Friends of Mt. Zion Institute

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from the Herald Independent in Winnsboro 

LET US HEAR

FROM YOU

 

December 16, 2011

PLEDGE DRIVE NEAR ROOFING GOAL!

Many, many thanks to those who have taken a leap of faith and promised an investment in our community's future!  Pledges large and small are mounting up and Friends of Mt. Zion Institute is both encouraged and hopeful. 

We're finding more and more examples of successful public/private efforts that use historic preservation as a component of town revitalization. Time after time, history-based development has  proven to be a catalyst for increased employment, increased property values,  higher tourism and prosperity, and improved quality of life for residents.

Let's help make it happen for Winnsboro and Fairfield County and preserve Mt. Zion's history of service . We'll keep you posted!



So much to update!  

Our sincere thanks for your patience as we went through several quickly changing situations last summer and fall and then waited out confirmation of various developments with Mt. Zion.  To bring you up to date:

February, 2011

Nine months have gone by since our last update and, regrettably, progress has been slow and reflective of the economic changes and times. RedClay WAS granted the rezoning in June 2010 and has been working to secure financing and tenants.  In a report to Town Council in October, they were candid in their assessment that these are difficult times to be undertaking a project of this type, saying " ... the current economic climate and change in lending requirements of banks nationwide have changed the way banks deal with unsecured debt from the way it was handled just two years ago.  Effectively, the property is not suited for collateral ...".   Nonetheless, RedClay Development, PLLC has remained committed to the project and continues to seek avenues of funding and occupancy.  FOMZI  has kept in contact through these months, both as a monitor of sorts and as official "cheerleader" and encourager.  RedClay has been good to keep us apprised of promising leads and contacts and, at this point, feels that some pieces of the project are close to falling into place.  We fervently hope so!

The archeological study continued into the summer, with a pit project at the site of the old wooden dining hall (long demolished) behind what had been the elementary school.  Among the items found were old square nails, a great deal of coal pieces, unidentified metal pieces, unsurprising pencil nubs, chinaware shards, and an abundance of glass, which our knowledgeable leader characterized as "wine glass".  It was decided not to draw any conclusions from that particular find, but the colors and thickness of the pieces, which included a nearly-whole bottle bottom, indicated late 18th century and 19th century use. Summer heat suspended the study but we hope to continue this spring.



May, 2010

April and May have brought several notable developments in the project.  The first is RedClay's application for rezoning of the property, from R-l (residential) to PDD (planned development district) which will allow the mixed uses needed in the project.  No date has been set for the public hearing.  In the meantime, work is being done on the old cafeteria building in preparation for its use as a training center for local labor who will be working on the renovation of the school.  RedClay is committed to utilizing local labor as much as possible, something we especially applaud in these times that have been so hard on Fairfield Countians.  A third item of interest is news that a so-far small archeological study has begun on the Mt. Zion grounds.  Coordinating with the state archeologist, knowledgeable local volunteer John White is plotting and investigating a number of test digs, which are basically small holes to see what may be found.  A few small items have already turned up, so we'll follow that story as it unfolds. Related photos can be found on the photo page and are linked here.



March, 2010

No official announcements have been made as to tenants, but it is generally known at this time that negotiations are underway for a wellness center to occupy the gym, possibly the old cafeteria, and likely one floor of the classroom bulding.  We know that there are also talks underway with several arts-related entitles regarding both the remainder of the classroom building and the auditorium; however, we don't know where they stand at this point.  FOMZI recognizes the need for confidentiality as RedClay works to find suitable and appropriate tenants, and they have been most thoughtful in letting us know as much as they can when they can without jeopardizing any agreements.   We've learned great patience over the last two years, but as soon as we have official pronouncements, you'll find the news here!



December, 2009

 On December 11th, ownership of the Mt. Zion property (building tract only) was transferred by the Town of Winnsboro to the newly-formed The Historic Mt. Zion Institute, LLC.  This is the business entity under which RedClay will renovate and operate Mt. Zion.  It is our understanding that the transfer includes conditions that protect the property and both parties. The old football field, or green, and the monument portion of the larger tract are not included in the transfer and will remain the property of the Town of Winnsboro.



October 2009

Discussion continued between the Town and RedClay and, while we were not privy to the ongoing negotiation, both parties were gracious and understanding about assuring FOMZI that progress was being made.  We did some "due diligence" of our own in the meantime and remained hopeful.

On October 29, RedClay  and the Town held a public information meeting at the Old Armory to present preliminary plans to citizens (and us!) and explain their methods of financing such projects.  The presentation was well-attended and brought forth spirited discussion on the related issues most impacting the property, the neighborhood, and the town.  There were, of course, some understandable concerns expressed by several nearby neighbors but , for the most part, those attending were very supportive and enthusiastic.

Mr. Warlick, who has a construction engineering background,  and Mr. Maynard, an architect, related how their common interest in old buildings and historic properties led to their partnership and RedClay Development.  They gave a PowerPoint presentation showcasing a recently completed project in Ware Shoals, SC (see Link page) and had several schematic drawings of their plans for Mt. Zion.  The venture is to be financed through a combination of RedClay's established major lending relationships, sales of tax credits, and grants.  Mr. Maynard especially is obviously quite knowledgeable about grant funding for projects such as Mt. Zion and the process of obtaining them.



July 2009

We made reference to a new development in our previous July update.  It was becoming clear to all involved that a strictly private effort by the McMaster family was likely unfeasible, given the current market conditions and various other things that had to be factored into the plans.  The time frame would have stretched out beyond what anyone wanted, and the burden on a singular patron would grow as that time passed, as would the deterioration of the buildings.  About that same time, an alternative presented itself in the form of a development team who concentrate on historic properties, Frank Warlick and James Maynard of RedClay Development, LLC out of Charlotte, who’d learned about the project through an acquaintance with Winnsboro connections.

After several weeks of contact and exploration involving the FOMZI board, Bill McMaster and the RedClay group, we recognized that we had an promising alternative to Bill’s strictly philanthropic venture and its inherent time impediments.  Both Bill and RedClay met with Town Council in late July, and Council and RedClay worked together from there to arrive at a workable plan. 
 

 RedClay has several impressive and successful historic rehab projects under its belt and we’re confident that it is a company sensitive to both the needs and the character of the areas it has gone into.  From the get-go, FOMZI strongly emphasized the type of uses we originally envisioned for Mt. Zion; and both Warlick and Maynard were immediately receptive and eager to respect the framework of benefiting the whole town and county while staying mindful of the Mt. Zion neighborhood.