Tony LaBerge, owner of DeForest’s historic Morrisonville Elementary School building at 4649 Willow St., is undertaking a renovation to turn the former schoolhouse into a mixed commercial and residential space, The Star reports. The lower level will house a commercial dance studio, while the upper level will become a private, three-bedroom, three-bathroom residence for LaBerge himself, who purchased the property in 2021.
The transformed space will be called Frog Manor, inspired by Morrisonville’s “Frogtown USA” reputation and the building’s history. LaBerge initially pitched renting the space as an event hall, but the proposal was rejected by the Windsor Village Board as a result of resident concerns.
The board accepted a revised business plan in April that brought forward partner Alexsandra Rockman’s idea for Dancing with Heart Studios. Rockman studied dance performance at Northern Illinois University and danced with Madison dance company Magnum Opus Ballet.
Dance classes will be offered for adults and children aged three and up once the studio opens. Individuals of any experience level are welcome.
The building’s former gymnasium has been converted into a sprung dance floor. With prior contracting experience, LaBerge has removed much of the building’s interior and converted its nine-foot drop ceilings to vaulted, 24-foot spaces. A number of structural improvements are being undertaken as well, and a number of concealed walls and windows are being uncovered and restored. LaBerge has also installed a new rooftop solar system and radiant heat flooring.
