Lexington, KY - Nearly a decade after it ceased operations as a school the former Russell Elementary School has officially reopened as a community services center that includes child and family development opportunities, safety net services and housing for seniors.
“We wanted to honor the community and bring life back to such a historic building. What better way to celebrate life than by joining seniors citizens and children under one roof?,” said P.G. Peeples, President and CEO, Urban League Of Lexington-Fayette County.
The Urban League and The Community Action Council hosted public tours and a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday at the renovated school on Toner Street in Lexington.
The project took more than 7 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, is also 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, according to Peeples.
The project includes a Head Start and Early Head Start child development center operated by the Council that, according to a press release, is among the most advanced in the nation. It houses a “state of the art” senior housing complex operated by the Urban League as well as a neighborhood service center where residents may come for energy assistance, help with employment or pursuing a GED, and to learn of other important opportunities.
The apartments are now available for rent by calling 859-552-6436. For more information on family services or to enroll your child into Head Start please call Community Action Council at 859-233-4600.