A former one-room schoolhouse that served African American children in Gautier from the 1920s through the 1940s is entering another phase of restoration, with plans for the building to eventually become a museum, meeting space and welcome center.
The city of Gautier is preparing for the second phase of renovations to the historic schoolhouse. The work will weatherproof the exterior, secure entrances and make repairs needed to remediate lead paint and repaint the building.
The project will also replace all doors and windows. Plywood currently covers the windows and some doors to prevent rain damage and unauthorized access, according to the city’s bid documents.
Gautier is accepting bids for the work through 11 a.m. Sept. 17. A pre-bid meeting is scheduled for Sept. 10, and the city said additional phases of the restoration are expected to follow.
Once restored, the schoolhouse is planned to serve as a museum and educational space highlighting its history, as well as a meeting space and welcome center for residents and visitors entering the city’s main park.
Visitors will also be able to begin Gautier’s Historic Sites Self-Guided Tour at the schoolhouse and find information about other historic sites, restaurants, shopping and recreational opportunities throughout the city.
In a statement, the city described the rehabilitation as an effort to preserve “an important chapter of our community’s educational history” while giving the building a new public purpose.
The city also said it intends for the restored schoolhouse to promote heritage tourism and encourage visitors to explore other parts of Gautier.
