The following was written by freelancer and guest writer C. Lyons who provided the story to Oxford Estates. C.Lyons started working on heritage research for Rolph Street Public School and was inspired to write a small narrative to share with the community.

Tillsonburg, Ontario

Settled in 1825, the town of Tillsonburg is steeped in Canadian settler history. The town boasts an impressive 19 historical churches, 2 historical schools, and 7 heritage buildings. A walk around the town will show off the buildings featuring illustrious 19th-century architecture.

One such building is an old schoolhouse formerly known as Rolph Street Public School which was recently designated as an Ontario Heritage building in recognition of its unique architecture and historic significance. The building that stands there today began construction in 1912 and opened its doors to students in 1913. Prior to this, another, slightly smaller, schoolhouse stood in its place and opened in 1872. Both of these buildings were monumental achievements for the town of Tillsonburg. Prior to the schoolhouse built-in 1872, students attended class in a single room log house.

The estimated cost of the 1872 schoolhouse was just $5,000. When the school trustees undertook to transform the school through a complete rebuild in 1912, they managed to complete the project on a budget of $32,000; and for decades thereafter the stairs rumbled and the floor squeaked as children poured through its grand halls.

75 years later, in 1987, the school looked back fondly at the anniversary party; stories were told by former students who attended in 1913 about their excitement for the new school’s flushing toilets, electric lights and heating. Comforts they often did not have in their own homes at the time. One former student, Bert Newman, remarked:

“There were drinking fountains in the new building in addition to electric lights so the student body could study when it became dark and there were flush toilets. And boy did we have a lot of fun flushing those toilets whether we needed them or not."

Now, over a century later, the school is undergoing another transformation. After the school closed its doors in 2015, the property found its way into the hands of an Ontario developer lead by Andrew Teeple. Since 2018, Teeple has been working with his team to transform the abandoned heritage building into new loft-style luxury rental apartments. In the developer’s discussions with the Town Council and community members, the building’s heritage became evident along with the significance the building had to many locals. As a result, the development team planned to keep the historical features of the building and integrate these into the new design. This included the refurbishment of the tin ceilings, the original hardwood floors, chalkboards, and rounded dormers. One unit even has the historic cornerstone inside. The cornerstone is in fact a time capsule, containing items dating back as far as the first school’s construction in 1872. The school’s trustees held significant roles in the 1912 construction and so had their names engraved on the cornerstone.

The units have been named after these and other significant people and events as a way to commemorate and showcase the local heritage. Plaques will be mounted outside of each unit as means to holding onto the past while creating a new century of memories.

Teeple has toured many locals through the building as the project progresses. Some have been former students, some whose families have been multiple generations of students, and some who have been teachers. The reactions are visceral with stories and memories pouring out as they walk the halls, several visitors even getting goose bumps as they take it all in.

“We are so thrilled that you are doing this project, as soon as we saw the care and detail you are taking on the outside, we knew the inside would be really special!” ~passerby

Teeple explains how many who have secured a rental unit are looking to downsize from their beautiful home but without downgrading, and to find some peace from a big city as they retire to quiet towns like Tillsonburg with all the amenities. Many are also specifically searching for conversion projects such as school, churches, and factories in the hopes of living in a modernized piece of history. A hunt for a home that gives you a special feeling every time you walk through the door.

Some of the renters have been former students and are excited about moving into a space where they once spent their youth. “The building inspires a sense of nostalgia for many locals who’ve grown up here. We’re honoured to be preserving and enhancing this icon of Ontario’s heritage while also providing a new, modern way for people to connect with the building.” says Teeple. “It’s awe-inspiring to see those who attended school here in 1930 before the war and are interested now in being part of its new life.”

The building is now leasing for the fall with apartments ranging from approximately 400 - 1,200 square feet; giving a wide variety of options for everyone, including several 3 bedroom suites. Nearly all units have elevator access, however, two very special units even have direct private elevator access into their space.

Prices start at $1,345 with an average of approximately $2,000/month for a suite. “With the costs of restoring and preserving the heritage features of the building it has been tough to keep the rents down, but we thought it was important to keep the rental rates as accessible as possible while making the necessary investment to respect its significance to the community,” says Teeple.

Whether you are pro or anti-development, this building is truly one to witness and continues to establish itself as an enduring architectural gem and a genuine part of Tillsonburg and Ontario’s heritage; albeit through another transformation. What will the next century bring, rumbling stairs and squeaky floors no doubt.

The development team is hosting tours of the building for those who are interested: oxfordestates.ca

The Oxford Estates: History restarted in this Ontario heritage building