Spring Street Elementary School is now a mixed-use community hub that includes a public early childhood center, affordable housing units, and a public park. The original school building, which closed in 2018, was fully repurposed by early 2024. Today, it serves as a model for how former school properties can be transformed to meet neighborhood needs.
The History of Spring Street Elementary School
Spring Street Elementary School opened in 1954 and served generations of students in the local district. Declining enrollment and aging infrastructure led to its closure in June 2018. The school board voted unanimously to sell the property to the city for redevelopment in 2019.
For several years after closing, the building sat vacant while community groups debated its future. Preservationists wanted to save the mid-century architecture, while housing advocates pushed for affordable apartments. The compromise plan, approved in 2021, combined both goals.
What Occupies the Site Now?
As of June 2026, the Spring Street Elementary School property is home to three distinct facilities. The main building houses the Spring Street Early Learning Center, which serves children ages three to five. This center is operated by the local school district and offers full-day preschool programs.
Behind the original structure, a new four-story apartment building provides 72 units of affordable housing. The housing is reserved for families earning below 60% of the area median income. The former school playground has been expanded into a one-acre public park with walking paths and a community garden.
| Facility | Opened | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|
| Spring Street Early Learning Center | September 2023 | Preschool and pre-K programs |
| Spring Street Apartments | January 2024 | 72 affordable housing units |
| Spring Street Park | March 2024 | Public green space and playground |
How the Repurposing Benefits the Community
The transformation of Spring Street Elementary School now provides multiple services in one location. Parents can drop off their children at the early learning center and then walk to nearby jobs. The affordable housing gives teachers and service workers a place to live close to where they work.
The park has become a gathering spot for weekend farmers markets and summer concerts. Local residents report feeling safer now that the vacant building is occupied and active. The project also preserved the original school’s distinctive brick facade and auditorium, which is now used for community events.
Key Community Benefits
- Early childhood education for up to 150 children per year
- 72 affordable apartments for low-income families
- One-acre public park with accessible playground equipment
- Community auditorium available for free rental by nonprofits
What This Means for Families in 2026
If you are a parent looking for preschool options, the Spring Street Early Learning Center is now accepting applications for the 2026–2027 school year. The center operates Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuition is income-based, with subsidies available for qualifying families.
For those interested in housing, the Spring Street Apartments maintain a waiting list. Applications are processed through the city housing authority. Preference is given to current residents of the school district.
Comparing the Old School to the New Facilities
The original school served about 400 students in kindergarten through fifth grade. The new early learning center serves a smaller number of younger children, but the housing and park serve a much wider population. The total square footage of the site increased by 15 percent after the apartment building was added.
Parking was a concern during planning, but a shared lot accommodates both the early learning center and apartment residents. The city added a bike lane on Spring Street in 2025 to encourage alternative transportation.
Practical Tips for Visiting or Applying
If you want to enroll a child at the early learning center, start by calling the district enrollment office. They will help you determine eligibility and gather required documents. Tours of the facility are offered on the first Tuesday of each month.
For housing applications, visit the city housing authority website to join the waiting list. You will need proof of income, identification, and rental history. The average wait time for a two-bedroom unit is currently 8 to 12 months.
To use the park or community auditorium, no reservation is needed for the park. The auditorium can be booked online through the city parks department for a small cleaning fee.
Spring Street Elementary School is now a vibrant community asset that meets multiple needs for families in the area. Whether you need preschool, affordable housing, or a place to relax outdoors, the site offers something valuable. Its successful repurposing shows how closed schools can become new resources rather than abandoned buildings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spring Street Elementary School now?
Spring Street Elementary School is now a community hub that includes an early learning center, 72 affordable housing apartments, and a public park.
When did Spring Street Elementary School close?
Spring Street Elementary School closed in June 2018 due to declining enrollment and aging infrastructure.
Is the Spring Street Early Learning Center accepting new students for 2026?
Yes, the Spring Street Early Learning Center is accepting applications for the 2026–2027 school year as of June 2026.
How do I apply for affordable housing at the Spring Street Apartments?
You apply through the city housing authority website, and you will need to provide proof of income, identification, and rental history.
Can the public use the old school auditorium?
Yes, the auditorium is available for free rental by nonprofits and can be booked through the city parks department.
