07.28.08
Fixer Upper
I’ve heard about what people can do with old schools… there’s been some buzz about abandoned elementary schools in Kansas and other parts of the country. I’ve read of people completely restoring them into totally different sorts of living spaces. I thought… how cool, but I’m not moving to Kansas.
I didn’t know there was one in my backyard. (It’s only 3.8 miles from Scott and Alicia… hey guys, want to spend the next 7 years cleaning chalkboard erasers and grading science projects?? hehe)
Behold… for $325,000 you can buy a 46,000 square foot school…
From above…
Neat!
Look at what Mike and Brian McMenamin did in Portland to this old school from 1912…
The Kennedy School has been a center of lively activity for the Northeast Portland neighborhood since opening in 1915. Over the years, thousands of kids have congregated here to decipher the three Rs, eat macaroni and cheese on Mondays, and climb hand over hand up the gym rope to ring the bell.
It was a sad day indeed when at the end of the 1974-75 school year, school officials, faced with declining enrollment throughout the district, closed Kennedy, declaring it too old and crumbling to repair.
Mike and Brian McMenamin presented just one of several proposals for reviving the condemned property. Other ideas ranged from a retirement home to an indoor soccer facility. After receiving the approval of the city and the support of the neighborhood, McMenamins launched its renovation in the spring of 1997, infusing the 80 -year-old structure with new life. In particular, a river of artwork was created from the stories of generations of Kennedy’s students and teachers.
On October 22, 1997, the original principal’s bell was rung on the front steps at 7 a.m. sharp to herald the old school’s new beginning as McMenamins Kennedy School. Offering a unique and fun lodging, dining and meeting experience, Kennedy remains a lively gathering spot for neighbors and newcomers alike.
The front of the school
One of the bedrooms (note the chalkboard headboard!)
The Theatre
One of their courtyards
The pool!!
The Detention Bar
The Gym… for events and square dancing
The Honor’s Bar (hehe)
One of their restaurants
Check out their website…you can totally get lost in its awesomeness. I guess the “school” even has its own microbrew beer that’s famous in the area! Oh, and they are green! I’ve never been to Portland, but here’s another reason to go visit! How cool and totally charming is that?!? :)
I’ve currently been passively looking at real estate that could fit my needs for a little shop. Still have some research to gather, but I’ll share that all with you soon. Obviously, 46,000 square feet is a lot of floorspace to fill… and I don’t have that many jars of bath salts, but wow… how fun is it to dream? That’s what makes like fun, anyway… dreaming (or plotting, in my case) about what you could do!!
Cyndi said,
July 28, 2008 at 6:07 pm
Hi Carrie,
I sent you a comment last week. I’m in the process of buying a florist shop. We signed a purchase agreement last week, and I’ll be taking over Sept. 1! I have enough money to put into it, so I only need to borrow $35,000. My stumbling block right now is putting together a business plan. I was hoping I wouldn’t have to do one, but the bank requires it. I bought software from Business Plan Pro, but it still is intimidating. Do you have any hints on doing one? Also, what type of entity do you suggest – sole proprietorship or LLC? Any suggestions you have are appreciated. I’ll keep reading your blog. It’s very interesting! I went back to the beginning of your blog, and read everything that you went through. You really had a wonderful little shop; a place that I’d love to find here in Reno! You really have a knack for merchandising. What type of business are you thinking of doing? Can’t wait to read about it!
Take care,
Cyndi
Tina said,
July 29, 2008 at 1:08 am
wow..how cool.
sandy said,
August 6, 2008 at 4:06 pm
Hi Carrie!
I’ve been to the Kennedy School..and it was SOOOOOOOO COOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The art work all over the place is just amazing..and makes you wish you had worn a Bib!!!
If you ever get the chance to go to Portland..you MUST..sooooo much art and artsy places to visit..I can’t wait to go back!
hugs..
sandy
Frankie Kins said,
August 7, 2008 at 2:53 am
That’s a tremendous price for the square footage. Wow.
Just wanted to drop by and say hi. Hope you are all settled in. Have you considered selling your vintage items on Etsy.com? I have a shop there and they are VERY reasonable. Check it out…it’s only 20 cents to list an item for four months and then 3.5% of the selling price. MUCH cheaper than EBAY. But the stuff has to be handmade, supplies or vintage (at least 20 years old).
Please keep in touch.
Frankie