Page 15 - The Fayetteville Press Newspaper March 2025 Edition

The Fayettville Press March 2025 Editon Page 3b

Orange Street School revitalized to host cultural arts and STEM based programs

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - The city of Fayetteville An agreement was signed between the city and
hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the the Orange Street School Restoration and Historical
newly, renovated Orange Street School, located at 600 Assocation to accomplish this significant task.
Orange Street, Fayetteville, N.C. on Feb. 27 at 4 p.m. The Orange Street School Restoration project
The restored historical building will support pub- included exterior and interior improvements.
lic recreational programs, including STEM educational Exterior renovations included improved secu-
activities and cultural arts. These programs will be tar- rity fencing and landscaping, roof replacement, drive-
geted toward youth in the city and Cumberland County. way and accessibility improvement and replacing the
“This ribbon cutting marks a celebration of his- picnic shelter.
tory, education, and community progress. This historic
site, once a cornerstone of learning, now stands as a Interior Improvements included structural im-
symbol of resilience and opportunity in Fayetteville, provements to stabilize the facility, painting of the
said Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin. facility, upgrades to kitchen and restrooms, install-
Orange Street School, built in 1915, was one of ing a recording studio, adding new lighting fixtures
the first publicly funded schools for African-American and window shades and all new furniture and equip-
children in Fayetteville. This large, two-story, brick fa- ment
cility marked a major improvement over the typical small Overall, the goal of this project was:
wood frame structures commonly used for Black public
education across the region. To ensure equitable access for learning oppor-
The school was the origin of E.E. Smith High In an effort to preserve the historical school and due to its significance in the commu- tunities and the utilization of fine arts and scientific
school which began on the second floor of the building nity, the city’s Economic and Community Development Department requested the City resources.
in 1927. When the high school relocated out of the build- Council to allocate $100,000 of Community Development Block Grant funds to help stop For high quality student outcomes including
ing, Orange Street School served as an elementary the deterioration of the building. Funds were approved by City Council January 2021. mastery of 21st century skills in science, technol-
school until 1951 and then, briefly as a junior high school The Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation then secured $1 million in funding ogy, engineering and math subjects; artistic endeav-
from 1951 – 1953. from a North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management Capital Infrastructure Grant ors and expression; critical thinking and problem
From 1953 – 1983, the building served as the to renovate and restore the historical building. Planning and renovations started Summer solving; communications and collaboration; creativ-
Cumberland County Board of Education’s offices and of 2022. ity and innovation; digital literacy; information and
storage. The school was then deeded in 1986 to the In December of 2023, the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners approved an communication technologies; and social and emo-
Orange Street School Restoration and Historical interlocal agreement with the City of Fayetteville to fund Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks tional intelligence.
Assocation. and Recreation in purchasing furniture, fixtures and equipment for the historic building's To recognize the diverse experiences of the
“The Orange Street School is more than just a ongoing renovation. Cumberland County allocated $350,000 towards the project. Black American community and to reflect the broad
building—it is a testament to the strength, persever- “The restoration of the Orange Street School reflects our community’s commitment to spectrum of social and cultural activities of the
ance, and contributions of those who walked its halls,” preserving its history while investing in the future of Cumberland County and its youth,” Fayetteville community; to cherish traditions and
added Colvin. ”Preserving this historic landmark en- said Board of Commissioners Chairman Kirk deViere. “I applaud the collaborative efforts of beliefs that the past should inform the future; and
sures that its legacy of education and progress contin- the City of Fayetteville, the Orange Street School Restoration and Historical Association, that bringing together diverse groups of people can
ues to inspire future generations.” and our state and county partners in bringing this important vision to life.” create new perceptions and approaches.

Cumberland County Senior Democrats

Congressional Town Hall

Open to the Public

Representative Richard Hudson Representative David Rouzer
Congressional District 9 Congressional District 7

The citizens of Cumberland County want to hear from their

representatives in Congress. We want to know what is going
on in Washington and what they are doing to protect our rights
and our democracy. We want them to know they represent us
and we do not like what we see on TV. If they have information,
we want to hear it and we want them to hear from us!

Will they show? We don’t know!

We will, Will You?

Hudson/Rouzer Town Hall
Tuesday, April 22, 2025

4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m
VFW 6018

116 Chance Street

Fayetteville, NC 28301

For More Information Contact:

Ellison Ellison- 910-978-0410 Charles Evans- 910-978-6643