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Board hears feasibility report for Mary Nottingham Smith Cultural Enrichment Center; phased build estimated at about $14 million
Summary
County staff and a consultant presented a feasibility study recommending a phased renovation of the former Mary Nottingham Smith School into a community cultural center with youth programming, event rentals and up to about 15 second‑floor apartments; first‑phase envelope work was estimated at roughly $8.9 million and a total project near $14 million.
The Accomack County Board of Supervisors received a final feasibility report for the Mary Nottingham Smith Cultural Enrichment Center and discussed next steps for fundraising and grant applications.
County Administrator Mike Mason introduced Dr. Leslie West, who led the study and presented conceptual designs and program ideas generated from community meetings and consultation with Commonwealth Architects. West said the 50,000‑square‑foot former school could host youth enrichment, makerspace and music/recording rooms on the first floor and that the currently unused second floor could accommodate about 15 apartments to help address local housing shortages.
From the feasibility analysis, staff identified core renovation needs including roof replacement, upgraded windows for energy efficiency, sprinkler system compliance and restroom renovations. West said the recommended phased approach would begin with an “envelope” phase addressing the exterior and primary systems; she estimated that phase at about $8,900,000 and the full project at roughly $14,000,000. West said a capital campaign is being developed for 2025 and that the project team intends to seek construction grant funding (staff mentioned a potential application in 2026).
Board members and attendees commended the project and asked about current uses and programming. West noted the first floor already generates rental revenue via the cafeteria and gymnasium, supports activities such as senior bingo and Boys & Girls Club programs, and that improving those spaces would support event rentals and community use. She said the team is evaluating market demand, rent levels and tenant types for the proposed second‑floor housing and emphasized that the full scope would be staged depending on funding.
The presentation materials and feasibility report were placed in the board packet for further review; West asked the board for approval to continue planning and to pursue construction grants when eligible. The board did not take a funding vote at the meeting; staff said the next steps will include capital campaign planning and potential grant applications and return to the board for any required funding or grant acceptance decisions.
