On the morning of April 19, 2021, the WV School Building Authority(SBA) approved $8 million dollars toward the renovation of the Alderson Community Center for the Arts and Humanities (former Alderson High School) to become the new Alderson Elementary School. The Greenbrier County Board of Education will match this funding with $3 million for a total investment of $11 million.
Greenbrier Board of Education President Jeanie Wyatt made the announcement at a quickly assembled meeting in the old gymnasium at the Alderson Community Center.
Chief School Business Officer David McClure said, “This is an exciting day for the Alderson Community with the approval for the adaptive re-use of this building. There were 28 applications to the SBA and the Alderson application was ranked Number 4.”
Going forward, the Greenbrier County Board of Education will immediately advertise for an architectural firm to complete the design. A committee will be appointed to review those applications with the top 3 receiving interviews. The selected firm will then prepare the design and specifications for the re-use. The project is expected to go to bid for a construction firm in about 6 months. The construction period is likely to last from 18 to 24 months with possible completion by the fall of 2024.
Wyatt said, “Thanks to all those in the community and all the others who helped make this possible.”
Mayor Travis Copenhaver addressed the gathered staff of Alderson Elementary and said, “You touch lives every day. You deserve the showcase this is going to be. You shape the future every day and do it with passion.”
Copenhaver also thanked the Board of the Alderson Community Center for the Arts and Humanities who have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years to maintain and improve the building. Without their efforts, this would not have been possible.
In return for the Community Center Building, the Town of Alderson will receive the current Elementary School building and property.
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