"It was always a community center, it just happened to be a school." - Gwen Markham, Oakland County Commissioner
Webster Elementary School was commissioned in 1920 and served until 2007 as the premiere elementary school serving west Pontiac. The building was so much more than a school. It was a gathering place for the community, it was a skating rink on certain nights of the week, and it was a beautiful building set upon a hill reminding all who pass by of Pontiac's shining history.
After its closing, the building sat collecting dust, graffiti and falling deep into disrepair. There were some that wanted to see the building demolished, saying it was a blight on the surrounding community. However, some people had a different vision and when they suggested saving the building, there were others there to support them.
Today, renovations are under way to change the Webster Elementary School into the Webster Community Center, a multi-tenant building focused on bringing in social service agencies, youth recreation and other programs to lift up the surrounding neighborhood.
Set to open in February of 2026, this exhibit will pay homage to the building's long history, show some of the stranger elements that come with restoring a building like this, feature the art work of many who used the building as their canvas, and share a bit about what the building will come for its next 100 years of life.
This is a ticketed event with the schedule as follows:
Friday Night - 6:30pm - 9pm
Alumni Dinner - This event will be restricted to alumni and former teachers at the building. We will honor several key people who have made this project a reality. Ticket purchasers also get to schedule a tour time on Saturday.
Saturday - 9:00am - 5:00pm
General Admission - Come take a walk around the exhibit, learn about the building and its renovation on a self guided tour. Coffee bar and sodas provided.
Saturday Night - 6:30pm- 9:00pm
Fundraising dinner - Live music, auction, food, featured artists, subject matter experts who had a hand in the renovation and future of this building on hand to share stories, answer questions, and more. Ticket purchasers also get to schedule a tour time on Saturday.
Sunday - 9:00am - 2:00pm
General Admission - Come take a walk around the exhibit, learn about the building and its renovation on a self guided tour. Coffee bar and sodas provided.
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