TROY, Ala. (WDNews) — The City of Troy celebrated the grand reopening of the Historic Academy Street High School on July 6, marking the completion of a major renovation project that brings new life to a building that once served as a cornerstone of the city’s Black community.
The brick school building, originally built in 1946, served African American students until 1970 when integration led to its closure. It had sat unused for more than 40 years. The original wooden structure, built in the 1920s, was destroyed by fire in the 1940s.
A packed auditorium welcomed local leaders, residents, and many Academy Street alumni to the ribbon-cutting. Troy Mayor Jason Reeves said the project had been in the works for more than a decade and formally launched in 2018 with support from a $250,000 Community Development Block Grant.
“Today is about the past, but it’s also about the future,” Reeves said. “We want this building to be a place where young people can learn and thrive.”
The renovation included updates to six classrooms, bathrooms, the auditorium, foyer, and kitchen. One room now displays school memorabilia, including photos and the court order that led to its closure.
Councilwoman Wanda Moultry praised the work and said the project honors the community’s legacy while creating space for future generations.
“This building will be a light for this community,” Moultry said.
Henry Lewis Gillis, a member of the school’s reunion committee, thanked the city and encouraged more improvements, including work on the gym and outdoor areas.
“This building is a gem,” Gillis said. “If we use it right, it can be a resource for tutoring, job training, and more.”
Mayor Reeves said plans for the building’s long-term use, including workforce development and education programs, will be announced later this month.
