The Vance County Board of Commissioners heard a presentation on Monday night during their regular meeting on a proposal to develop the old tobacco warehouse at the corner of Zene and Winder Streets in Henderson.
Gary Morgan, the director of the Gateway Development Corporation dubbed it the REEF Project, with REEF standing for “Recreation, Education, Employment, and Family”.
Angela Morgan, the architect working on the project, described the abandoned warehouse as an 86,000 square foot structure “in need of revitalization”. She said the project began with a charrette (a period of intense design) on April 28-29, 2008, and from that drawings were developed.
The architect listed the objectives of the project as adaptive reuse, community revitalization, and the creation of a safe environment for children. She also said that the building would serve as a cultural resource.
Listing potential occupants, Angela Morgan told the board the the Boys and Girls Club had looked at leasing 22,000 square feet. Vance-Granville is looking to use 12,000 square feet, and had expressed interest in moving its cosmetology program to the site, as well as continuing education classes.
As part of a general wish list, Ms. Morgan said that an urgent care facility is desired, as well as retail components and a Gateway office.
Gary Morgan recognized Abdul Rasheed of the North Carolina Community Development Corporation who has spearheaded the project. Rasheed declined to speak to the board about the project.
Mr. Morgan said that the project wishes to partner with Vance County. He stated that he feels that people are ready to pull together and “get this done”.