Landmark at Abilene

From Classroom to Community; The Next Chapter of the Travis School Building.

Originally constructed in 1921 and designed by prominent architect David Castle Sr., the Travis School Building stands as a compelling example of Progressive Era educational design—an evolution in school architecture that emphasized light, ventilation, and thoughtful spatial organization. Today, this historic structure has been carefully rehabilitated into affordable housing, preserving its architectural legacy while reimagining its purpose to serve the community in a meaningful and enduring way.

DEVELOPER:

Overland Property Group

TYPE:

Historic Rehabilitation, Affordable Housing

SCALE:

2 historic buildings & 1 new construction; over 30,000 sf; $7M in construction costs

BRAGS:

This restoration stands as a masterclass in preservation, where extraordinary care and craftsmanship were invested to restore and celebrate every historic detail of the original building.

A Careful Restoration: Honoring Every Historic Detail of the Historic School & Cafeteria

Carefully rehabilitated, the Landmark at Abilene (formerly the Travis School) preserves an extraordinary level of historic detail that continues to define its character and charm. Original refinished oak floors run throughout the former classrooms (now apartments), complemented by restored plaster walls and open, high ceilings that retain their authentic finish.

The building’s craftsmanship is evident in its brick and handcrafted terracotta exterior accents, detailed wood molding and trim, and the preservation of original classroom elements such as chalkboards, chalk trays, shutter windows, and even the historic student lockers—now thoughtfully repurposed for resident use. Original wood and steel windows have been restored, while the classic school layout remains intact, with a central corridor and iconic wrapping staircases anchoring both ends of the structure.

This adaptive reuse introduces 29 thoughtfully designed apartments across the property, including 18 within the historic school building, 4 in the former cafeteria, and 7 in newly constructed additions that complement the original architecture. A new elevator has been sensitively integrated on the east side of the school building to improve accessibility while respecting the structure’s historic fabric. Throughout the development, modern, clean-lined finishes have been introduced in a restrained and intentional way—enhancing livability while allowing the building’s historic features to remain the true focal point of the experience.