Concord School District Sells Rumford School for $400K

The Concord School District has sold the former Rumford Elementary School to Concord Community Arts Center LLC, owned by Brian Thibeault, for $399,500, according to school documents.

Thibeault hopes that his new company will bring the arts community in the city together in a central location where local artists can find small and large spaces to work in.

Previously, Thibeault developed the Pawtucket Armory Arts Center in Rhode Island, and the facility now features arts, dance, theatre, and other local events in the building.

The school, constructed in 1902, is the third that was sold by the district in the wake of its $90 million elementary school consolidation project that constructed three new elementary schools and demolished three historic buildings. 

The former Walker Elementary School was sold to Binnie Media, which will soon be opening its media center at the location. The former Dame Elementary School was sold to the city of Concord for a community center and new offices for the Concord Parks & Recreation Department.

Nearly two years ago, Christ the King Parish, St. John School officials were eyeing Rumford for a new school but backed out of the plan.

Water problems at the McAuliffe Elementary School, including leaking roofs as well as lawn, sod, and drainage problems on the grounds, appear to be resolved. 

The school board will be at the Concord High School media center at 7 p.m. on Monday, July 7, to discuss renovations at the Dewey School which is currently being used as the district's central office.