Gilman Schoolhouse Revitalization Project
The trust is pursuing the acquisition of the former Gilman Middle School with the goal of transforming it into a multi-use community space that would help revitalize the village of Gilman.
Gilman School House Revitalization Project
Vision
The Lunenburg–Gilman Community Trust was formed following Lunenburg’s first-ever municipal plan in 2024, which identified the historic Gilman Middle School as a potential anchor for revitalizing the village of Gilman. Our vision is to transform this beloved building into a vibrant, multi-use facility that serves as a community hub and economic driver.
Sitting on 3.4 acres of land adjacent to 10 acres of town-owned recreation space, the school offers endless potential. Imagine community gatherings in the gymnasium, local businesses thriving in shared commercial spaces, and new housing opportunities in renovated classrooms. This project aims to create a sustainable, welcoming space where residents can gather, learn, work, and grow together.
Building Features
The Gilman Schoolhouse currently features:
Four large classrooms (ideal for future studio apartments or flexible workspaces)
A 41’x66’ gymnasium with a stage and attached kitchen — perfect for community events, recreation programs, or shared use by local organizations
Proximity to the Fox Field & Forest Outdoor Recreation Area, expanding the potential for indoor-outdoor community activities
The building is also home to the Gilman Head Start Program, which provides early childhood education for local families. As revitalization planning moves forward, the Trust aims to ensure that current educational uses remain supported and integrated into the building’s future vision.
Progress So Far
Since its founding, the Trust—now a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit led by local residents—has made significant progress toward revitalizing the school:
Legal & Ownership: Hired a lawyer and are working closely with Kingdom East School District (KESD) on building ownership.
Environmental & Site Work:
Found eligible for and now actively participating in Vermont’s Brownfields Reuse and Environmental Liability Limitation Act (BRELLA) program, which supports environmental cleanup and redevelopment.
Completed a full topographic site survey.
Currently conducting a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment — a detailed study to identify any potential soil or groundwater contamination on the property.
Architectural Planning:
Preliminary blueprints and renderings for the renovated building have been developed.
Community Engagement:
Collaborated with the Lunenburg Outdoors: Recreation, Trails, & Tourism (RTT) Task Force and the Community Events, Social Engagement & Recreation (CESER) Task Force to launch the “Hello Summer” celebration, and featured building tours, design renderings, and interactive vision boards.
Residents shared input through surveys, highlighting interest in a coffee shop, gym access, childcare, youth programs, adult education, recreation, housing, and commercial opportunities.
Representative Becca Balint joined one of the tours!
Partnerships: Working with two community task forces established through the Vermont Council on Rural Development’s Community Visit Program.
What’s Next
The future of Gilman Middle School as a sustainable, multi-use facility that blends community and commercial spaces. Our next steps include:
Finalizing building ownership with KESD
Completing environmental assessments and planning for renovations
Pursuing funding and partnerships to support restoration efforts
Continuing robust community engagement to shape programming and design
With community support, the revitalized Gilman School House will become a welcoming hub for residents of all ages, offering opportunities for recreation, childcare, education, business development, and a place to simply enjoy a cup of coffee with neighbors.
