ROCHESTER HILLS, MI — A community group is looking to save a historic piece of Rochester property.
The Harrison Center Project wants to transform the former Rochester Community Schools Administration Building into a space to better serve the community.
The group would like to launch multiple programs, such as youth programming, arts and culture, health and wellness initiatives and civic engagement.
They said the new "Harrison Community Center" could include spaces for:
"This is about more than saving a building," organizers said. "It is about preserving a piece of Rochester's history and ensuring that future generations have a place to gather, learn, connect and serve. We have a unique opportunity to transform a cherished landmark into a community asset that reflects the values and spirit of Rochester."
Rochester Community Schools is planning to sell the historic building, which has sat essentially vacant at 501 W. University Drive in Rochester since August 2022.
At that time, the district said they received seven offers ranging from $0 to $2.1 million for the property. Officials declined all those offers.
A sale of the property could lead to the historic building's demolition, followed by redevelopment options, Harrison Center Project organizers warned.
The group says it would like to preserve the building's architectural heritage and foster the building into a resource that continues serving residents for generations to come.
"Buildings like this connect us to who we are and where we came from," organizers said. "Preserving the Harrison building is an investment in our community's identity and a commitment to leaving something meaningful for those who come after us."
The administration building was originally built in 1889 on Fourth Street and Wilcox. It was initially known as Avon School District #5 Schoolhouse (or Rochester School) before it was renamed the William S. Harrison School.
Rochester High School was then built on the same site in 1916 and connected to the Harrison School building with an addition in 1928. The expanded complex housed classrooms until 1973. The building was then repurposed to accommodate administration offices. It was last renovated in 1988.
In 1987, the Harrison School portion of the building was placed on the Michigan Register of Historic Sites.
You can learn more about the Harrison Center Project and participate in upcoming community discussions by visiting https://www.facebook.com/groups/87310006584960
The group has a community meeting planned for Aug. 5. A location has yet to be determined. You can follow on Facebook for updates.
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