Historic School Renovation Project in New Kent Placed On Hold

New Kent, Virginia,— The echoes of history reverberate through the halls of New Kent’s 1930s Historic School, a building that once stood as a beacon of education and community.

But today, it faces uncertainty as proposals to transform it into a community center and library have been placed on hold. The Historic School, located at 11825 New Kent Highway, was slated for renovation this spring. The vision included community classrooms, a library, and a performing arts component.

However, reality hit hard when the proposal came in “way over budget,” as County Administrator Hathaway candidly put it. The community center design, priced at $13 million, raised eyebrows. With the county already having borrowed $7 million for the renovation, the financial strain became evident. The Board of Supervisors now faces a critical choice: Should they proceed with the community center concept or pivot to address the expansion needs of county government? “There was some discussion of instead of doing a community center, the real need is office space, so should we go down that path?”

Hathaway posed during a recent meeting. The urgency lies in finding a solution that balances historical preservation with practicality. Could the school’s gymnasium serve as a multifunctional space for the community? The Historic School carries a weighty legacy. It was once the New Kent School, a place where young minds blossomed.

Here, the clash between community needs and fiscal responsibility unfolds. “We need a community center in the eastern end,” Hathaway emphasized, “but we also need a voting precinct.” The fate of the Historic School hangs in the balance. Should it become a vibrant community hub or find new life as office space? As the sun sets over New Kent, the decision-makers grapple with preserving history while meeting the demands of a growing county.