NILES, Mich. -- The City of Niles will hold a Grand Opening for Ferry Street School Park.

The free event will take place from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 27, with remarks and a ribbon cutting ceremony beginning at 4:30 p.m.

The former school was destroyed by a fire in May 2023 where only the front facade was left standing.

The Ferry Street School was built in 1867 as the “Colored School,” when schools integrated a few years later, the school served all the children in the Ferry Street neighborhood.

This isn't the first time the school has reopened after closing in 1975, a group of citizens recognized the school's historical significance and restored the building.

Now this grand opening is funded by the City of Niles, Ferry Street Resource Center and other individuals and groups.