Sheridan Construction was hired to renovate the former Mary Persons High School building located in downtown Forsyth, Georgia, which is currently home to the Monroe County Board of Education administrative offices. Originally built in the 1930s, the building is considered a landmark for Monroe County as hundreds of graduates and loyal faculty have walked its halls over the course of 90 years of occupancy. As the building’s needs changed and years of inadequate maintenance began to take their toll, the school system elected to move forward with a complete renovation of the historic building.

The main focus of the project was the demolition, removal and replacement of all 116 exterior windows due to lead paint and asbestos caulking. In addition, the original planned scope of work also included an entire re-roof of the building; repair of the lightning-damaged roof cupola; addition of a new ADA-accessible front entranceway; and overall structural repairs throughout the building. An owner-requested change order led to additional interior renovation work to the attached auditorium. These enhancements included replacing existing chandeliers with can lights, replacing the stage floor and drapes, installing plantation shutters on the windows, and adding carpet runners down the aisles. Sheridan’s work on the Monroe County Board of Education Administrative Offices Renovation received First Place honors as an Associated General Contractors 2020 Build Georgia Award project.

Sheridan Construction was selected based on their reputation and experience with the renovation of historic structures. We could not have made a better choice. With each step of the renovation, Sheridan was respectful of the heritage of the building while understanding and adhering to the modern needs of Monroe County Schools. Sheridan’s commitment to ensuring customer satisfaction was evident throughout the project, and the expertise the firm brought to the project was unheralded as they were able to solve the renovation challenges an active building with unique architectural elements presented. Sheridan’s high standards are evident in the pride they take in the finished product, and we are proud of the finished building.

Roger K. Onstott, Facilities and Maintenance Coordinator, Monroe County Schools

Photography by Walter Elliott, Photography.