Rockford’s oldest school is transformed into new living space, with townhomes designed to complement a traditional neighborhood context
Located in Rockford’s historic Signal Hill neighborhood, the Garrison School Lofts & Townhomes are a shining example of how historic preservation and new construction can be stitched together within a traditional neighborhood fabric.
a textbook example of adaptive reuse
Constructed in 1887, Garrison School retains its Queen-Anne design features while incorporating modern day residential living amenities. The school along with the gymnasium were renovated into 14 residential units that make the most of each building’s historic features. Exposed brick, reclaimed gym flooring, and exposed steel structuring hearken back to the building’s original use. Original windows, molding, stairs and bookcases were salvaged and restored and contribute to the unique character of the space.