This is a copy of the article independently written and published by C.Abbott at the Woodstock Sentinel Review. All credit for writing and photos goes to C. Abbott and Post Media.
Here is the link to the original article
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Six years ago, a request to protect the outer façade of Rolph Street public school was presented to Tillsonburg council by the local architectural conservation advisory committee, deeming it a “culturally and historically significant building.”
It was approved and notice was sent to the Ontario Heritage Trust.
The ultimate goal was to have the building repurposed rather than sit empty or possibly destroyed.
When Oxford Lofts Inc. acquired the former Rolph Street school in 2018, the company worked with Athon Construction to convert the building into the Oxford Estates.
Andrew Teeple, co-owner of Athon Construction, lauded its sturdy construction last week as he prepared for the first rentals in October.
“Every single day, we were impressed with how square and level it was, the solid strength,” said Teeple. “By the time you get to the top of the building 60 to 70 feet up, the corridors are exactly the same. Same width, same coursing, perfect. All the windows are identical. Really, really skilled craftsmen.”
Oxford Estates’ transformation into 46 luxury rental suites with a modern loft style is now nearing completion.
The school’s character, however, remains.
“The building itself is very special. When you walk through it, you’ll see it; you’ll feel it. We tried to keep all of that.
“What I find interesting is that we have people who went to school here, their kids went here and they have a lot of sentimental attachment, but for people who never stepped foot in the building, the first time they go in their jaws drop. They just love it – the ceiling heights and all the details,” Teeple said.
The original maple floors have been preserved, stripped, scraped, patched and refinished and, in some areas, duplicated using local maple.
Tin ceiling tiles have also been refurbished and are used in kitchen areas.
“In the end, it’s cheaper to buy new tiles, but those are the tiles from this classroom, so it’s just a little special in the end. It has that history to it.”
The high ceilings, preserved in hallways and units, add to a perception of depth and size.
Teeple showed a former coatroom in another unit converted into a walk-in closet, a unit that has been expanded to borrow space from two different classrooms.
The main floor hallway, however, is instantly recognizable.
“This is an expensive thing from a development perspective, having 11-foot wide corridors.”
They were able to get creative in the gymnasium area creating two floor levels.
“Right now, we’re mid-air, halfway above the stage. These ceilings are 16 feet and the main level still over nine feet because it was huge.
Others will remember and appreciate the features that have been preserved.
“I’m really grateful that people have appreciated it because it was a lot of work,” said Teeple. “I make decisions every day … and I almost never make the decisions that would be easier, quicker, cheaper. I know it’s going to be here 100 (more) years.”