Female Grammar School

Pottsville, PA

Client: Historical Society of Schuylkill County

Project Type: Adaptive Use; Comprehensive Restoration

John G. Waite Associates, Architects was commissioned to restore and rehabilitate the Female Grammar School (1865), designed by noted Philadelphia architect John Fraser, for new uses, including museum exhibit spaces, a research library, collections storage, administrative offices, and meeting space.

JGWA directed a comprehensive restoration of the building’s exterior, including a cornice and gutter system, wooden windows, and doors. Extensive repairs to the masonry involved cleaning, composite and crack repair techniques on the brownstone, repointing, and painting the brickwork to match its historic appearance.

Interior classrooms were successfully adapted to accommodate modern museum uses without compromising their historic character. Extensive interior work involved repairs to damaged woodwork, floors, and plaster ceilings and walls. In addition, new installations included a climate control system, electrical system with period-style lighting fixtures, ADA universally accessible restrooms, and historic paint schemes.