Historic Black school project secures 2026 roadmap
Foundation has $125K in hand as visible progress draws community attention to restoration efforts
The Washington School Advisory Committee secured City Council approval Feb. 9 for its 2026 work plan, advancing restoration efforts on Stillwater's historic all-Black school as visible progress transforms the longtime vacant property.
Committee members Karen Washington and Jim Beckstrom presented the work plan to council during the Feb. 9 meeting, highlighting recent demolition work that has opened up the site and drawn community attention to the project's momentum.
"We've been hearing about it, but now it's really happening," Washington said, referencing community reactions to the recent removal of deteriorated structures. "When you tear down stuff, that means good stuff is going to come back, and we know this is a good building."
These images document the transformation of Washington School as restoration efforts remove deteriorated structures added in the 1950s. The photo on the left, taken Feb. 2, 2025, shows the site before demolition began. The remaining images, captured Jan. 30, 2026, reveal the progress nearly one year later as crews removed auxiliary buildings constructed around the time the school closed in 1956 following desegregation. – Photos by Chris Peters
The council unanimously approved the work plan and authorized City Manager Brady Moore to execute site access agreements necessary to implement the committee's activities.
Restoration Milestones
The Washington School Heritage Foundation currently has approximately $125,000 in its coffers but faces significant funding needs for upcoming restoration phases. Foundation Chair Jim Beckstrom estimates the total cost for roof repairs and associated design work at approximately $275,000 to $350,000.
"We're probably going to have to spend $30,000 to $35,000 just to get the bid package put together, have that design work done, plus we got to put a new roof, plus we have all the masonry work," Beckstrom said.
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The foundation recently invested $7,000 to secure the building's administrative section with new roofing material installed by Capstone Construction. One Architecture, the project's architectural firm, plans to restore most windows while replacing deteriorated wood frames on the building's north section.
Deputy City Manager Christy Driskel, staff liaison to the advisory committee, said the city and foundation are coordinating security measures as construction fencing comes down to ensure the building remains protected during ongoing work.
Historic Legacy
Washington School served Stillwater's Black community from its 1938 construction until desegregation closed its doors in 1956. The building has remained vacant for decades while preservation advocates worked to save the structure.
Washington School Advisory Committee member Karen Washington (left) and Washington School Heritage Foundation Chair Jim Beckstrom (right) present the 2026 work plan to Stillwater City Council on Feb. 9, 2026. Council unanimously approved the plan and authorized site access agreements for the restoration of the historic all-Black school, which served the community from 1938-1956. – Photos by Chris Peters
The City Council created the Washington School Advisory Committee to guide the restoration process. Once renovations are complete, the committee will dissolve, and another group will determine programming and events for the historic site.
The foundation has already completed asbestos abatement and demolished the auditorium portion of the complex. More than 100 volunteers participated in two community cleanup days organized by the city.
Future Work
The approved work plan enables the committee to continue coordinating with the foundation on upcoming restoration phases while maintaining site security and advancing fundraising efforts.
Beckstrom noted the foundation's fortunate partnership with One Architecture, which has extensive experience with historic preservation projects including Greenwood Rising in Tulsa, the Cherokee Female Seminary in Tahlequah and a community center in Sapulpa housed in another former Black school.
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"They know all about these old buildings, and we're so blessed to have them," Beckstrom said.
Washington emphasized the building represents more than just a physical structure to the community.
"It's not just a building," she said. "It represents resilience, education and our community."
📺 Watch the presentation to council (timestamped)
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