The 1907 at Central School

Amherst’s Central School undoubtedly has a rich, complicated history within the local city. Members of the local community have either driven past the abandoned sandstone building, known of people who attended the historic school, or attended the school themselves. This historic building stands tall in the heart of the Sandstone Center of the World, and the history of this building is nothing short of interesting.

The first Central School classes were conducted in a wood building that initially served as the Town Hall. In 1849, the historic building was moved and remodeled into the Union School. After 7 years of construction, a more modern, larger two-story brick building was built, which later went on to host its first graduating class of three members in 1887. On July 5th, 1893, the Amherst Union School was destroyed by a fire less than a decade after opening. Construction to replace the destroyed building began in 1893 utilizing native sandstone.

Only fourteen years after the school was built, the second building succumbed to a fire on March 2nd, 1907, leaving nothing but the ruins of what was once the Amherst Union School. The school immediately went into reconstruction, and by 1908 the building housed thirteen classrooms, a library, and a study. The newly rebuilt school opened its doors back up to students in 1909. During 1923 to 1924 additions to the school brought more classrooms, a stage, and a gymnasium for students to utilize.

In June of 1984, after 77 successful years, Central School closed its doors for the last time. The lasting Central School legacy and history have lived on in the hearts of the community.

On August 8th, 1987, brothers Tony and Donel Sprenger together with longtime friend Bill Starbuck, purchased the Central School property at open auction, with the intent to turn the building into a care center for senior citizens. Tony and Donel’s mother founded Amherst Manor Nursing Home when they were children.

At the time of the Central School property purchase, the Sprenger brothers owned and operated four nursing homes and were involved in the construction of Sprenger Health Care Anchor Lodge nursing home, which still stands in Lorain. Starbuck, an Amherst native who graduated from Central School in 1952 operated Star Builders Inc., a construction firm in the area.

In August of 2016, Sprenger Health Care Systems first proposed the project to convert the abandoned Amherst Central School building into a luxury senior living community. After numerous applications, they were able to receive a state tax credit to adequately fund the ambitious project. Construction for The 1907 at Central School project began in November of 2018 and has been ongoing since.

Renamed The 1907 at Central School, a nod to when the imposing structure was constructed, Sprenger Health Care Systems is working diligently to carefully preserve the beautiful sandstone structure of the building while completely redoing the inside. This will transform the building into a luxury senior living community for local residents, The 1907 at Central School. The new community will be a luxury senior living space with an added 1900s aesthetic, to pay proper homage to the history of the time period.

The 1907 at Central School will feature 40 apartments total with 10 luxurious room types to choose from, all named after well-known jazz artists of the era. An on-site pub called F. Scott’s will be open to the public.

The Amherst community had been anxious to witness what the historic building would be transformed into. After the building was bought, many people naturally wondered what the building’s fate would be and what the Sprengers were actually doing with the building. Sprenger Health Care Systems has expanded its growing list of facilities all over northeast Ohio and even in South Carolina and Indiana. The 1907 at Central School is just one more notable addition to the expanding list.

The 1907 at Central School will be historic landmark preserved and reconstructed for the modern era. The historic preservation of the old Central School will be evident throughout the facility. The building will still have strong ties to the community through its rich history. Now it can fully service senior citizens looking to take advantage of all the luxurious amenities Sprenger Health Care Systems has to offer.

The 1907 at Central School will open end of summer 2019. For more information and to reserve your apartment at The 1907 at Central School, please call Medina Gonzalez, Director at (440) 988-1835.

Sprenger Health Care Systems has recently unveiled its plans to convert the abandoned Central School building that stands tall in the historic downtown area of Amherst into The 1907 at Central School, a new luxury senior living community. This community will be added to Sprenger Health Care System’s growing list of facilities all over northeast Ohio and even in South Carolina and Indiana. The 1907 at Central School is just one more notable addition to the expanding list.

In August, 2016 Sprenger Health Care Systems first proposed the project to convert the abandoned Amherst Central School building into a senior living community. After numerous applications, they were able to receive a state tax credit to adequately fund the ambitious project. Construction for The 1907 at Central School project began in November, 2018 and has been ongoing since.

Renamed The 1907 at Central School, a nod to when the imposing sandstone structure was completed, Sprenger Health Care Systems is working diligently to carefully preserve the structure of the building while completely redoing the inside. This will transform the building into a luxury senior living community for local residents, The 1907 at Central School. The new community will be a luxury senior living space with an added 1900s aesthetic, to pay proper homage to the history of the time period. The 1907 at Central School will feature 40 apartments total, 10 luxurious room types to will be available, each named after well-known jazz artists of the era. The 1907 at Central School will also feature an on-site pub called F. Scott’s that will be open to the public.

The 1907 at Central School will be a historic landmark preserved and reconstructed for the modern era. The historic preservation of the old Central School will be evident throughout the facility. The building will still have strong ties to the community through its rich history. Now it can fully service senior citizens looking to take advantage of all the luxurious amenities Sprenger Health Care Systems has to offer.

Each suite at The 1907 at Central School will feature large windows with ample natural light. Suites will include private bathrooms with safety features and roll-in showers, monthly social and recreational events for residents to enjoy, and emergency response system. Other features will include an on-site beauty salon and 3 chef-designed meals with delicious dining choices and after hours menu.

The Central School building has a rich history and strong community ties, which made the closing of the building in 1984 was a very sad time for many Amherst residents. During its history, The Central School succumbed to two fires, destroying the buildings causing the Central School to be rebuilt twice in less than twenty years. Over the years, the school had numerous additions and reconstructions, adding more classrooms, a gymnasium and a stage for students to utilize. In June of 1984, after 77 successful years, Central School closed its doors for the last time. The lasting Central School legacy and history have lived on in the hearts of the community since.

On August 8th, 1987, brothers Tony and Donel Sprenger, together with longtime friend Bill Starbuck, purchased the Central School property at open auction, with the intent to turn the building into a care center for senior citizens. Tony and Donel’s mother founded Amherst Manor Nursing Home when they were children.

The Amherst community had been anxious to witness what the historic building would be transformed into. After the property was bought, many people naturally wondered what the building’s fate would be and what the Sprengers were actually doing with the building. The city of Amherst will finally get to see the finished result of the long awaited reconstruction. The 1907 at Central School is set to open end of summer 2019 and will be accepting residents to enjoy the luxuries of this new community.

For more information and to reserve your apartment at The 1907 at Central School, please call Medina Gonzalez, Director at (440) 988-1835.

Resort-Style Amenities include:

• 1 & 2 Bedroom Luxury Apartments
• Spacious Living Room
• Fully-Equipped Kitchen Includes Electric Range, Dishwasher, Garbage Disposal, Refrigerator with Ice Maker, and Trash Compactor
• In-suite Washer and Dryer
• Water and Waste Removal Included in Rent
• Central Air Conditioning

• Multiple Cable and Telephone Access Points
• Ample Storage and Closet Space
• Enclosed Garage with Opener Available
• Secure Entrance and In-Suite Intercom System
• Elevator Access to All Floors
• Scheduled Social Events and Transportation
• Maintenance-Free Living
• Wellness Equipment On-Site
• Community Space for Social Events
• Housekeeping Services Available
• Month-to-Month Leasing 

* Pets are not permitted

In addition to the services provided, our residents and their families find comfort in knowing that additional support is accessible at several nearby Sprenger facilities. Services include assisted living, skilled nursing or specialized therapy programming.

We invite you to schedule a tour or learn more about Central Village by contacting our Apartment Manager at (440) 988-4415. Personalized appointments and apartment tours may be arranged at your convenience, including evenings and weekends.