Foundation buys former Calhoun County High School building
Plans to turn building into community center
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GRANTSVILLE -- The Grantsville Class of 1982 Foundation is now the owner of the former Calhoun County High School with a plan of transforming the building into a community space.
Formed a couple of weeks ago, the 1982 Foundation took on the project and Crystal Mersh, Calhoun County High School alumna and Class of 1982 president, said it'll be a good opportunity to invest into the future of the Grantsville community.
"Funding is coming from a variety of sources (and) individual contributions. We are seeking government funding, grants and business corporate donations," Mersh said. "We are already very well funded."
When the Class of 1982 graduated, it was said around town that it was the most disgraceful class to walk across the graduation stage, Mersh said.
"We're trying to save ourselves," she said.
The idea is for the former high school building to be a catch-all space to host community events, provide office space, summer camps and even Air B&B hotel rooms.
"I felt it was appropriate to give back to the community. The town of Grantsville has really evaporated in the last 20 years," Mersh said. "There is nothing for the kids to do so I wanted to do something and give back to the fond memories that I had growing up."
Construction of the building will take place in three phases which will include updating the gym, adding a kitchen, new electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems and the renovation of classrooms.
Materials and workers are going to locally sourced for the job.
"We want to use as many local resources. It's about bringing the community back and involving them so they can bring the community back and the building kind of comes along for the ride," Mersh said.
The work is going to start soon but Mersh said it's unclear how long it will take to finish.
The school will also be home to several summer camps for local children and will give them opportunities to learn about topics such as science, math, the oil and gas industry, career development, agriculture, accounting and sports.
"We want the kids to have a very full summer and to be fed during that period of time," Mersh said.
A community kick-off event will take place Oct. 2 where a time capsule will be opened and children will be able to participate in activities and games to win prizes.
More information about the 1982 Foundation and the upcoming event can be found on its Facebook page.