THIS WAS A SCHOOL

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28 ST JOHN'S STREET IN LIMERICK

This attractive red brick building which I photographed during my 2015 visit to Limerick, located on St. John's Street, has a rich history. While details about the company, Fahy & Co., remain limited, the building's current status is much clearer [now in May 2024].

The red brick building on 28 St. John's Street in Limerick was the former Reverend Brother J.P. Welsh Memorial Schools.

Built in 1888, this historic building served as a school for many years. The architectural style is notable for its red brick facade, curvilinear gabled entrance porch, and Dutch-style limestone pediment. It's a significant landmark in Limerick, listed on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage.

While it was vacant and in a state of disrepair for some time, the building has since been meticulously restored. However, it no longer functions as a school. Instead, it has been repurposed to house the Northstar Family Support Project, a valuable community organisation that provides essential services and support to families in need.

This adaptive reuse of the building is a testament to the commitment to preserving Limerick's architectural heritage while also addressing contemporary community needs. The building's transformation into a vibrant community hub honours its legacy while ensuring its continued relevance in the 21st century.