Tower View School Leases Space Until 2036

Tower View Alternative High School will continue to operate at the Anderson Center until at least 2036, following the signing of a new 10-year lease. This agreement ensures the school's continued presence on a campus renowned as a top artistic destination.

A recent fundraising effort successfully garnered $1.95 million. The Jeffris Family Foundation contributed $650,000 to this campaign, supporting the development of historic sites. Approximately 90% of the total funds are allocated to renovating the "Big Lab."

These renovations will transform the "Big Lab" into new classrooms for the alternative high school. Students will move from their current basement space to classrooms featuring windows and a dedicated kitchen area. They will also retain an existing room, allowing for more individualized student spaces.

The unique educational environment at the Anderson Center allows students to learn alongside working artists. This proximity offers them invaluable exposure to creative careers and expands their worldview. Approximately 70 students typically attend the school at any given time.

The Anderson Center's history dates back over a century, originally owned by Dr. Alexander Pierce Anderson, who developed "Quaker Puffed Wheat" and "Quaker Puffed Rice." The site has also served various other purposes, including research laboratories and a rehabilitation center, before becoming the Anderson Center in 1995.