(Lawrenceville, Ga., Nov. 6, 2025) – The Hooper-Renwick Themed Library has been named Redevelopment Project of the Year at the Metro Atlanta Redevelopment Summit. The honor recognizes Metro Atlanta projects that prove excellence in design, innovation and community impact.

The project reimagines the historic Hooper-Renwick School, once the only public school for Black students in Gwinnett County, as a themed public library and museum that connects the past to the present through education, preservation, and storytelling.

“The Hooper-Renwick project reminds us that progress doesn’t mean replacing history, it means learning from it,” said Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson. “To have this project recognized as Redevelopment Project of the Year validates the vision we had for this place – preserving the past while giving our community a library and museum that uplifts us all.”

Developed in partnership with the city of Lawrenceville, the facility preserves elements of the original school while adding new spaces for exhibits, reading and community engagement. The museum highlights the contributions of Hooper-Renwick’s educators and students, and the adjoining library offers expanded access to books, technology and programs. 

The Redevelopment Project of the Year award recognizes projects that strengthen the region’s cultural, social and economic vitality.

The summit is hosted by Partnership Gwinnett and the Council for Quality Growth.