Claxton Elementary School

Claxton Elementary School was built in 1922 and is the oldest continuously operating school in Buncombe County. It is currently an Arts & Humanities magnet school for the Asheville City School system. The building had fallen into disrepair over the years and was in need of upgrading to provide 20th Century technologies and programs.  Architectural Design Studio created a new bus drop-off on the north side of the property connected with the new wing. Limited renovations in the old school building made it possible to relocate all of the enrichment classrooms to the ground floor level for access by the youngest students. New work included the replacement of the old, undersized dining hall and kitchen. The existing building was stripped and completely refinished, wing by wing, while the school continued to operate.