As The Helen Bush-Parkside school grew, more buildings were needed for classroom and dormitory space. In 1944, the Gracemont house, the carriage house, and its grounds were purchased. The property was graciously given to Mrs. Bush at a low price by the Heffernan family. Gracemont was used as a boarding house for seventh through tenth graders and as preschool classrooms. The carriage house was used by kindergarten classes.

The carriage house, later dedicated the Cunningham House, was torn down in 1999.