Preserving Legacy: McAdory High School Through Two Generations of Design
At Davis Architects, few projects capture our commitment to education and community quite like McAdory High School — a story that connects two generations of design and more than 60 years of architectural evolution.
McAdory High School was first constructed in the late 1930s. The original design was led by Charles F. Davis — our very own Neil Davis’s father — who, at the time, worked for E.B. Van Keuren & Associates.
Defined by elegant Art Deco detailing, including a Greek key motif cast into the building’s concrete exterior, the school stood as a symbol of progress and pride for the Jefferson County community. With its sturdy poured-concrete walls and timeless proportions, McAdory was designed to last — and it did.
Returning to a Legacy
More than six decades later, the Jefferson County School Board began exploring options for McAdory High —whether to build a new facility or preserve the original. When the McCalla community voiced their desire to keep and modernize their historic school, Davis was invited to reimagine the space for a new generation.
“It was gratifying to have a community love a project enough that they wanted to save it; that was really special,” said Neil Davis. Following in his father’s footsteps, Neil led the renovation effort, honoring the past while introducing new spaces that reflected how education had evolved.
Blending the Old with the New
Our revitalization balanced preservation with innovation. We expanded the school’s footprint by converting the old gymnasium into a performing arts theater, adding a new competition gymnasium, and completely renovating classroom spaces.
The project also presented unique structural challenges. The original concrete walls were exceptionally solid, which required creative planning to adapt existing layouts without compromising the building’s integrity.
Jim Hartsell, who was the project manager, recalls the multiple layers of paint encountered – the building had been painted 8 or 9 times. A historic paint expert tested samples from the building and determined the exact color of the original building, which we matched in the renovation.
Throughout the project, we were intentional about retaining the building’s character. For example, the original Greek key design was subtly reinterpreted in new flooring and finishes, creating a cohesive thread between old and new.
“We used modern materials and replaced older elements but did it in a way that preserved the original intent,” Neil recalled.
A Community Connection Reinforced
Before construction began, we presented our renovation plans to the McAdory community - a moment Neil remembers as very rewarding in his career.
“It was gratifying to hear what the original building meant to people,” he said. “This is a community that’s stayed intact for generations. To see their pride and connection - that was truly unique.”
That sense of continuity — from father to son, from original construction to revitalization - became the project’s defining story.
A Testament to Enduring Design
Today, McAdory High School remains a cornerstone of its community, serving students in facilities that reflect both history and modern learning. For us at Davis Architects, the project represents more than a renovation - it’s a symbol of enduring design, lasting legacy, and the timeless relationship between architecture and community.