How Clarkston students are transforming a historic 1855 church into a vibrant community center while mastering traditional construction and restoration techniques
The Sashabaw Presbyterian Church, originally built in 1855, stands as one of Clarkston's oldest and most significant historic structures. After years of disuse, the building had fallen victim to vandalism and neglect, leaving this architectural treasure in desperate need of restoration.
Rather than let this piece of local history deteriorate further, the Clarkston Construction Technology program partnered with the church to undertake an ambitious restoration project. This ongoing effort transforms both the building and the students working on it, creating a future community center while providing an authentic classroom in historic construction techniques.
The challenges students encountered and the skills they're developing
Years of neglect and intentional damage throughout the structure
"It's not just about learning construction techniques—
Coordinating work across four rooms plus basement kitchen areas
Maintaining historical integrity while creating modern functionality
Learning to evaluate and plan restoration work
Hands-on experience with historic restoration techniques
Installing modern systems while preserving integrity
Real-world construction contexts for STEAM learning
Coordination and planning across multiple phases
A multi-phase project providing comprehensive learning experiences
Students began by thoroughly assessing the damage and clearing out years of accumulated debris. This phase involved filling two 40-yard dumpsters with materials from four rooms and a basement kitchen, teaching students about project planning and waste management.
Students aren't just learning construction—they're preserving the building's original construction methods while bringing systems up to modern standards. This includes careful preservation of historic materials alongside strategic upgrades.
Students gain hands-on experience with wiring and electrical work in a historic context, teaching students how to integrate modern systems while preserving architectural integrity.
Students aren't just restoring a building; they're preparing the building's new life as a community center, learning how restoration projects must balance historical preservation with contemporary functionality.
How this project exemplifies innovative hands-on education
Unlike simulated classroom exercises, this project provides authentic challenges that demand creative problem-solving, collaboration, and technical precision. The multi-year timeline allows students to see projects through from conception to completion.
The project exemplifies the program's hybrid STEAM approach, with students directly applying mathematical concepts to construction challenges. Measurements, calculations, and geometric principles become practical tools rather than abstract concepts.
Students work alongside instructors who bring decades of experience, learning not just technical skills but professional practices, safety protocols, and quality standards that define excellence in the trades.
Key supporters making this historic preservation possible
Provided $15,000 in grants to support the restoration work
Property owner and project partner
Material donations including wood from Ace Hardware
Donated dumpsters and provided technical guidance
Henry S. Woloson, president of the David W. Elliott Memorial Foundation, recognized the project as "a good fit" for the foundation's mission of supporting worker education.
The restoration serves both preservation and educational goals, creating a sustainable model for community-driven learning.
As instructors Steve Wyckoff and Jeff Peariso describe it, this project represents the ultimate educational opportunity
Real problems require real solutions and develop genuine competence
Students don't just work with modern materials—they make a real difference it's about understanding our community's history and
Learning to value and preserve the craftsmanship of previous generations
All work meets or exceeds industry quality and safety requirements
The Sashabaw Presbyterian Church restoration demonstrates how student learning and community preservation can work hand in hand. Your support ensures students have the resources they need to complete this transformation while gaining invaluable experience.
Support materials and tools for ongoing restoration work
Enable continued partnership with historic preservation organizations
Provide resources for students to complete community landmark restoration projects
Ready to learn more about supporting student projects that make a lasting community impact? Contact us to discover how your involvement can help build both student futures and the Clarkston Community.