Drexel board discusses restoration of historic R.O. Huffman Center

For more than 70 years, the R.O. Huffman Center has been the site of community gatherings, sporting events, banquets, celebrations, and activities in Drexel, but the sturdy old building is showing its age.

Now, the Drexel Aldermen are taking steps to bring the landmark back to its former glory and up to modern standards.

The board heard a detailed report from architect David Harmon about the current state of the building and grounds at its regular monthly meeting on Nov. 4.

Harmon also presented his recommendations for repairs, updates, and improvements. The town board’s next steps will likely include discussion of a multi-year renovation plan.

Harmon used a PowerPoint presentation to share floor plans and pictures of the building, including images of the attic, roof, and seldom-seen closets and storage rooms.

The architectural firm used a rating scale and included recommendations for a five-year improvement plan. In addition to the center itself, Harmon’s company also evaluated the conditions of the ballfield, parking lots, and outdoor structures.

Harmon explained the center’s grade was negatively skewed due to the facility’s lack of any ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accommodations.

“While the overall rating may appear to be lower than expected, we believe all the structures are in fair to good condition,” Harmon wrote in his report, “and the bones are in excellent shape.”

Mayor Dennis Anthony and board members expressed their commitment to improve the center and to bring the facility up to ADA standards.

After Harmon’s report, Alderman Scott Coe asked him if he sees the R.O. Huffman Center as a money pit.

“I think there’s going to be some money invested in it, but I don’t see it as a pit,” Harmon said. “I didn’t see anything that was falling down. I didn’t see any termite damage.”

Harmon told the board the cost of the renovation project could be spread out over several years, and suggested the payoff for the town could be substantial.

“I think you could attack it in sections over a planned time period and make it every bit as valuable (to Drexel) as the Rock School is to Valdese,” Harmon stated. “Everybody knows where the Rock School is in Valdese. They drive by it. It’s an icon. We could do the same thing with the R.O. Huffman Center.

“I see it as an investment that will pay for itself over time,” Harmon added.

“I see it as a landmark that can’t be replaced,” Coe stated.

The board will discuss improvements and a budgeting plan for the center at a future meeting.

OTHER TOWN BUSINESS

• Heard from the Town Manager that the bidding process for site development and grading of the Drexel Industrial Site (the former furniture factory) is now open. Bids will be received until 2 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5, when submitted documents will be opened in the board room.
• Approved resident Beth King as an alternate member of the town’s Planning Board.
• OK’d the selection of David Harmon Architecture for banquet room architectural services at the R.O. Huffman Center.

The Drexel Christmas parade is scheduled for Dec. 14 at 10 a.m. The town will sponsor a holiday festival downtown following the parade.