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Valleytown Cultural Arts Center Study and Conceptual Design Complete! For the New Valleytown Cultural Arts Center and History Museum Architect, Terry Meek, AIA, has just completed a study and conceptual design for design improvements to the Valleytown Cultural Arts Center and History Museum here in Andrews. A grant to accomplish this study and design work was provided by the Rural Center of North Carolina through efforts of HandMade in America, the Town of Andrews, the Andrews Valley Initiative, and the Valleytown Cultural Arts and Historical Society, (VCAHS). Mr. Meek recently made a presentation to the Board of Directors of the VCAHS, and has since made a similar presentation to officials of AVI. 
The proposed design concept has addressed the changing needs of the Center by providing effective multiple use spaces within which the
Center can respond to community and financial needs. One of the major components of the design is development of a new grand entrance
and gathering plaza which is fully accessible by all. Coupled with this new grand entrance will be an elevator which will continue the
accessibility feature to all floors of the facility.Looking at how the building will be utilized, it is envisioned that the lower floor will contain arts related class space, administrative offices, a catering kitchen, and performance support space, i.e. rehearsal room, set construction and storage, and costume creation and storage. The main floor level, being the primary building entrance point, will be dedicated to performance and community gatherings. Uses anticipated include live theatre, marionettes, choral and instrumental concerts, story telling, weddings, receptions, community events, etc. The upper floor level, which includes an atrium to the main floor level below, will contain the history museum, art exhibition space, audio and lighting control room, and performance support and storage spaces. 
In addition to the reorganization of the building's spaces, it is proposed that additional accessible restroom facilities will be provided
on all floor levels. Additionally, a new heating and cooling system is planned along with life safety features such as fire alarm, fire
sprinklers, exiting and emergency lighting features.Included in his report to the Board, Mr. Meek made the following comments. "The true measure of a place, a town, a people, is the ability to move beyond the confines of comfort and explore the possibilities of the future. Sometimes it is too easy to identify the past as something that is successful for all time. But it is not the past which defines our place nor are the aspirations for the future our journey's end. Ursula K. Le Guin states - It is good to have an end to journey towards. But it is the journey that matters in the end. In reality, it is the doing which becomes our past and informs our future. We honor our heritage as we plan for the future, and it is important that our planning create a dynamic framework for change. Change will always be a part of our journey. 
As discussions occurred with interested individuals concerning their hopes and aspirations for the Valleytown Cultural Arts Center, I
was impressed with their ability to press the boundaries of thinking - to set aside expected paradigms and consider possibilities. Laced
within their visions for the future were pride in the heritage of the Town of Andrews, the contributions of the citizens, and a calling
to preserve this history for future generations.As this study progressed, a theme developed connecting the past, present, and future-like a ribbon of time, each period contributing to the whole." Activities are now underway to move to the next step by exploring funding sources for development of full design plans for a first phase of construction. To view the full report in PDF format, click here. To view the Presentation Boards in PDF format, click here. History of the Building 
In 1923 the First Baptist Church of Andrews built a beautiful structure on what is today the corner of Third and Chestnut streets. It is filled
with original hardwood flooring, rich wood trimmings and a myriad of stained glass windows. Its fixtures and moldings are gilded. The lofty
ceilings are made of an intricately patterned pressed tin. It was an exquisite house of honor. Unfortunately, heating and cooling concerns,
repairs and accessibility prompted the congregation to build a new church . A group of Chamber members from Andrews organized what is now
Valleytown Cultural Arts & Historical Society to purchase and save the historic building. The building is on the National Historical Register.A massive grant writing and fund–raising effort supported by the entire community went into action and the building was purchased in June of 1986 from the First Baptist Church specifically for the purpose of providing a facility for the community to have performing and visual arts entertainment and enrichment. In the many years since the purchase of the building, the Valleytown Cultural Arts and Historical Society has provided innumerable Arts events for community enjoyment. For more information call 321-2255. For more information, please visit www.AndrewsValleyArts.com |
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