The Hooper-Renwick Themed Library in Lawrenceville has received the Redevelopment Project of the Year award at the Metro Atlanta Redevelopment Summit. This recognition is given to projects that demonstrate excellence in design, innovation, and positive impact on the community.
The library project involved transforming the historic Hooper-Renwick School, which was once Gwinnett County’s only public school for Black students, into a themed public library and museum. The new facility aims to connect historical experiences with current educational opportunities by focusing on preservation and storytelling.
Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson commented on the significance of this redevelopment: “The Hooper-Renwick project reminds us that progress doesn’t mean replacing history, it means learning from it. To have this project recognized as Redevelopment Project of the Year validates the vision we had for this place – preserving the past while giving our community a library and museum that uplifts us all.”
The development was completed through collaboration with the city of Lawrenceville. It maintains features from the original school building while introducing new areas for exhibits, reading, and events. The museum section focuses on honoring former educators and students from Hooper-Renwick, while the adjacent library provides greater access to books, technology, and programs.
Gwinnett County schools enrolled 190,044 students in the 2022-23 academic year according to state data (https://www.gadoe.org/). Enrollment increased by less than 0.1% compared to the previous year (https://www.gadoe.org/). White students represented 18% of total enrollment during this period (https://www.gadoe.org/).
The Redevelopment Project of the Year award highlights efforts that contribute to strengthening cultural, social, and economic aspects within Metro Atlanta communities.
Partnership Gwinnett and the Council for Quality Growth hosted this year’s summit.
