Staff Report

After a devastating fire in 2006, the Clingman Community is finally getting a new community center. On Sunday, Aug. 24, a groundbreaking ceremony took place on the site of the proposed 6,000 square foot building.

The estimated cost of the new facility is $575,000. The original land was donated by James Clingman Green.

The original building went up in 1912 by the hands and materials of the local farmers and men of the community to be used as a school. The school was expanded in 1938 to include a brick building through the Federal Works Project Administration. The 1938 building was destroyed by the fire in 2006.

From 1938 through 1965 the school had several 'modern' updates; running water, bathrooms and later central heat. The Clingman community purchased the school after county wide mergers combined Ronda and Clingman and Ronda-Clingman Elementary opened in 1965.

The new community center will be larger than the one that was destroyed and will not be connected to the medical facility. The building will be constructed from pre-engineered metal and will house a multi-purpose room, a kitchen, restrooms, storage areas and a small meeting space. Area will be available for rent by private individuals.

The building is joining the new Clingman fire substation in recent construction within the small community.