There are redevelopment projects that look good on paper, and then there are the rare few that feel like the heartbeat of a community. The Hooper-Renwick Themed Library in Lawrenceville belongs squarely in the second category. Fresh off being named “Redevelopment Project of the Year” at the 2025 Metro Atlanta Redevelopment Summit, this branch of the Gwinnett County Public Library is getting attention across the region for all the right reasons: it’s smart, intentional, and rooted in a story that matters far beyond the building’s new walls.
For decades, the former Hooper-Renwick School stood as a reminder of a complicated chapter in Gwinnett’s past. It was once the only public school for Black students in the county, a place where generations built futures despite limited resources. Instead of letting that history fade, Gwinnett County and the City of Lawrenceville chose a different path: they preserved it, rebuilt it, and invited the entire community to step inside and learn.
A Modern Space That Still Knows Its Roots
Walk through the new library and you feel it instantly: the structure has grown up without growing away. Restored brick and original elements nod to its past, while the redesigned layout opens into bright study areas, collaborative zones, a themed museum, and community gathering spaces that are very 2025 in all the best ways.
A quick glance at what stands out:
- Exhibits that honor alumni stories and the school’s legacy
- Learning spaces built for both students and adults
- Community rooms designed for workshops, meetings and creative programs
- Thoughtful preservation touches that respect what came before
It’s the kind of place where teens work on homework, grandparents revisit memories, and out of town visitors walk in curious and leave with a better understanding of Gwinnett’s story.
A Boost for Downtown Lawrenceville
The timing couldn’t be better. Downtown Lawrenceville is already buzzing with renewed energy, and Hooper-Renwick adds a cultural anchor that elevates the whole area. The library is helping draw visitors who explore nearby restaurants, stroll the historic square, and support small businesses. It’s proof that redevelopment can be both impactful and practical, blending heritage with economic momentum.
More than a building, Hooper-Renwick is a signal that Gwinnett’s future doesn’t require erasing its past; it just needs projects that honor history, invest in people, and strengthen the places we share. And on that front, this rebuild delivers exactly what the award says it does.
Looking for more standout places shaping learning in Gwinnett? Visit guidetogwinnett.com/education-childcare.
