County moving at former Youngsville school
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YOUNGSVILLE -- Warren County is working to transform the former Youngsville High School into a center for county services and community activities, with renovations expected to begin in early 2027 and occupancy targeted for the end of that year.
The Warren County School District Board approved the county's renovation plan earlier this month, advancing a project intended to reduce long-term operating costs, bring county employees to Youngsville and preserve public access to portions of the former school.
The first phase would relocate the county's Department of Human Services, Children and Youth Services and Penn State Extension office into the building. County officials estimate the move would bring approximately 75 employees to the site, potentially providing an economic boost to Youngsville and surrounding communities.
According to County Grant Writer Josh Cotton, the project is designed to make financial sense while giving the former school a productive use after its closure.
The county also sought to provide partner organizations with space at rates below what they currently pay and maintain community access to the building's gymnasium, auditorium and athletic facilities.
Preliminary estimates put construction costs for the first phase at $1.7 million, including about $1.6 million for the second-floor renovation and another $83,000 for the Penn State Extension area.
A significant portion of the renovation will involve updating the building's heating, ventilation and air conditioning system to meet modern requirements for its new use.
The current timeline calls for approximately two to four weeks to confirm existing conditions and the schematic design, followed by 12 to 14 weeks of design work and six to eight weeks for permitting and bidding. Construction is estimated to take about six months.
Based on this schedule, occupancy is set to occur at the end of 2027. However, Cotton said he is hopeful some of the estimated timelines may be shortened.
Although the county intends to pursue grants and other outside assistance, its initial planning assumes the project must remain viable without that money.
Human Services currently pays approximately $20,000 per month for its space on the former state hospital grounds, according to Cotton. Using a 10-year period to account for the renovation investment, the move could save approximately $500,000 over the first decade. After the capital costs are paid off, expenses would largely be limited to utilities and maintenance.
Beyond the financial considerations, County Commissioner Ken Klakamp said the opportunity for the project to be an asset to Youngsville was a major factor in selecting the former school.
"My decision boiled down to what community is going to benefit the most from this," Klakamp said.
Klakamp said he hopes the arrival of county employees will help offset some of the loss that came with the closure of YHS through spending at local restaurants, grocery stores and other businesses, as well as local services tax revenue for the borough.
He also noted that the building could serve residents beyond Youngsville, including those from Brokenstraw, Pittsfield and other nearby communities who might otherwise have to travel to Warren.
Community groups have already expressed interest in using portions of the building.
Klakamp shared that he envisions making the auditorium available to fire departments, nonprofit organizations and other community groups at a reasonable cost.
Cotton said the county has seen a lot of support from Youngsville officials throughout the project so far. The borough has assisted in building-permit matters and rezoning needed to allow commercial office use.
"The community piece was huge. Bringing in 75 employees that are going to work here," Cotton said. "That’s a meaningful revenue stream for them."
He also said the project has seen support for the Revitalization of Youngsville organization.
"I think we have got the support of the people we have needed to keep this on track," Cotton said.