As enrollment falls, old schools find new life as apartments

Lakewood Elementary in southeast Atlanta, once serving families connected to the General Motors plant, has fallen into disrepair after the factory closed in 1990 and the school shut down in 2004. The abandoned building became a hub for crime, prompting calls for redevelopment. Now, the school is among 74 projects across the U.S. converting former schools into apartments, a trend accelerating as enrollment drops nationwide. In 2024, nearly 2,000 apartments were built in repurposed schools—a record high and four times the previous year’s total, according to RentCafe. Atlanta’s Lakewood project reflects a broader shift, with districts like Atlanta closing schools due to declining student numbers. With enrollment losses expected to continue, surplus properties face similar transformations. Patrice Frey, CEO of RePurpose Capital, notes that renovating historic buildings preserves community assets. The American Institute of Architects reported that renovation projects surpassed new construction in 2022, driven by supply chain issues and rising material costs. The pandemic also contributed, as families shifted to charter schools or relocated. Former students and residents have protested the demolition of Lakewood, citing cherished memories tied to the school. Despite opposition, the conversion aligns with a growing industry focused on adaptive reuse of historic spaces. Developers see potential in transforming vacant schools into housing, addressing both urban blight and housing demand.