4/5/07

Diamond in the Rough
Weldon Cultural/Civic Complex nearing reality
By Cathy Gilbert

For more than a decade, various community groups have fostered the dream of a cultural arts and civic center at the site of the old Weldon Auditorium.

Soon, that dream will begin to become a reality.

In October 2002, County Administrator Bill Houser appointed a committee of local citizens to investigate the feasibility of renovating the Old Manning High School campus as a community center and to create a Master Plan for its use.

To create that plan, several focus groups were held throughout the county in the summer of 2005 with the goal receiving public commentary on potential uses for the site. “Hard hat” tours were conducted to let citizens see the facility’s potential as well as its needs.

That plan has been finalized, though it is, according to Clarendon County Grants Writer Steve Harrington, a very flexible document.

“We have created this plan to be accomplished in phases and that will be driven primarily by available funding,” Harrington said in a committee meeting Monday.

The committee has already secured nearly $1 million in grants funding for the project anticipated to cost nearly $4.8 million when all phases are completed, according to Harrington.

Phase 1 will be the renovation and expansion of the old high school cafeteria and what is known as the Ag Building.

This project will create a workforce educational center for the Clarendon County Disabilities and Special Needs Board (DSNB) and its clients, primarily adults with mental disabilities. Renovations will consist of a new roof, new electrical system with backup generators, new plumbing, new HVAC, ADA compliant restrooms, ramps and doors and new kitchen facilities. The facility will be used to train DSNB clients to work in the food service industry, as well as provide a catering venue for events held at the complex when completed.

That phase is scheduled to break ground before the end of the month, Harrington projects.

“We are still working through some engineering specifics, but we have hired local contractors, Stuckey and Gamble and they feel confident that this phase can be completed by the end of the year,” he said.

The Ag Building is being proposed as an art studio. Local artist and Manning resident Judy Latham has surveyed the facility and believes it could be renovated into a useful space for a working studio, she said Monday.

The cafeteria facility would also include some valuable meeting space, which the Manning Council of Garden Clubs is very interested in using … and willing to help provide funding for the project.

Weldon Committee chair Marie Land announced at Monday’s meeting that the Council of Garden Clubs has offered some donated land they own for sale, the proceeds from which they would like to donate to the Weldon project.

“They are asking for an agreement to have use of the meeting facility for their meetings, as well as a small, securable storage space,” Land said. “I would like us to consider this gift and a naming opportunity for the Council.”

Phase 2 is tentatively scheduled to be the renovation of the old gym and Clarendon County Recreation Director LeBon Joye is leading that effort. Renovation of this facility will also allow it to be used as an evacuation shelter in the case of an emergency either here or elsewhere in the state.

The third and final phase will be for the auditorium itself. Renovations will include a lobby addition to the existing facility, making it ADA compliant and installation of new electrical, plumbing, heating and air, a new ceiling and carpet and very minor cosmetic changes.

“This auditorium was completed in 1954 and has a very ‘retro’ look to it,” Land noted. “We want to preserve that element as we renovate. We are blessed that the retro look is still so popular and works so well.”

The committee anticipates the entire project to take at least five years to complete.

However, the committee is solid on one issue: Weldon and its surrounds are truly “diamonds in the rough” and that the project will have much to offer the entire county, culturally and economically.

“This facility is estimated to have a $12-$15 million replacement value,” Harrington said.

The group’s vision statement states: “(This facility will enable us to) improve our quality of life by offering multi-cultural programs that will be embraced by all citizens of Clarendon County, to bring unity through diversity, showcasing our county and demonstrating that we are a progressive community always on the cutting edge … a diamond waiting to be cut.”