping to avoid long-term vacancies.

“We didn’t want them to sit vacant for a long time so we went ahead and listed them for sale,” Osborne explained. The council subsequently put out a call for potential buyers, which led to two developers stepping forward with ambitious plans for the Washington-Lee and Stonewall Jackson sites.

Stonewall Jackson: From Classroom to Boutique Hotel

The first of these transformations will see the Stonewall Jackson property converted into a boutique hotel. This is no simple makeover; the plans go beyond just a hotel. There’s also the intention to develop residential housing on some of the land behind the primary structure. Osborne revealed that the group behind this project, aptly named Old School One LLC, has a clear vision to revitalize the area while preserving some of its historic character.

Washington-Lee: A Mixed-Use Marvel

Meanwhile, Washington-Lee is set to undergo a different kind of transformation. The project, under the aegis of Old School Two LLC, aims for a more mixed-use approach. This location will host residential spaces alongside small shops and stores. This blend promises to bring a vibrant community feel to the site, making it a bustling hub rather than just another residential area.

“The plan for Washington-Lee is more of a mixed use for residential, with potential for some small stores, shops,” Osborne said. This approach not only revamps the physical space but also injects a sense of community and economic vitality into the neighborhood.

The Road Ahead

With these bids accepted, the next steps involve contract negotiations and the formal submission of site plans. “We’re in contract negotiations,” Osborne noted. “Those will be signed with the buyers, and then they’ll be submitting site plans, doing the standard practices they need to do for beginning construction.”

As the city edges closer to seeing these projects come to life, the excitement is palpable. Osborne summarized the council’s sentiment: “I think it’s a sign that Bristol’s on the move. Bristol’s growing. We’re heading in the right direction.”

What About Highland View?

While the Washington-Lee and Stonewall Jackson properties have found developers eager to breathe new life into them, not all the old school sites have been as fortunate. The Highland View property, still on the market, has yet to attract a viable offer. Osborne expressed a sense of disappointment but remained hopeful for future prospects. “We didn’t receive anything on Highland View, which I’m sad about,” he said.

The city’s proactive and swift action to repurpose these buildings reflects a broader ambition for community growth and development. Bristol, Va., is not only preserving its history but also paving the way for a future that’s both dynamic and rooted in its past. The steps currently being taken to revitalize these spaces are poised to infuse the city with renewed energy and purpose, reflecting its journey from quiet past to vibrant future.

As these plans forge ahead and turn into reality, one thing is certain: the face of Bristol is set to change, offering new opportunities and experiences for residents and visitors alike. The once-empty schools are about to become bustling centers of activity once more, showing that with the right vision and effort, any seemingly abandoned space can find new life.