However, moving into Gore House also could be pricey.
Also could be pricey
Larry Schwering, with Lucas/Schwering Architects out of Lexington, said he hesitated to estimate a cost on renovating the building because once architects and contractors begin working, it's likely they'll find more things in need of repair. He said renovating or restoring Gore House has its own set of opportunities and challenges — ones that may add up.
"It still needs a massive amount of money invested in it," Crowley said.
Spending district money on the Gore House can be difficult because to bond projects, they must be on the district's facility plan and instructional space is first priority. Only once all instructional space projects are done can the district move on to renovating or building office space. The renovation must be paid for out of the general fund money if the building is renovated now.
The current facilities plan includes renovating all three elementary schools, which has not begun.
Not jumping into any moves
Gore House served as central office for many years, but since 2002 has been used primarily for storage. In June, the board gave permission for the alumni association to clean out and use the front three rooms for offices.
At this point, Crowley said the board is still exploring its options and not making any decisions.
"This is an ongoing project to explore our boundaries," Crowley said.
The board has reviewed purchasing Barbee Hall from the state, and toured the First Baptist Church Annex on Broadway and Fourth Street. Both properties would require renovation and work if purchased.
At Barbee Hall, KSD provides parking, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and electrical systems, but Danville schools would also have to take on that expense if purchased.
The First Baptist Church Annex would require some renovation and need to be brought up to Americans with Disabilities Act compliance.
Both buildings came with more than a $400,000 price tag for the district, just to purchase. The costs to do the necessary renovations also come at a high pricetag.
The board will continue to discuss its options at its work session in December.
"We have to have functional space," Coleman said. "We don't want to spend a lot of money in the interim while we make a decision."
KDE will have to approve whatever the board decides before it can become official.
"We just don't know the right thing to do," Coleman said.
