George Washington Carver School to become Carver School Apartments

Photo courtesy George Washington Carver Cultural Center Board
Members of the board stand in front of the George Washington Carver School, which will soon become the Carver School Apartments. Members of the board include: Carmen Brandt, president of the GWCSCC Board; Gracia Backer, vice president; Carolyn Gaines, treasurer; David McDaniel, assistant treasurer; DeAnne Nigus, secretary; Charles Jackson; Bryant Liddle; Bill Nigus; Dawn Paine; and Victor Pasley.
Photo courtesy George Washington Carver Cultural Center Board Members of the board stand in front of the George Washington Carver School, which will soon become the Carver School Apartments. Members of the board include: Carmen Brandt, president of the GWCSCC Board; Gracia Backer, vice president; Carolyn Gaines, treasurer; David McDaniel, assistant treasurer; DeAnne Nigus, secretary; Charles Jackson; Bryant Liddle; Bill Nigus; Dawn Paine; and Victor Pasley.

The historic George Washington Carver School in Fulton will soon transform into the Carver School Apartments, a new apartment complex for seniors.

The Missouri Housing Development Commission recently granted approval for the Carver School Apartments.

The new apartment complex "will preserve, transform, and expand Carver School into quality, affordable, independent living for seniors," a press release states.

Carver School Apartments will feature 33 units in a service-enriched apartment community. There will be seven one-bedroom apartments and 26 two-bedroom apartments, according to a release.

Offices, a community room, exercise room, museum and a community kitchen area will also be in the apartment complex.

The site is approximately 1.65 acres, and is located at 906 Westminster Ave.

A new two-story building will be built and connected to the current George Washington Carver School building to provide more space for the apartments.

The apartments will be for seniors ages 55 and older. Horizon Housing Foundation and Compass Health Inc. will provide services to residents.

Carver School Apartments is being championed by the George Washington Carver School Cultural Center Board. The board has received support and endorsement from officials and groups across Missouri and the local area.

Support comes from Missouri legislators, Callaway County Commissioners, the City of Fulton, the Callaway County Sheriff's Department, Westminster College, William Woods University, local churches, and over 100 individuals, a release states.

"What once was a space that provided access to education for Black school children in our community will become a space that provides access to services for local seniors who need support," board vice president Gracia Backer said in a release. "This property will continue to uplift and serve those in our community."

After receiving approval from MHDC, the board is now finalizing architectrual drawings and details for Carver School Apartments. This is expected to take nine to 10 months.

Ground breaking on Carver School Apartments is expected to begin in the fall.

Carver School was originally constructed in 1937, a release states. It was named after Dr. George Washington Carver, who spoke at the school's dedication.

The school was also the first and only local school in the community for African American children until Fulton Schools' integration in 1968, according to a release.