A long-awaited restoration project for the historic Old Wooler Schoolhouse will officially get underway this weekend.
The Wooler and Area Community Organization is hosting a groundbreaking ceremony and open house on Saturday, June 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the former schoolhouse on County Road 5.
The event will bring together community members and government representatives to celebrate the start of renovations that will transform the building into a modern, accessible community recreation and event facility.
The project received $1 million in funding through the federal government’s Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program.
Planned improvements include the construction of a second entrance at the rear of the building, installation of an elevator, a new well and septic system, and a range of accessibility and energy-efficiency upgrades.
Organizers say the renovations will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while creating a more inclusive space for community programs, events and gatherings.
Visitors attending Saturday’s open house will have an opportunity to tour the building and review plans outlining the school’s future transformation.
The Wooler and Area Community Organization was established in 2020 with the goal of preserving the former schoolhouse and returning it to active community use.
The building, originally constructed in 1915, holds a special place in the community’s history and has long been viewed as an important local landmark.
Project supporters say the restoration will not only preserve a piece of Wooler’s heritage but also address a need for affordable recreation and gathering space in the community.
Organizers describe the project as a unique opportunity to blend heritage preservation with modern accessibility, sustainability and community development.
Saturday’s ceremony marks the beginning of what supporters hope will be a new chapter for one of Wooler’s most recognizable buildings.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
