Jacksonville Review – Dec 2024/Jan 2025

THERE ARE MANY WONDERFUL THINGS happening in Jacksonville these days, one of which is the return of the Bigham Knoll Campus and grounds as a cornerstone of activity and community pride. Mel and Brooke Ashland purchased the campus in 2008 at which time the School House and grounds were in disarray and blighted. Needing a space to house Mel’s international accounting firm, and a site for Brooke’s dream of a neighborhood preschool, the Ashlands jumped in and saved the historic site, investing millions of dollars in historic preservation.

Over the years, uses of the historic site have included multi-corporate offices to a large-scale German restaurant, and more. Brooke notes that few firms today are looking for large-scale office sites and a new idea to repurpose the campus would be for senior housing, notably elder care and for smaller-scale office suites.

For those looking for a new dining venue, Brooke reports that, “dinner’s ready…after a three-year hiatus, the School House Restaurant and Bar will reopen on December 1st just in time for holiday fun.” Located on the first floor of the historic 1908 School House, Black Barn Kitchen is serving up delicious homemade dinners and irresistible brunch offerings. After a successful summer of outdoor cooking at the Jacksonville Sunday Market on the grounds of New City Hall and serving food on the Bigham Knoll patio alongside Rogue Ales, they have moved indoors to the restaurant space that once housed the Schoolhaus Brewhaus.

Brooke shared more good news with the Review, saying, “The Bigham Knoll Event Center which includes the original Jacksonville High School gymnasium and annex classrooms, have been repurposed and beautifully reappointed, now offering rental space for small gatherings in the classrooms, larger celebrations in the Ballroom, and corporate events on the entire campus for training and team building purposes.

For the sports fan, patrons of the Bigham Knoll campus will have access to the pickleball court (opening in the spring) along with miniature golf and basketball, bocce ball and other field activities.

For more information about any of these exciting Bigham Knoll opportunities, please visit www.bighamknoll.com, or call 541-899-9665.