The former Mary B Sharpe School will host tours during AppleFest on October 21. Tours will run from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM and begin every 30-minutes. It is a chance to see the old school property before renovation and transformation into the Sharpe Apartments. To participate, contact 717.641.0416 or email info@sharpeapartments.com.
The Mary B Sharpe School was constructed in 1908 by builder Franklin Keagy, who contributed to the reconstruction of Chambersburg after the 1864 burning. Originally named the Broad Street School because of its location on the street of the same name, the school was renamed for Mary B. Sharpe, who bequeathed her estate to the school district after a tragic death due to burns sustained in a gas stove fire. The school remained active until 2008, serving thousands of students over the 100 years its doors were open.
Vern McKissick is spearheading the transformation of the school. McKissick is well-known for his successful redevelopment of the Rose Rent Lofts from the former Central High School on 3rd and Queen Streets in downtown Chambersburg.