Work begins to refurbish West Gaines as School Preparation work has started to tear off the old roof to make way for a new one.

For several years this has been an on-going project to save the old Lawrenceburg Colored School on West Gaines Street, which provided an education to young black children in Lawrence County during a period of racial segregation.

It eventually fell into a state of disrepair where the roof eventually caved in, resulting in other major damage as well as the structure being beyond repair; however, a group of concerned citizens came together to ensure that this piece of local history was not lost.

Thankfully in September of last year, the Lawrence County Commission donated the building to the West Gaines Street School and Community Center (WGSSCC) who provided a monetary donation of funds that had been set aside for a new roof on the building.

Now with dead transferred and a design team from Belmont University donating their services to draw up plans for the center plans are to restore the school and include a museum area along with a community center.

“We want to return the property to what it was when it was built,” said WGSSCC board chairman James Wallace, “A place of education.” Board members hope that educators will step up and provide various educational programs at the center.

“This is the hardest part,” Wallace said. “Once we have a new roof, work can begin on other parts of the project.”

The board anticipates construction of the new roof to begin in the next couple of weeks.

The group has received financial support from The Krauss Foundation and continues to host fundraising events to raise the funds needed to bring the project to completion.

They will host a Juneteenth Celebration on June 14. While they will be selling food and holding a silent auction to raise funds, the event will offer the community a chance to see the building plans and enjoy a day of entertainment. There will be music, a bouncy house for the kids, and other entertainment. The celebration will be held at the West Gaines School property from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Also, the school has been recognized as a historical site. At this point, board members are waiting for the installation of the historical marker, which is expected in the near future.