Old Huntington High School. A landmark worth preserving.
Since 1916, the former Huntington High School on 8th Street has stood as one of the Southside's most significant architectural landmarks.
Saving a landmark once is not enough. Historic preservation also requires thoughtful, ongoing stewardship.
More than a century of history on 8th Street.
The former Huntington High School is a striking example of neoclassical architecture and an important part of the visual and historic character of Huntington's Southside.
Although deterioration may not always be obvious to someone simply passing the building, concerns have developed in recent years about the condition of portions of both the interior and exterior.
The Southside Alliance is advocating for renewed attention to the building, appropriate restoration where needed, and a long-term approach to its care.
A remarkable example of adaptive reuse.
Huntington High School opened in 1916 and served generations of students before the school eventually closed.
What followed became an important chapter in the building's preservation story. A major renovation returned the historic structure to active community use rather than allowing it to be lost.
The building subsequently became home to a combination of housing, arts, recreation, education, and community uses.
Preservation through reuse.
Following renovation, the former school demonstrated how a major historic building could remain useful long after its original purpose had changed.
For many years, portions of the building were shared by the Huntington YMCA, Arts Resources for the Tri-State (ARTS), and the Huntington Development Corporation.
That combination of uses helped transform a former school into a multipurpose community asset while preserving an important piece of Huntington architecture.
A historic building serving new generations.
Housing
The building included 42 apartments serving senior citizens.
Arts
The facility provided theatrical production and arts-related space.
Community
Classrooms and conference areas provided space for community activity.
Recreation
Gymnasiums and YMCA space continued the building's active use.
A preservation success still requires stewardship.
More recently, concerns have been raised regarding deterioration in portions of the building and its exterior.
ARTS eventually left the property when its contract ended, citing concerns about ongoing maintenance. The YMCA continues to maintain the section it occupies, while concerns have remained about other portions of the property.
Of particular concern are historic interior features, including original paintings in the auditorium that may be vulnerable to water damage.
Advocacy begins with understanding the problem.
The Southside Alliance does not own or manage the former Huntington High School. Our role is to advocate for preservation, gather information, raise awareness, and encourage appropriate stewardship of this important Southside landmark.
Learn
Alliance Board Member Bob Hansen is leading a fact-finding effort to better understand the building's current condition, history, responsibilities, and preservation needs.
Advocate
The Alliance advocates for appropriate care, preservation, and restoration of significant architectural and historic features.
Engage
We support constructive conversations among owners, tenants, community organizations, preservation advocates, public partners, and others who may have a role in the building's future.
Historic preservation does not end when a building is saved.
Adaptive reuse gave the former Huntington High School a new life. Continued stewardship is what can help ensure that this landmark remains part of the Southside for generations to come.
Read the restoration story.
A look back at the building's restoration and adaptive reuse.
Huntington feature writer Clint McElroy documented the collaborative restoration and adaptive reuse of the former Huntington High School for Huntington Quarterly.
Read the Huntington Quarterly ArticleHelp keep preservation part of the Southside conversation.
Historic buildings help tell the story of our neighborhood. The Alliance works to encourage thoughtful stewardship of significant Southside structures and places.
Contact The Alliance