Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School announced Wednesday the completion of a $10 million fundraising campaign to renovate the nearly 100-year-old academic building, Hodgson Hall.
Rabun-Gap School officials said Rabun Gap trustees and alumni Steve Gilliam ‘66 and Dr. Kate Maine ’85, both of Gainesville, were members of the project’s campaign committee that inspired more than 400 donors to support the project.
Gainesville-based Carroll Daniel Construction led work on Hodgson Hall alongside Houser Walker Architecture of Atlanta.
“The Legacy for the Future campaign is transformative for our school community, enabling us to both preserve an incredibly special part of our history while simultaneously providing a well-appointed space necessary for our innovative applied learning curriculum that best prepares today's students,” Head of School Jeff Miles said.
Other members of the campaign committee included trustees: Co-Chair Mr. Niles Bolton, of Atlanta, Co-Chair Rev. Dr. George Wirth, of Atlanta, Mr. Rick Allen of Cashiers, Mr. Jon Barnwell ‘92 of Clarkesville and Mr. John Underwood P’19, 22 of Highlands.
Hodgson Hall was built in 1927 and is the building that sits on the hill facing Highway 441 in Rabun Gap.
School officials said the project was scheduled to be finished in summer but construction is ahead of schedule and the project will be completed later this spring.
“I am so pleased that the Class of 2024 will be able to finish their last days in Hodgson Hall and take the traditional graduation photo on the front steps. This is a special school tradition shared among the family of alumni since 1928. With this class, we are continuing the tradition and also initiating a new one to include the grand terrace that students will enjoy for years to come,” said Miles.
The building will have a “soft opening” later this spring and a campus-wide rededication and blessing ceremony will be held in September.
