LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 6, 2012) — Nearly a decade after it ceased operations as a school, the former Russell Elementary School officially has reopened as a community services center that includes child and family development opportunities, safety net services and housing for seniors.
This project, which completely reinvented the historic school, is complete and Community Action Council and the Urban League of Lexington-Fayette County will host public tours and a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, June 11 at 10 a.m. at 520 Toner Street in Lexington. A number of state and local dignitaries have confirmed their attendance.
It took more than seven years to transform Lexington’s only remaining former African-American school into a centerpiece of the community once again. Russell School, now called the Russell School Community Services Center, also is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Community Services Center houses Russell School Apartments and the Council’s Russell School Center.
Russell Elementary School was purchased with the intent to rehabilitate and redevelop the historic building back into its iconic status of human empowerment and as a place where opportunities are provided for families and individuals. The project includes: a-state-of-the-art Head Start and Early Head Start child development center operated by the Council, among the most advanced in the nation; a-state-of-the-art senior housing complex operated by the Urban League; and a neighborhood service center where residents may come for energy assistance, help with employment or pursuing a GED, and other opportunities.
“We wanted to honor the community and bring life back to such a historic building,” said P.G. Peeples, President/CEO, Urban League Of Lexington-Fayette County. “What better way to celebrate life than by joining seniors citizens and children under one roof?”
The apartments are now available for rent by calling 1-859-552-6436. For more information on family services or to enroll your child into Head Start, call the Community Action Council at 1-859-233-4600.
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