HISTORY OF MILL STREET SCHOOL:
MILL STREET SCHOOL APARTMENTS
Multifamily Residential - Springfield, Oregon
The first school on this site was built in 1888, and after subsequent iterations it was replaced in 1921 with the current three-story masonry structure. The most prominent exterior feature is a large central bay with four pilasters and a unique five-sided window above the front door. The original facade is remarkably intact, and as part of this project the building has been accepted to listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
Currently under construction, Campfire is now working with a private developer to remodel this 32,000 s.f. building into 40 apartments. Original classrooms are being converted into living and sleeping spaces, retaining historic wood trim details and features such as chalkboards where intact. After a significant abatement effort, the original 1921 fir flooring has been uncovered throughout the building, adding to the authenticity of the space. The redesign of this building showcases the historic features that make it unique and special, while also introducing modern amenities to create great living spaces.
As an adaptive reuse of a historic building, the project involves an intricate scope of upgrades to meet current seismic, mechanical, and life safety standards—all while preserving the building’s historic character. This has required close collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of consultants to ensure that each layer of the project was technically sound, code-compliant, and contextually sensitive.