Palacios Colored School

Originally only two rooms, this building was the grade school for Black children in Palacios in 1933. In 1939 the school building was moved to its current location and enlarged to accommodate additional students. It served as the city’s only Black school until integration in 1963, at which time the building was closed and decades of deferred maintenance led to deterioration. The Palacios Community Coalition purchased the endangered building in 2011, and has been rehabilitating it as funds become available. The building now houses the Sanford Community Center.

Grant Award From Preservation Texas: $35,000
Matching Funds From Sanford Community Center: $8,750
Funds Needed to Raise: $19,200

The grant funding will make it possible to undertake foundation work, replace corrugated wall panels with historically appropriate wood siding, fix broken windows, and replace two exterior doors. Additional funding will enable the building’s aging electrical wiring to be replaced with a safe, code compliant system, and provide for the replacement of an aging HVAC system with a modern, energy efficient system.

"The teaching staff at the Palacios Colored School brought a standard of educational excellence to the community. The building now houses a community center that honors their work. In a place built for segregation due to bias and prejudice, we herald the accomplishments of today’s Palacios and celebrate Black History Month as we move toward the all-inclusive community that is our vision and goal.”

- Robin Lewis, Director of the Sanford Community Center

The Palacios Colored School building circa 1930s and today.

School children pose at the Palacios Colored School circa 1940.

Interior of the Palacios Colored School building (now Sanford Community Center).

Community gathering at the Sanford Community Center.

Educational event at the Sanford Community Center.