A historic 106-year-old former school in Hamilton's lower city will soon house classes and workshops from the Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD) University.

The city will spend $1 million to create a community hub at the former King George School at 77 Gage Ave. N.

That hub will include the public library, Early Years Learning Centres and several arts and culture organizations, says Matthew Green, outgoing Ward 3 councillor.

It will also include OCAD workshops and continuing studies. Sara Diamond, OCAD president, says the university is looking forward to a Hamilton presence. OCAD has already partnered with Hamilton Youth Poets in support of its Black Youth Design Initiative.

"We are excited … to support Hamilton's creative cultural industries, inspiring youth and providing continuing education opportunities," Diamond said in a press release issued through Green's office.

The city will contribute $1 million through the Ward 3 area reserve — $250,000 to study the building and its needs, and $750,000 toward establishing the hub.

Built in 1912, King George School is designated as a heritage building. It closed in 2012, and has sat partially vacant ever since. The city purchased it last year from the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board.

The hub, Green said, represents "a multimillion-dollar investment in arts and education in our neighbourhood."