Commissioners advance multi-million renovation of Old Matt Schoolhouse
County commissioners approved slightly more than $150,000 in upgrades for the Old Matt Schoolhouse, moving a nearly $4 million renovation forward and preserving local history.
Forsyth County commissioners voted to advance a new round of work on the Old Matt Schoolhouse on Namon Wallace Road, approving slightly more than $150,000 in upgrades during their Jan. 7 meeting. The action pushes cumulative renovation estimates close to $4 million and sets county staff in motion for procurement and construction scheduling.
The approved funds cover the next phase of work, which county documents list as structural and accessibility improvements, system upgrades and preservation of historic features. Officials described the package as part of a multi-year effort to stabilize the building, update utilities and make the site usable for a broader range of community activities while maintaining its historic character.
With the latest allocation, county staff will solicit bids, negotiate contracts and develop a construction schedule. Procurement steps are expected to follow standard county contracting procedures before crews begin on-site work. A recent photograph dated Jan. 7, 2026 shows the schoolhouse and the areas targeted for initial attention.
For residents, the project has practical and symbolic significance. Structural repairs and system upgrades aim to bring the building into compliance with modern codes and reduce future maintenance costs. Accessibility work will open the site to residents with mobility challenges, enabling wider public use for meetings, educational programs and small civic events once construction is complete. Preservation efforts are intended to retain the schoolhouse’s historical elements that link the community to its local past.
The scope and cost place the Old Matt Schoolhouse among the county’s larger historic preservation investments in recent years. Approval of the latest tranche does not mean immediate construction; scheduling and bid awards will determine when work begins and whether intermittent closures or limited access will be needed. County staff will share timelines and contract awards as procurement moves forward.
Our two cents? If you care about local history or need a community space, keep an eye on Forsyth County’s procurement postings and public meeting agendas. That’s where you’ll see bid opportunities, construction timelines and chances to weigh in on how the restored schoolhouse should be used once the work is finished.
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