Bristol, Virginia Takes Steps Towards Revitalization with School Property Sales
In a significant move for the community, the City Council of Bristol, Virginia has unanimously decided to sell the vacant buildings of two former elementary schools—Washington-Lee Elementary and Stonewall Jackson Elementary. The announcement was met with enthusiasm by city officials and residents who are eager to see new life brought to these properties.
The Sale Details
Developers Clyde Stacy and James Bunn emerged as the winning bidders for the schools, with both properties being sold for $150,000 each. Mayor Becky Nave expressed her excitement about the sale, stating that some earlier bids had come in at zero. “This is a notable step forward for us!” Nave emphasized. “It’s essential for us to have a dollar amount associated with these buildings because let’s face it, it’s going to take millions to repair and renovate them into something wonderful for our community.”
Future Plans for the Schools
The developers have ambitious plans for each of the properties. Their vision for the Stonewall Jackson building is to transform it into a cozy boutique hotel. Meanwhile, Washington-Lee Elementary is set to become a mixed-use space that will include residential housing and retail opportunities. This multifaceted approach aims to meet a variety of needs in the community, making these developments both practical and appealing.
Stacy and Bunn are no strangers to Bristol. Stacy is known as a co-owner of the Bristol Casino and has a long-standing commitment to local development projects. Bunn, on the other hand, has worked on many commercial real estate projects in the area, including a popular brewery and properties near Sugar Hollow Park. The familiarity and dedication of these developers gave city officials confidence in their ability to revitalize the schools.
Community Investment and Support
Mayor Nave highlighted the importance of having developers with a history of supporting local initiatives. “It’s really reassuring to have individuals who have proven their worth in our community taking on this project. We want to ensure that these schools are not left to fall into disrepair. With these bids, we can expect a positive impact on our community.”
A Look Ahead
While the sale of Washington-Lee and Stonewall Jackson is set in motion, the future of another elementary school, Highland View, remains uncertain as it has not received any offers yet. However, the city is exploring options for this property, including the possibility of establishing a training center for the local police department.
Nave reassured residents that the process is ongoing and that the City Council is open to putting Highland View back out for additional bids in the future. “Our priority is to use these properties wisely and beneficially for the entire community,” she said. “We want to hear feedback and involve the public in discussions about how we can best serve our needs.”
Next Steps in the Process
The sales are expected to be finalized this fall or winter, followed by a rezoning process that will involve the Planning Commission. This stage will offer another opportunity for public interaction, allowing residents to voice their thoughts on the future uses of the former schools.
Mayor Nave recognized that even though the sale of the properties has attracted some excitement, there were still residents unaware of the decision. “It’s been a lengthy process that started back in March,” she shared. “We’ve done our best to communicate and invite public participation, but we encourage everyone to stay involved. Attend our meetings or watch online to stay updated!”
Community Engagement
As Bristol takes these positive steps forward, community input remains vital. The planning stages will allow citizens to share their perspectives on how best to adapt the former schools for the community’s needs. Mayor Nave is hopeful that with more engagement, everyone can work together to create a thriving atmosphere in Bristol.
