Waterford's Historic Old School Extensively
Damaged By Fire
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On January 25, 2007, an early morning
blaze extensively damaged the iconic structure known as the
Old School in the village of Waterford. The Loudoun County
Fire Department has ruled the fire to be accidental, starting
in the basement of the auditorium, in or near the propane
furnace.
Fire companies from many Loudoun County jurisdictions as well
as Maryland battled to extinguish the three alarm blaze and
save the classroom portion of the wooden structure. The auditorium,
which is used for numerous community events, was a total loss.
The Old School, a former elementary and high school, was built
in 1910. The Waterford Foundation purchased the property from the
Loudoun County School Board in 1966. Recent renovations to the
building included the addition of air conditioning, a catering
kitchen and bathrooms.
The Waterford Foundation has established the Rebuild
the Old School fund. Donations can be sent to the Waterford
Foundation at P.O. Box 142, Waterford, VA 20197 or can be made
through our secure donation
page.
Progress Report
In February 2007 the Board of Directors (BOD)
passed the following motion: "That
the WF rebuild the Old School auditorium and restore the Old School
classroom building in a way that is respectful of its history and
place in the community." The
Board also established a Rebuild the Old School Task Force with
a Steering Group of three (later increased to six) members.
A public forum was held on May 20, 2007 to discuss the rebuilding
of the Old School. Notes of
that meeting can be downloaded.
Background
The destroyed auditorium and the connecting hyphen to
the classrooms were built in 1928. The auditorium was approximately
50' x 60' and could seat about 250-265. The connecting hyphen was
approximately 14' X 33'. The auditorium was used for many different
functions including: concerts, organizational meetings, wedding
receptions, Fair exhibits, parties, town meetings, election debates,
operas, etc. The hyphen included a single bathroom and small kitchen
area.
Insurance
The Foundation's insurance policy for the Old School
will cover the cost to replace what was there before. This covers
rebuilding the auditorium and hyphen, and repairing the classrooms.
Additionally, there is a $25,000 allowance for complying with building
codes (such as for sprinkler system, handicapped access). There
are other provisions which cover incidental business expenses such
as renting tents during the Fair to replace the income-producing
space that was lost. However, it is important to note that
all improvements (larger building, paved handicapped parking
area, etc.) desired for the Old School must be paid by the Foundation.
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