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Roosevelt Elementary School closed in 2024, the last school south of Kemp Avenue.
The future of the former Roosevelt Elementary School building and site is questionable, although not bleak. The school, the last on Watertown’s south side, closed in May, 2024. At the time, Watertown School District administration explained that demographics had shifted as Watertown has grown primarily to the north. Further compounding the issue was anticipated roof and boiler repair. In spite of its closure, the building and grounds remain property of the Watertown School District and the location is used a bus pick-up and drop-off location for students who live in the neighborhood.
Roosevelt Elementary School opened in 1950, serving students from Kindergarten through Grade 6 in Watertown’s south central neighborhood. An addition in 1989 added space for Special Education. A multi-purpose room, music room and a large library were also added. The 1989 expansion saw the addition of an elevator shaft for the two-story building, although the elevator was not installed until the mid-2000’s.
For the most part, the Roosevelt building is not in use, except for storage. When Garfield Elementary School closed in 2002, the space was almost immediately put to use for Special Education and other district services. However, there is no such need for space in the District at this time, according to Superintendent Dr. Jeff Danielsen.
Dr. Danielsen explained that the district is entertaining several ideas for the building and the site from both the private and public sector. The building has been looked at already by potential developers. One proposal brought forth by area business leaders calls for the first story of the building to be used as childcare facility. Under this proposal, ownership of the building would most likely be transferred to another entity. According to Dr. Danielsen, “the District doesn’t want to become a landlord.”
The playground at Roosevelt Elementary School is still open and available for the enjoyment of neighborhood children.
The Harmony Hill development, with its planned affordable housing piece, could one day necessitate renewed educational options on the south side of Watertown. However, Danielsen stated it is not likely that the current Roosevelt building would ever be reopened as a school. The District recognizes there are no longer any schools south of Kemp. Danielsen also said whatever becomes of the building or the site, it would be appropriate for a residential area, stating “We are committed to that neighborhood.”
Interested parties should contact the district’s central offices to inquire. The property also features a parking lot northeast of the building.
