Cooleemee Breaks Ground on New Community Center, Marking a Generational Investment
(L to R) Back – Kristine Williams, Davie Chamber; Front- Davie County Commission Chair Benita Finney, Cooleemee Mayor Jeff Smith, Senator Steve Jarvis, and Representative Julia Howard.
Project to Bring Library, Programs, and Community Together in One Central Hub
The Town of Cooleemee officially broke ground on its new community center this week, marking what leaders called a “generational project” designed to bring residents together and expand opportunities for learning, connection, and community life.
Local leaders, state representatives, project partners, and residents gathered to celebrate the milestone, which will result in a new multi-use facility that will serve as both a community center and the future home of the Cooleemee branch of the Davie County Public Library.
A Vision Rooted in Community and Connection
Opening the ceremony, speakers emphasized the deeper purpose behind the project—creating a space that will serve generations to come.
Mayor Jeff Smith said the project is designed to bring people together.
“Times are different today. People are pulled in so many directions, and we believe this project is a way to bring people together. If you want people to come together, you have to give them something to do—and that’s what this space will provide.
Standing here today reminds me of this area’s history. This town has always honored its past. Our motto is ‘Preserving the past, building the future,’ and that’s exactly what we’re doing here. We’re taking a meaningful step forward while respecting where we’ve come from.
This location is truly the center—the hub—of Cooleemee. This new community center will serve as a gathering place that strengthens community involvement and enhances the library’s ability to connect with residents. It will also give the town new opportunities to provide services to our citizens.”
Designed for Flexibility and Everyday Use
The $1.8 million project is designed to be a highly versatile space that meets a wide range of community needs.
“It was important to get it right,” Smith said. “The goal was to create the most versatile building possible and provide the greatest benefit for our citizens.”
The facility will include:
- A kitchen
- Classrooms and conference rooms
- A 1,600-square-foot multipurpose space
- Audio-visual capabilities for programs and meetings
Located near the park and playground, the site is expected to naturally increase library usage and create a destination where families can spend time together.
“I believe this location will significantly increase the use of the library, which is critical,” Smith said.
Expanding Opportunities for Residents of All Ages
The new community center will allow Cooleemee to expand programming and host a wide range of activities—from children’s programs and movie nights to fitness classes and community meetings.
It also opens the door for additional services.
“We’ve already had interest from groups looking to host medical clinics and wellness programs here,” Smith said.
The facility will also provide a comfortable, air-conditioned gathering space for major community events, including holiday celebrations and summer activities.
A Project Built Through Partnership
Speakers repeatedly emphasized that the project was made possible through strong partnerships at the local, county, and state levels.
“This is truly a generational project—something that doesn’t come along often,” Smith said. “It’s one of the most significant investments our town has seen.”
Julia Howard Reflects on Progress and Community
Representative Julia Howard tied the project to a walk years ago with then-Mayor John Chandler that highlighted the need for continued investment.
“I said, ‘John, why have you got a port-a-jon sitting out there at the front of the Zachary House?’” Howard said. “And he said, ‘Well, we have to have it because we use it. We don’t have a handicap facility inside the building, and so we have to have that.”
“That doesn’t speak a strong message,” she said. “We may be a little behind the times on a lot of things, but most of us don’t have a port-a-jon anymore.”
Howard said that moment led her to take action.
“I went back to Raleigh that day and told John I was going to start looking to see if we could find a little bit of help to get that fixed—and we did.”
Howard said projects like this are built on trust, friendship, and shared commitment.
“I consider each of you a friend and a colleague and would do anything that I can to help you,” she said. “And I feel the same way, that you would do the same for me. And that’s what makes a community.”
She called the groundbreaking “the right step.”
“It’s a small step,” Howard said. “We’re headed in the right direction, and we’ll make one step in the right direction, and then there’ll be others. Stick together, stay together, and let’s make all of this happen.”
Steve Jarvis Highlights Continued Service and Support
Introducing Senator Steve Jarvis, Mayor Jeff Smith noted his service to the region.
Jarvis expressed his excitement about the project and said, “I see this community center as a catalyst to bring the community together. I’m happy to be a part of this and to see history being made. I look forward to coming back when it’s complete for the ribbon cutting.”
Benita Finney Shares Excitement for Cooleemee’s Future
Davie County Commission Chair Benita Finney shared her excitement about the project and its impact.
“I absolutely love Cooleemee, and I adore the people of Cooleemee,” Finney said. “I’m actually getting emotional sitting here during this ceremony because I am just so excited for this town.”
“I think this community center is going to be phenomenal. It’s going to bring so many opportunities here—with the new library and all the activities that will be available. As already mentioned, the senior center and so many other groups across the county are just waiting for these doors to open so they can come down here and support this community even more than they already do.
Finney also credited state leaders for helping secure funding.
“I’m very grateful to Julia Howard and Senator Steve Jarvis for making this happen. They went above and beyond to make sure this community would have this special building,” she said.
Local Roots, Local Impact
The project is also notable for its strong local ties, with both Davie Construction and Fuller Architecture playing key roles.
Kevin Marion of Fuller Architecture said the company enjoyed working with the Town of Cooleemee on several efforts, including other improvements in the area, and was looking forward to continuing to be part of the town’s future and all the positive momentum happening here.
“I have a personal connection to this county. I moved here when I was six years old. My family lived on the eastern side of the county, and while I didn’t know much about Cooleemee at that age, that changed over time.
When I got to high school, I started spending more time here— the Bullhole, the historic areas, and the heart of this community. It became a very important part of Davie County to me.”
Brad Chapman of Davie Construction said the project holds special meaning for him and many on his team.
“When I was contacted by Mayor Smith and the town—along with County Manager Brian Smith—about this project, and we were awarded the work, I was incredibly excited to share the news with everyone in our office because this project is personal to so many of us.”
“I grew up in Cooleemee, attended Cooleemee School, and spent a lot of time at the former Methodist church up on the hill, playing baseball on the field behind the school, using the tennis courts, the playground, and the pool. This place means something to me.
And it’s not just me.
We have several other team members with strong ties to this community as well. This truly feels like a home project for us.
In fact, nearly a third of our employees live in Davie County. So this isn’t just another job—it’s an opportunity for our team and their families to benefit from something we’re helping build.
Much like the work we did converting the old high school into the community park, this project is about more than construction. It’s about creating something meaningful for the people who live here.”
Looking Ahead
With construction now underway and a target completion date of October, town leaders say the new community center will serve as a lasting investment in Cooleemee’s future.
“This partnership is what makes something like this possible,” Smith said. “We could not do this alone.”
Following the ceremony, attendees gathered for the official groundbreaking and celebration, marking the beginning of a project that will shape the community for years to come.
Photos courtesy of KC Smith
