In addition to its dominant and elegant presence in Aurora, the former Wells Street School (now Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts) is also a prime example of neo-classical architecture.

“In its purest form it is a style principally derived from the architecture of Classical Greece and the architecture of the Italian architect Andrea Palladio.” Source: Wiki

I always knew there was something ‘Greek’ or ‘Italian’ about the exteriors of the school. But what’s inside the school is a whole different story.

A couple more interior elements of historical value include the auditorium with its stage and wooden floor (above), as well as the glazed wood doors with tilting wood transoms (below).

The school was closed due to structural issues and potential safety concerns. As I toured the interior, it was clear that a detailed structural assessment had been conducted.

Following the assessment, it was determined that it would take millions of dollars to repair the school and make it safe and operational again. Ultimately, the school was closed.

As of today, the building is structurally sound. However, it wouldn’t remain that way if it continued as an educational institution with the constant dynamic load of moving children and teachers. Everything has a lifespan, and the life of the school as an educational institution is now over.

Converting the school into residential units or lofts is a structurally sound idea. The exterior walls will be reinforced, and additional internal walls will be added to provide extra support, making the building stronger and likely to last in our community for another 200 years or more.

Note: Above is a photo of the stripped wall where the structural issue originated. When the wall was removed for inspection, a previously brick-filled window and door were uncovered. It will be fascinating to see what else the school is hiding and what else will be uncovered during reconstruction.

Are you curious, like me?

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COMMENTS

Marvin said: March 19, 2012 at 22:18

“Pretty! I love neoclassical.”

Dana said: March 23, 2012 at 20:10

“Thank you for your information about Wellls street public school. I would love to know if anything is happening with the developer. If you know anything it would be great to hear. Many thanks Dana”

Aynsley said: April 20, 2012 at 17:07

“Hi Anna, I taught at Wells Street for 16 years. I would like to know if the first photo was taken in the classroom on the first floor ( North, East corner of the building). It was my classroom but from this photo the light fixture doesn’t look right. The second picture you have taken was actually our library. The stage was so small that we had to push everything back in the library to have room for the audience and we had to keep the caste small so they could fit on the stage. How did you get to go inside? I would love to have another peek. It was such and amazing place to work!!!”

Aynsley said: April 20, 2012 at 17:09

“Opps sorry looked at my post again… It’s the last photo of the classroom that I was curious about.”

Anna Lozyk Romeo said: April 20, 2012 at 20:05

“Thank you for commenting Aynsley and sharing your thoughts about the library. I was actually going through my photos to see if I had taken any of the library. As for the last photo, I can’t say for certain, but I believe it shows the North East corner of the building, which appears to have been damaged hence the stripped walls for inspection (I will try to confirm this). I also recall that this classroom had a lot of poster projects left behind, including the French Fishbone Project. Perhaps that will give you some clues. It was my first time ever in the school, so it was difficult to take everything in. Regarding getting inside, I asked the owners for permission to photograph the school.”

Aynsley said: April 21, 2012 at 07:36

“Hi Anna, From what you said about the posters, your photos are from the classroom on the top floor in the North East corner (the french room) which would have been the classroom directly above mine. Thank you for sharing your photos… it’s so wonderful to see inside again. It was an incredible building!”