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Built in 1874, the Ash Street School served as an elementary school, then as school administrative offices until 2005. SilverTech, a company that specializes in web design, had a vision to bring new design and technology to the Ash Street schoolhouse while retaining and enhancing many of the existing historic features.
The existing site was mostly blacktop and the client wanted to restore the green space it once had as an elementary school. About 20% of the existing sea of asphalt was removed and replaced with bio swales and landscaping. The entire chain link fence was removed to allow the site to feel more open and natural.
The offices were designed to include a specialized server room, open office space allowing for collaboration, as well as a few private offices. The schoolhouse's existing floors and millwork were restored while bold colors and modern workstations made this a twenty-first century office. Other interior renovations included refinishing the wood floors, restoring the tin ceilings, and bringing the twin staircases up to code.
In 2009, the Ash Street School was recognized with a Historic Preservation Award by the Manchester Historic Association and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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