The Town of Cooleemee will soon celebrate the beginning of a transformative project for the community. Construction on the town’s new Community Center — which will also house the Cooleemee branch of the Davie County Public Library — is set to begin March 16, 2026.
To mark the occasion, the town will host a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, March 23 at 11:00 a.m. at the project site located beside the Zachary House at 131 Church Street. Residents and community partners are invited to attend and help celebrate this important milestone.
The new facility represents a major investment in Cooleemee’s future and will serve as a central gathering place for residents of all ages.
“This community center is truly a generational project for the Town of Cooleemee,” said Mayor Jeff Smith. “It will become a hub where families, seniors, and young people can come together for activities, programs, and events that strengthen the fabric of our community.”
A Partnership Investment in Cooleemee’s Future
The $1.79 million project is the result of a strong partnership between the State of North Carolina, Davie County, and the Town of Cooleemee.
State funding includes a $1 million grant sponsored by Representative Julia Howard and Senator Steve Jarvis, while Davie County is funding the inclusion of the Davie County Public Library branch within the building. The Town of Cooleemee is funding the remainder of the project.
Mayor Smith emphasized how important collaboration has been in bringing the project to life.
“We are incredibly grateful to Representative Julia Howard, Senator Steve Jarvis, and the Davie County Commissioners for their support in making this project possible,” Smith said. “Their partnership and commitment to Cooleemee helped turn this vision into reality.”
The project was designed by Fuller Architecture, and Davie Construction will serve as the builder for the project. Construction is expected to be completed by October 2026.
A New Home for the Cooleemee Library
The project will relocate the Cooleemee branch of the Davie County Public Library from its current location in the shopping center to its new home within the community center.
The move places the library in the heart of the town’s recreational and cultural district, near the Zachary House, local museums, playground, and recreational spaces.
“Relocating the library to this central location will make it easier for families to incorporate reading, learning, and library programs into their daily routines,” said Smith. “Being part of the community center will also allow the library to expand programming and better serve residents.”
The shared facility will give the library access to additional amenities including meeting rooms, a kitchen, and a large multipurpose space, creating new opportunities for educational programs and community events.
Designed for Community Activities and Events
The new Community Center will include:
- A 1,600-square-foot multipurpose room
- A community kitchen
- A fitness and exercise room
- Flexible meeting and program spaces
- The Cooleemee branch of the Davie County Public Library
Once complete, the facility will create new opportunities for community engagement through events and programs such as:
- Movie nights
- Fundraisers
- Summer activities for children
- Town hall meetings
- Educational classes and workshops
- Senior services programs
- Exercise classes
- Lunch and Learn events
“This building will give our town the ability to host programs and events that bring people together,” Smith said. “Our goal is to create more opportunities for residents to connect, learn, and enjoy being part of the Cooleemee community.”
Join the Celebration
Residents are invited to attend the groundbreaking ceremony and celebrate the start of construction on a project that will serve Cooleemee for generations to come.
Community Center Groundbreaking Ceremony
Monday, March 23, 2026
11:00 a.m.
131 Church Street
Cooleemee, NC
Town leaders say the new community center will be more than just a building — it will be a gathering place where the community can learn, grow, and connect for years to come.