Project Timeline

Mary Farley upon her death left $10,000 to construct a school. In today’s dollars that is the equivalent of about $300, 000.

1877

The Farley School was built in 1877 to serve 267 students in grades 1-12. The first floor housed grades 1-8, the second floor grades 9-12, and the third floor was leased to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

1921

A 2 ½ story addition was added to the school due to a growing student population.

1952

Hollis built a new elementary school for grades 1-6, and the Farley building remained the home to students in grades 7-12.

1958

The iconic tower was damaged by lightning and removed.

1962

Hollis built a new high school (now the HB Middle School). For the next 40 years, the Farley building served as the home for arts, language, and special education classes.

1991

The building was leased to the HB COOP School District.

2005

The Farley School Building was closed.

The school department vacated the school and the Town of Hollis became owner.

A committee was formed to investigate and determine the viable options for the building

$50K was approved by the residents of Hollis who voted to approve funding to stabilize and mothball the building for future use.

The Farley Building was designated as Seven to Save by the NH Preservation Society.

The Farley Building Committee was created to make recommendations for the building’s disposition.

$50K was approved by the residents of Hollis and the funding was approved to develop a condition assessment and feasibility reuse study on the building.

The architectural firm of Misiaszek Turpin pllc was contracted to perform a feasibility study of the building, a condition assessment, and the proposed rendering of the building was completed.

The residents of Hollis approved $300K to fund a complete construction and bid management package to be used relative to an RFP for the work. The package will include complete construction, engineering, and structural drawings. When the drawings are completed, bids can be issued.

Fundraising efforts will continue.

The FBCC committee is actively pursuing community input and pledges of support from local construction businesses.

Article 2 to be voted on to secure a $4.8M bond to begin rehabilitation.

Article 2 did not pass.

The Farley Building has officially been listed on the New Hampshire State Register of Historic Places.

The FBCC Committee completed its work and was dissolved.