Old Crozet School looks to the future

Many local residents know the history of the Old Crozet School, but when Albemarle County wanted to determine the future of the old building, more than 300 heads joined forces.

The county commissioned a study and sought input from Crozet residents. Dozens of ideas were condensed to eight concepts, and from there, 53 percent of residents who gave feedback said they want the building to be used as a community center. The Albemarle Board of Supervisors plans to discuss the study at its Wednesday meeting.
In examining the site, the building and its potential uses, “They went through a very in-depth process,” county spokeswoman Lee Catlin said.

The study concludes that residents have strong interest in using the building — built in 1924 — as a community center with diverse uses. And the preference for the site is to explore public gardens and a farmer’s market, the study states.
In total, renovations are projected to cost between $6 million and $8 million.
The building appears to be in good structural condition, but a full structural evaluation is needed, the study concludes.

The building would require significant renovations and alterations for disabled users. Roof coverings, doors and windows would need to be repaired. Among numerous other renovations, some interior finishes would need to be replaced, and “electrical and plumbing systems should be completely replaced.”
Locals could submit comments at a two and a half-day work session and open house or online.
John Glasheen, a next-door neighbor of the school, proposed donating the space to not-for-profit groups involved with arts such as music, theater, painting and sculpture.

Another comment, submitted anonymously, reads: “We would love to see a flexible use community center for classes, exercise, art and music, with much of the open space for walking and exploring.”
Supervisor Ann Mallek said that the county’s budget picture is looking worse each day, so that will be a factor when the board considers whether the project is worth funding.

The Old Crozet School served as a combined elementary and high school until the completion of Albemarle High School in 1954, according to the county’s Web site. After the high school students were moved, the school was renamed Crozet Elementary and used by the county for more than 35 additional years, until studies determined that a new school building was needed. Completed in 1990, the new Crozet Elementary School is across the street from the old school building.
The building was recently considered as a possible new site for the Crozet Library.

When it wasn’t selected as the site for the new library, officials say that locals expressed a desire to consider other uses. The county hired a planning and architecture firm to assess the school and provide feedback from residents.
As a community center, uses that could be served include: satellite county offices, dance classes, arts spaces, community movies and programs for youth and the elderly, according to the study.