Savannah Standard

Residents of Savannah are being encouraged to participate in a public meeting and online survey regarding the future of the historic Springfield Terrace School. The meeting, scheduled for March 14 at 6 p.m., will be held at the Floyd Adams, Jr. Administrative Building, with an online survey available until March 31 at savannahga.gov/SchoolSurvey.

The Springfield Terrace School, also known as Pearl Lee Smith School, holds significant historical value, having been built in 1926 to provide education for Black pupils who were marginalized from the public education system. The school's recognition on the National Register of Historic Places in 2022 underscores its importance in Education, Ethnic Heritage-Black, and Architecture.

In a statement, the City of Savannah announced that the National Park Service awarded them $50,000 in 2023 for the planning phase of the Springfield Terrace School Rehabilitation Project. This grant will facilitate a building conditions assessment, rehabilitation plan, and architectural designs in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation & Restoration.

The objective of these plans is to restore the historic building and transform it into an active community asset. The initiative aims to preserve the rich history of Springfield Terrace School and ensure its continued relevance within the Savannah community.

The upcoming public meeting and online survey provide an opportunity for residents to contribute their feedback and ideas towards shaping the future of Springfield Terrace School. This engagement is crucial in determining the best course of action for the rehabilitation and repurposing of this cherished historical site.