For thousands of alumni, it's the original R.E. Lee High School in Staunton but by this time next year, the historic landmark will be home for a pair of non-profit groups and apartments for seniors.
Gypsy Hill Place is the latest chapter in Staunton’s recent history of historic rehab projects. The $20-million project transforms a school building that dates back more than 80 years. Friday the project went from behind-the-scenes negotiating to the turning of earth.
A new life for the old Lee High School holds extra meaning for former students, including most of Staunton council.
Staunton Mayor Lacy King, Lee High class of 1965, stated, “It was here that I met at least four lovely ladies, that I thought at the time would be the love of my life.”
Councilman Ophie Kier, Lee High class of 1970 said, “You kind of walk through saying, I remember this and I remember that, and I did this here. The building's coming back to life. People are going to live here. You know, it's going to have this pristine look instead of this challenging look.”
The biggest challenge to this $20-million rehab project was uniting local, state and federal governments, private developers and a pair of non-profits.
Staunton Economic Director Bill Hamilton said, “This truly has been the most complicated project we've had. It's taken well over a year to put together. We're excited and relieved to have the groundbreaking.”
Early next year, the Staunton Senior Center will move into the old shop class and ShenanArts will move into the auditorium and surrounding rooms. A few months later, classrooms and the old gymnasium will be transformed into 70 apartments for retirees. But the historic facade will look just as it did in the 1920s.
Robert Jenkins of Hampton Roads Ventures said, “It’s a project that was important to the city for many many years. It's a great building, and now it can be done again, and serve the city for another 50 to 70 years.”
Gypsy Hill Place is a historic rehab project, but will include some modern touches. One section will have green roof with a walk-out garden for residents. The front soccer fields will remain, but underneath them will be a concrete web that allows for parking without asphalt. |
