HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- A part of Huntsville history got new life Thursday night.

The City Council approved a plan to transfer ownership of the historic Councill High School to the school's alumni association via the Huntsville Housing Authority, rescuing a dilapidated building with a plan of restoration.

Councill High School, located on St. Clair Avenue downtown near the Medical District, was the only public high school for black students from 1927-1966.

The facility has fallen into disrepair, but longtime efforts to preserve the building now are in motion.

"It is certainly a delight for this partnership, the alumni, the city of Huntsville and the Housing Authority to come together and make this happen," City Councilman Richard Showers said. "The alumni is to be commended, this administration is to be commended and the Housing Authority is to be commended."

The Housing Authority would oversee restoration of the school - though some parts are too far gone and likely would be torn down. After 10 years, the Housing Authority would transfer ownership to the alumni group, according to a memorandum of understanding approved by the council.

The alumni group is charged with raising money to save their school - a price tag estimated to be about $9 million. The city has committed $350,000 to the project along with a promise to support fundraising efforts.

Showers said the project would benefit because of the economic development planned at the site of the former Councill Courts public housing community near Huntsville Hospital. A restored Councill High School would have "historical significance, an educational-based opportunity to keep history alive."

And better late than never, Showers said.

"I've been concerned that we've not done anything before now," he said. "This is a good time to be moving forward."

Link:
Huntsville city council OKs long-range plan to restore historic Councill High School