North Carolina Construction News staff writer
Construction is set to start this week on phase one of The Campus at the Historic Lenoir High School, a City of Lenoir redevelopment project transforming the century-old school into a public destination in Downtown Lenoir.
City Council approved $5.8 million for the first phase in December, which includes renovations to the Lenoir High School Auditorium and the Gymnasium & Event Center. The project also calls for a new outdoor pavilion along Harper Avenue and West Avenue and the conversion of a city-owned building into a visitor center. Funding comes from grants, state contributions, private donations, and city funds.
Mayor Joe Gibbons said the project will create publicly owned spaces for the community along the Overmountain Victory Trail, hosting festivals, concerts, farmers markets, and other events.
“The Campus is a great project for Lenoir,” Gibbons said. “We’ll have a renovated auditorium with upgraded lighting and sound, a multiuse gymnasium, and a new pavilion and visitor center. This historic property has been part of the heart and soul of Lenoir for many years.”
The auditorium will be updated with new seating, carpet, acoustic ceiling panels, and upgraded audio, video, and lighting systems. Backstage improvements include redesigned floor plans, a new roll-up door and ramp, restroom relocation for accessibility, and mechanical upgrades.
The gym will be transformed into a multipurpose space with a two-story addition for a new elevator and stairwell, modified restrooms, a warming kitchen, HVAC system installation, ADA-accessible ramps, and upgraded exterior doors and parking.
The new 4,000-square-foot pavilion will host farmers markets, concerts, art shows, STEM classes, and community gatherings. Features include high-velocity ceiling fans, an outdoor fireplace, lighting for evening events, and connections to the OVT and city greenways.
The Overmountain Victory Trail Visitor Center will provide rest stops for trail users and support pavilion events, including office space, public restrooms, a warming kitchen, and indoor event areas.
The historic school and gymnasium, built in 1922, are part of a national historic district. The band building, built in the 1930s, and a 1962 addition are also part of the project site, which covers just over six acres.
Maurer Architecture is the project architect, and JM Cope is the general contractor. Contractors hope to finish the auditorium and gymnasium in early 2027.
More information, including images, is available at www.cityoflenoir.com/thecampus.
I think they should put that money in the apartment, s with new windows ,we’re our heat and air-conditioned, is not so high,for the residents there,I guess they will try and put all the people out.