"The structure was basically gutted," he said.
Construction workers added restrooms, electricity and central heating in the building, along with a ramp for disabled patrons out back. At the same time, they had to follow federal preservation standards, in keeping with the school's listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
"It's very dramatic," said Arundel Community Development Services Executive Director Kathleen M. Koch.
The school retains its original wood floors and wood trim. The exterior's light blue paint is an exact match to the school's original color, verified by testing chips from the wood siding. Photographs hanging in the front room tell the story of how it served the community in the past.
Marley Neck School is one of eight Rosenwald schools still standing in Anne Arundel County.
Koch said most of these are being renovated, including two that have been joined together in Shady Side.
The schools mark an important period in the county's history, she said, and the lengths the local black community went in the name of education.
"Education is an agent for change. Education is the ultimate equalizer," she said, adding, "These buildings are important to the African-American community. Therefore, they should be important to all of us."
Gaither hopes the school once again becomes an important part of the community, while paying homage to its past.
"I just want [people] to know that this was a school where there was a lot of love," she said.
david.zenlea@baltsun.com
