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Chesapeake City to buy 105 Pine St. for one-room schoolhouse museum; council approves $72,500 purchase
Summary
The Chesapeake City Council approved Resolution 2026-002 to buy 105 Pine St. for $72,500, aiming to convert the former Chesapeake City Colored School House into a one-room schoolhouse museum with roughly $200,000 in renovations and intent to pursue grant funding. The council voted unanimously.
The Chesapeake City Council voted April 13 to purchase 105 Pine St., Chesapeake City, MD 21915, for $72,500 with the stated intent to convert the former Chesapeake City Colored School House into a one-room schoolhouse museum and to seek grant funding to cover renovation costs.
Town Manager Rob Bernstine told council the purchase price is $72,500 and that renovations could be in the range of about $200,000, noting a figure of $300.00 per square foot as an estimate cited during the discussion. Councilmembers said they expect to pursue grants and outside organizations to help gather historical information and create the museum displays. Council also discussed dedicating part or all of the museum to Andrea Ronell Sewell.
The motion to approve Resolution 2026-002 was made by Frank Vari and seconded by Sarah Ford-Ferrara and passed unanimously. Council did not specify exact grant sources during the meeting; staff indicated they were “certain” they could obtain grant funding for the majority, if not all, of the renovations.
Background materials distributed to council included an outline of the building’s history and a preliminary cost estimate for rehabilitation. Council members voiced support for preserving the historic structure and using the site for public education. The manager and staff will pursue grant applications and coordinate with historical organizations identified during the discussion.
The council approved the resolution without amendment. The town did not set a project timeline in the meeting; staff and council indicated follow-up work and fundraising would precede renovation contracts.
