The Wye River Upper School will be the recipient of a Sustainable Communities Rehabilitation Tax Credit, an award given to the school to assist it as it transitions to its future location at the Centreville Armory.
One of five other recipients across the state of Maryland to receive the award, WRUS will use the $824,000 credit to defray some of the $5 million in project expenses necessary to renovate the old building.
“The Sustainable Communities Tax Credit and its predecessor, the Historic Tax Credit, have invested more than $86 million in Maryland revitalization projects during the O’Malley-Brown Administration, helping to create 6,200 construction jobs,” stated a press release from the office of Governor O’Malley.
John Devlin, a member of WRUS’s board of trustees, was happy to announce at the press conference held in the Armory that the old deteriorating structure would be put to better use for the community in the hands of a non-profit, rather than a private owner.
Built in 1926 as a part of the National Guard system’s expansion during the early part of the 20th century, the Armory has seen cotillions, condominium proposals, and was even a sailmaker’s workshop, thanks to its high ceilings.
While parts of its interior had that old musty cellar smell specific to the old spaces of Queen Anne’s County, what was more even noticeable was the sense of excitement in the WRUS staff and students who came along to give tours.
“This has truly been a labor of love to acquire this building and now to move it forward to the point where we feel we can get in by September of 2013,” said WRUS Executive Director Chrissy Aul.
With a big boomy general space on the main level, the building has ample space in both the basement and second floors to accommodate the student body and administrative wings of WRUS. The current basement will be made into classroom space, with a goal to preserve as much of the building’s historic character as possible. Torchio Architects will be managing much of the renovation and redesign.
As a special guest, Chief of the Office of Preservation Services, Maryland Historical Trust spoke also of “the real honor to be involved in this project. Armories aren’t just for training troops…they are centers of community also.”
President of the Centreville Town Council Tim McCluskey was there as well, speaking of the other forms of historic preservation happening in the Centreville area, naming the preservation of the Providence Farm house as another major achievement.
Touting the slogan, “Because not all great minds think alike…”, the Wye River Upper School specializes in creating a unique learning environment for college-bound students with dyslexia, ADHD, ADD, Aspergers Syndrome, and other alternative learning styles.
Joe Diamond says
Great,
But what part of the plan addresses school bound students and faculty? There is no parking in the area. What has been done with the traffic? The neighbors are now nuts because of the lack of parking. Did someone miss the parking requirement in the zoning code?
Joe
Chrissy Aull says
Good morning Joe, thank you for your interest in the WRUS Armory project. WRUS has contracted with next door neighbor St.Paul’s Church to lease their parking spaces. That issue was resolved before the school purchased the building…we like to think the arrangement to be a win win for all. Thanks again for your interest! Chrissy Aull
Joe Diamond says
Hey Chrissy,
I know I cooled your jets a little before the COOL FORMAT CHANGE AT CHESTERTOWN SPY. But to restate…….nothing you do down there short of buying neighbors out will make things nice.
Over ten years ago I played with the Kent Island Band in fron of that building before the Christmass Parade. Our membership got a letter from one of the neighbors….WHO DENTED MY CAR?…… I went to the neighborhood with a friend to pick up a piece of furniture he has purchased…while backing into the driveway another neighbor said…”YOUS KAINTEBE A PARKIN THAR..GET THE (you know the word) OUT.
Your school needs a home and this deal could work. My central thought remains……….buy the locals out……..Glen Burnie needs them!
Joe