INDIANAPOLIS — According to Indianapolis Public Schools, work has begun on transforming George W. Julian School 57 began on Tuesday, Dec. 3 with a groundbreaking ceremony.
“Campus safety and accessibility for students, staff, and families is a district-wide priority,” said IPS Superintendent Dr. Aleesia Johnson during the ceremony. “These improvements at George W. Julian address external impediments, enabling ease of access while maintaining the highest standard of security within IPS.”
School 57 upgrades, include demolishing the historic Brown Library on East Washington to provide expanded parking, improve traffic flow, and enhance accessibility for staff and students entering and exiting the campus.
The branch served the Irvington community since 1903 when the Bona Thompson Library was donated to Butler College and soon became a public library branch. Following relocations in 1914 and 1921, a new facility was built on East Washington Street in 1956 and named for Irvington’s distinguished citizen, Hilton U. Brown. The Brown Branch closed its doors in 2001 to make way for the current 16,000-square-foot Irvington Branch that opened later that year.
In addition to exterior updates, George W. Julian School will receive interior renovations to enhance the student learning environment. Planned upgrades include new carpeting, lighting, and communication systems, with the work expected to conclude by Summer 2025.
The work should be completed by Summer 2025.