The Smith Phillips property at 257 Standard St. in Downtown Elkin is now under the ownership of the Town of Elkin.
The Town of Elkin has recently purchased the property and is investigating the possibilities of transforming it into a community and visitor attraction space.
“A cultural and heritage center is the first concept we’re going to explore,” said Leslie Schlender, economic development director for the Town of Elkin.
Schlender said she hopes it can be a place to showcase information about the town’s history, the Yadkin River and the Yadkin Valley.
“It is a place we hope to develop into something that highlights all we have to offer to potential residents, business owners and visitors.”
Over the next several months, active discussions will take place between community members, businesses owners and local organizations to assist in the planning and conceptual phase of this project.
“By no means is the concept set in stone at this stage,” said Schlender. “We hope some form of this initial vision of a center that ‘tells the Elkin story’ will come to life, but if, as we work through the process, better ideas and strategies of how to best utilize the property come to life, than we will be investigating those as well.”
Initial hopes are for design plans and funding sources to be identified by early 2013. Full redevelopment and construction will then be able to begin.
“Smith Phillips is delighted to be a part of giving back to the Town of Elkin this piece of land to develop for the enjoyment of the people within this community,” said Mickey W. Boles, president and CEO, Smith Phillips Building Supply. “We came here in 1986 and have fond memories and a footprint to leave with all the citizens. Smith Phillips wishes the Town of Elkin the best in their venture to develop this property into a long lasting cultural and heritage center for all to enjoy from the present into the future.”
If you are interested in learning more or being a part of some of the community meetings surrounding this project, please email or phone Schlender at lschlender@elkinnc.org or call her at 336-835-9800.
Reach Darcie Dyer at 835-1513 or ddyer@heartlandpublications.com.
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