Rocky Mount plans renovations for historic Bell Clinic as behavioral health facility

The City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting held on March 24 in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, focused on the redevelopment of a historic building that once housed Memorial Hospital. The discussions highlighted the challenges and opportunities associated with transforming the structure into a state-of-the-art behavioral health facility while preserving its historic integrity.

The building, which dates back to 1937 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has been vacant since 2015 and is currently in a state of disrepair. Council members and project representatives emphasized the importance of maintaining the building's architectural character during renovations. The proposed redevelopment aims to not only restore the building but also to enhance community services by incorporating a behavioral health facility and workforce development spaces.

Key challenges identified include significant structural issues, such as unsuitable soil conditions and the presence of hazardous materials like asbestos and mold. The project team plans to address these issues by gutting the interior down to the exterior walls and replacing up to four feet of soil around the building's perimeter. This extensive groundwork is necessary to ensure the safety and stability of the new construction.

The redevelopment plan includes a new addition to facilitate an elevator and stair tower, improving accessibility between the first and second floors. The first floor will feature therapy rooms and support spaces, while the second floor will focus on workforce training and community engagement, including a large community room for events.

Council members expressed their commitment to preserving Rocky Mount's cultural heritage while addressing the community's growing needs for mental health services. The project is seen as a vital step in revitalizing the area and providing essential resources to residents.

As the project moves forward, the council anticipates further discussions on funding and timelines, with a shared goal of transforming the historic site into a valuable community asset. The meeting underscored the balance between honoring the past and meeting contemporary needs, reflecting the city's dedication to both preservation and progress.