Former Helena School Property Renovation Project

Former Helena School Building

History of the Former Helena School Property Original School – organized in 1918 – accredited in – First building was a barn-like structure – replaced by the current structure in – grades 1 through 11 originally – 12 th grade was added at a later date

History of the Former Helena School Property (cont.) high school was consolidated with Mt. Tirzah and Hurdle Mills closed as a high school and consolidated with Roxboro High School. Maintained its elementary school status until it moved to its new location starting in the school year. The Helena School Property has been largely unused since Person County School System transferred ownership of the property to Person County government.

Steering Committee consisting of: – citizens – local government staff – educational officials September 23, 2013 Developed four utilization goals – business rental opportunities – community specific uses – service based uses – educational uses

Current & Future Uses Current recreational activities: basketball, soccer, jogging/walking, etc. Piedmont Community College classrooms Public Safety Substation – EMS Station and Sheriff Station (September 2014) Remote Person County Library (Planning Phase)

Utilization: Primary Purposes Cultural Arts & Community Center – Person County Welcome Center – Extension of the Person County Library – Facilities for family reunions – Weddings – Community information events – Concerts – Theatrical plays – Town hall meetings – Permanent meeting space for non-profit groups

Utilization: Primary Purposes Enhanced Early College – Serving grades 6-13 – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM). – Merging technical coursework with hands-on training in cultural arts and business – Graduates receive both a high school diploma and an associate degree from Piedmont Community College.

Utilization: Primary Purposes Retail Center – Rent-Based Businesses – Daycare – Barber Shop – Café’ / Restaurant

Utilization: Primary Purposes Arts and Crafts Studio & Gallery – for local artisans PotteryPainting Stained glassBlacksmithing QuiltingWoodcrafts Metal-crafts, etc.

Utilization: Secondary Purposes Farmer’s Market Recycling Center Senior Living Community Retail Center Timberlake Museum Flexible Trades and Industry Training Space

Community Forum Saturday, January 25 th at. 11:00 am - Summary Presentation – Location: Old Helena Gymnasium 11:45 am - Tours

Community Survey Electronic Version: – Paper Version: – Available at Library – Return to: Library completed survey to Surveys due by Feb. 15 th.

Questions?