Former students, teachers, families, neighbors, and community members are invited to return to the halls of the former Beaver School for “Flashback to School, Beaver School Stories,” a free community celebration co-presented by the The Schoolyard Flats and Tillamook County Historical Society on Saturday, Aug. 15, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Held at the former Beaver School campus, the afternoon will bring together generations of community members to honor the school’s history while learning about its exciting future as The Schoolyard Flats, a mixed-use community redevelopment that will transform the long-vacant campus into affordable housing and a vibrant community gathering place. The development aims to preserve an important community landmark while creating new opportunities for housing, connection, and economic vitality in South Tillamook County.

The event will feature stories and memories shared by former students, teachers, and community members, along with a presentation about the future of the campus. Following the presentations, attendees are invited to join guided tours of the building, enjoy a complimentary scoop of ice cream, and relive their school days walking the school grounds or shooting some hoops. 

“By collecting stories of the people with the strongest connections to the school, we hope the future of this campus is rooted in the experiences that made it so special in the first place,” said Kevin and Katie Shluka, developers of The Schoolyard Flats. “We want for the Schoolyard Flats to honor the school’s legacy while creating new opportunities for future generations to gather, learn, and thrive.”

The Shlukas say that co-presenting the event with the Tillamook County Historical Society — which is dedicated to preserving, celebrating, and sharing the history of Tillamook County — reflects a shared commitment to preserving local stories while celebrating the people and places that have shaped South Tillamook County.

The Schoolyard Flats project will redevelop the former Beaver Middle School into approximately 30 apartment homes intended to serve agricultural workers, families, seniors, and others seeking stable, affordable housing in South Tillamook County.

The Shlukas say the vision extends far beyond housing. Plans for the campus include a new Tillamook County Library branch, a community gymnasium, a certified child care facility, a commercial kitchen, maker spaces for local entrepreneurs and artisans, and welcoming outdoor gathering spaces. Kevin and Katie say that, together, these amenities are designed to create a walkable community hub that supports residents while strengthening the social, cultural, and economic vitality of the region.

The Schlukas are no strangers to developments aimed at improving the community. The duo are longtime South Tillamook County residents, and are also the team behind the Kingfisher Apartments in Pacific City, a successful workforce housing community completed in 2023.

Community members of all ages are encouraged to attend. Whether you attended Beaver School, taught there, raised children who walked its halls, or simply want to learn more about its future, everyone is welcome.

To sign-up to attend the free event in advance, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/flashback-to-school-tickets-1994629972943?aff=oddtdtcreator.

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