1. Former Helena School Property Renovation Project

2. Former Helena School Building

3. History of the Former Helena School Property Original School – organized in 1918 – accredited in 1923. – First building was a barn-like structure – replaced by the current structure in 1936. – grades 1 through 11 originally – 12 th grade was added at a later date

4. History of the Former Helena School Property (cont.) 1953 - high school was consolidated with Mt. Tirzah and Hurdle Mills 1969 - 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 2000- 2001 school year. The Helena School Property has been largely unused since 2001. 2012 - Person County School System transferred ownership of the property to Person County government.

5. 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

9. 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)

10. 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

11. 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.

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

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

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

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

16. Community Survey Electronic Version: – https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/X9MPBMF. https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/X9MPBMF Paper Version: – Available at Library – Return to: Library Email completed survey to survey@personcounty.netsurvey@personcounty.net Surveys due by Feb. 15 th.

17. Questions?