Nonprofit outlines plan to restore Sullivan Gardens school as community hub

Dennis Holmes, a presenter for a Tennessee-registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit that said it has eight board members including two from county government, told the Sullivan County School Board during a work session that his group seeks to acquire and renovate the historic Sullivan Gardens school building to serve as a community hub.

Holmes said the building is in a state of disrepair and listed immediate needs including gutter repair, water abatement, window replacement, exterior wood stripping and painting, plumbing evaluation and remediation, and wood repairs. "Our mission statement is to provide a home for non profit organizations, resources, and opportunities to the Sullivan Gardens area that will help grow and attract external businesses, organizations, and new residents to help revitalize the community," Holmes said.

The nonprofit's vision, as Holmes described it, includes: relocating the Sullivan County Library into the left wing of the building; a commercial kitchen and rentable conference rooms; a banquet room and small theater in the old band room; a senior center and summer youth programming; a daycare operated by an outside provider; conversion of old tennis courts into pickleball courts; a community garden and an outdoor event venue on the former "smoking pit" area; and a coffee and pastry operation to generate ongoing donations to support the facility.

Holmes said one large, unnamed benefactor has pledged significant support but will not release funds until the organization acquires the property. He listed other revenue sources as coffee shop revenue, fundraising events, and federal, state and local grants. He also said $250,000 in equipment for the facility has been donated and is in storage.

On safety and operations, Holmes said the nonprofit would install a six-foot chain-link fence with gated access to separate the community center from the elementary school, add video surveillance, vet all lessees, and prohibit uses the board deemed inappropriate (Holmes cited no Alcoholics Anonymous or drug treatment groups as lessees). He described a proposed on-site "law enforcement lounge" for deputies to use Wi‑Fi and workspace, and said the group plans not to schedule large events during hours when children are present.

Holmes described near-term steps the nonprofit would take after acquiring the property: immediate remediation of known water leaks and gutters, appointment of a facility director, and initiation of fundraising and grant applications. He said grants cannot be applied for until the organization has possession of the property and that some prospective donors will not commit until acquisition occurs.

Megan, identified by Holmes as both a board member of the nonprofit and a representative of the Sullivan County Library, told the board she needs substantially more space than the library currently has; Holmes said the library could move into the school's left wing and gain roughly five times its present space.

Board members asked procedural questions about past uses of the property, permissions for events such as car shows, and how the nonprofit would vet lessees. Holmes said the group had rules in its bylaws and would consult the school board before placing organizations in the building.

Ending: Holmes left the presentation materials with board offices and said he would provide his phone number and contact information for follow-up. He asked the board for questions, suggestions and support as the nonprofit pursues acquisition and remediation of the property.