Rosa True School
The Rosa E. True School is an historic property on Park Street in Portland, Maine's West End. It opened as a public school in 1844 and closed in 1972; upon the closing of the school, it had been in continuous use longer than any other school in the country.[1]
In 1971, school principal Rodney E. Wells was charged with violating Maine's right to know laws when he withheld the school's enrollment information from a parent concerned over the hiring of a school employee.[2]
In 1987, the historic preservation group Greater Portland Landmarks began involvement with the Rose True School with a 5,000 dollar revolving loan to help convert the property into a multi-unit apartment building.[3]
In 1992, the property was converted into 8 low income apartments primarily through local anti-gentrification efforts and the availability of tax credits.[1] The redevelopment of the property also resulted in $900,000 put into the local economy and job training for young people.[4]
References
- 1 2 Delvac, William F.; Escherich, Susan M.; Hartman, Bridget. Affordable Housing Through Historic Preservation. National Trust for Historic Preservation. pp. 41–.
- ↑ "Hearing on School Head Continued". Bangor Daily News. Associated Press. October 12, 1971. Retrieved 24 November 2011.
- ↑ "The preservation movement in Portland". Retrieved 24 November 2011.
- ↑ "ROSA TRUE SCHOOL PROJECT DESERVES NATIONAL ATTENTION THIS RENOVATION HAS WORKED FOR EVERYONE.". Portland Press Herald. June 15, 1994. p. 12A. Retrieved 24 November 2011.