GRANTSVILLE — Ground will be broken Saturday afternoon on an $8.4 million effort to renovate the former Calhoun County High School into a community center serving multiple counties in the region.
The event is scheduled for 3 p.m. Saturday at the school building.
According to a release from the 1982 Foundation, which is leading the project, the center will focus on child care and development, entrepreneurial support and business development and addiction recovery.
“None of these essential services exist in Calhoun County,” said Crystal Mersh, president of the foundation. “Child care is necessary for parents who want to grow long, successful careers. Entrepreneurial support is key to growing our county’s business base. Addiction recovery services are imperative for the health of our neighbors and friends who need additional support. All of these are essential.”
In addition, the Community Center will have farm-to-fork, recreational guide/outfitter, goat farming and art/antique collectives and a farmers’ market and animal shelter.
“The center will serve at least seven counties across Central West Virginia with vital services,” said Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va. “This groundbreaking renovation will continue to ensure West Virginia is the best place to live, work and raise a family.”
A pool will be built on the grounds of the former football field as part of a larger gym and recreation facility.
The 1982 Foundation provided $2 million in seed money to get the renovations and building started. By May, an additional bridge loan will be provided to fully fund the project and secure tax credits, the release said.
The 1982 Foundation is applying to get the building on the National Historic Registry, as well as obtain historic tax credits at both the state and federal levels.
Money from grants and future fundraising efforts will round out the $8.4 million cost for the facility and pool.
“It is a collective effort, with so many different organizations and people helping to make it a success,” Mersh said.
The project has received praise from the state’s top elected officials.
“At a time when we are seeing so much positive growth and economic development in West Virginia, it is great that the people of Calhoun County are working together to develop this new community center,” said U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va.
“I am incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication that has gone into making this possible,” Gov. Jim Justice said. “I know that both children and adults will enjoy this new facility, and it will be an incredible asset to the seven counties.”