The Springfield School Building
A historic Black educational landmark—and the foundation of our work
History & Significance
The Springfield School has long stood as a place of learning, leadership, and opportunity for Black families in Wilson County and the surrounding region. Built during an era when access to quality educational facilities was deeply unequal, the school became a center of academic instruction, community pride, and resilience.
Generations of students passed through its classrooms, carrying forward the values instilled within its walls. Today, the building remains a powerful symbol of what education has meant—and continues to mean—to this community.
Preserving the Springfield School is not simply about saving a structure. It is about honoring lived history and ensuring it remains present, visible, and active in the future.
Current Conditions
Like many historic school buildings across the South, the Springfield School has faced years of vacancy and deferred maintenance. While the structure remains standing, significant work is required to make the building safe, accessible, and functional for public use.
Key needs include:
Modern HVAC systems
Electrical and plumbing upgrades
Window and door restoration or replacement
Accessibility improvements
Life-safety systems
Environmental remediation as required
These conditions underscore both the urgency and the opportunity of restoration. With proper investment and planning, the Springfield School can once again serve the community—this time with modern capacity and expanded purpose.
Why We’re Restoring in Phases
The Springfield Center is restoring the building in phases to ensure responsible stewardship, financial feasibility, and early community access.
Section 1 is the first priority.
This portion of the building contains the essential spaces required to reopen safely for daily public use, including:
Administrative offices
Classrooms and learning labs
Community gathering areas
Restrooms
Primary circulation and access points
Completing Section 1 establishes a functional operational core—allowing programs to launch, partnerships to form, and additional funding to be leveraged for future phases.
This approach ensures progress without overextending resources and demonstrates tangible impact early in the restoration process.
What Restoration Includes
Restoration of the Springfield School balances historic preservation with modern functionality. Work will include:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)
Electrical and plumbing systems
Structural and moisture-related repairs as needed
Window and door rehabilitation or replacement
ADA accessibility upgrades
Fire alarms and life-safety systems
Interior finishes suitable for daily program use
All work is guided by preservation standards, safety codes, and the long-term goal of making the building a welcoming and functional public space.
