Contact Us: 336-284-2141
Zachary House, 131 Church Street, Cooleemee, NC 27014

Town of Cooleemee

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Celebrate the Season: Festive Christmas Events in Cooleemee

Posted on by Jeanna White

Looking for ways to get into the holiday spirit in Cooleemee? Mark your calendar for two exciting events filled with holiday cheer! From a cozy breakfast with Santa to a festive parade and a traditional holiday gathering, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this Christmas season.

Breakfast with Santa at the Cooleemee Fire Department

Date: November 23, 9–11 a.m.
Location: Cooleemee Fire Department, 174 Marginal Street

Kick off the holiday season with the Cooleemee Fire Department’s Breakfast with Santa! This special event is a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy a morning filled with holiday activities and festive treats. Admission is an unopened toy to support the fire department’s toy drive for Western North Carolina, helping bring joy to families in need this Christmas. Toy donations will be accepted until the first week of December, so even if you can’t attend, feel free to stop by and drop off a toy.

Children can enjoy making Christmas crafts, writing letters to Santa, and, of course, meeting Santa himself! It’s a perfect way to get little ones excited for the holiday season while contributing to a good cause.

Cooleemee Christmas Parade

Date: November 30, 4 p.m.
Location: Starts at Cooleemee Elementary School, ending at the Zachary House

Get ready to watch the streets of Cooleemee come alive with holiday spirit at the annual Christmas Parade! Starting at Cooleemee Elementary School and winding its way to the historic Zachary House, this beloved tradition brings together friends, family, and neighbors to celebrate the season. If you would like to be part of the magic, plan to be at Cooleemee Elementary at 3 p.m. to join the parade lineup.  

Old Time Christmas at the Zachary House

Immediately following the Cooleemee Christmas Parade

After the parade, head over to the Zachary House for Old Time Christmas, hosted by the Cooleemee Historical Association (CHA), Town of Cooleemee, and The Bridge Church. This classic Christmas celebration offers festive activities and delicious treats for all ages. 

This year, the Cooleemee Historical Association (CHA) is reviving a cherished tradition: the fudge contest! “Everyone always loved it, and it’s exciting to bring it back this year,” shared former Cooleemee Mayor John Chandler, who served as mayor for an impressive 20 years before retiring in 2019. Chandler, who originally introduced the contest in the early 2000s, is thrilled to see its return, promising a sweet dose of nostalgia for the community

All types of fudge are welcome. Bring your entry to the Zachary House by 3 p.m. on November 30th to be included in the contest. The fudge will be served at the dessert table, and the winner will be announced during the Old Time Christmas celebration. The winner will receive bragging rights and their name engraved on the trophy. For more information, call John Chandler at (336) 940-0848.

Other activities will include: 

  • A visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus
  • Readings of the Christmas Story and ’Twas the Night Before Christmas
  • Desserts, hot chocolate, and cider to keep you warm and cozy

Experience the charm of an old-fashioned Christmas and create memories that will last a lifetime. These festive events promise to fill your holiday season with joy and community spirit. Don’t miss out on this magical time of year in Cooleemee!

Follow the Town of Cooleemee on Facebook for updates! 

Cooleemee’s November News

Posted on by Cooleemee Admin

Happy Fall Cooleemee and Neighbors,

We hope this November update finds you well.

Firstly, the leaf pickup service starts tomorrow. Residents within the Town Limits can place their leaves at the curb or edge of the roadway for pickup every Tuesday morning from now through January 14, 2025. Leaves will not be picked up on Tuesday, December 24 (Christmas Eve) and Tuesday, January 7 (Christmas tree pickup.)  

The Town’s first Planning Board meeting in about two years was a success, and we are very thankful for the folks we have serving in those positions. We still have an opening if you are someone you know living inside Town Limits who is willing and available. The meetings usually take place once a quarter or as needed and allow you to have further input in some directions the town is moving. This board greatly appreciates this community and values input from all over, but this would be an opportunity to take that a step further.

The River Park started its winter hours on November 1 and is open Friday – Saturday – Sunday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission is free during the winter months; just keep in mind staffing is very limited, so remain safe and carry a phone. 

The Town has decided to surplus and auction off the two aluminum car sheds next to the Zachary House and tennis courts. If you or someone you know are interested, sealed bids are being accepted at Town Hall or can be mailed to PO BOX 1080 Cooleemee, 27014. If you bring one by or mail it, please write Car Shed Bid on the envelope so we know not to open it until the appropriate date. Bids must start at $500 per shed and must be received on or before November 15, 2024, at 4:00 P.M.

THANK YOU to those who came out to Cooleemee Halloween and to those who participated by passing out candy at their houses. I saw so many kids walking around Cooleemee this year! It was an amazing feeling seeing that pick back up. A huge shoutout to the Fire Department and the Shopping Center Boutique, DK Lavish, for their events, as well.

Some important dates in November to remember:

  • Town Hall will be closed on Monday, November 11, for Veterans Day, and again on Wednesday, November 27-Friday November 29, for Thanksgiving. We will reopen on Monday, December 2.
  • The next Town Board meeting will be held on November 18, 2024, at 6 p.m. at Town Hall/Zachary House 131 Church St. Cooleemee, 27014.

I hope you all have a wonderful upcoming Thanksgiving Holiday; I am excited to see the Christmas lights start lighting up soon around Town. If you need anything, Town Hall contacts are below.

Thank you all!  

Steven Corriher
Clerk/Finance
Town of Cooleemee
336-284-2141 Office
336-284-6285 Fax
8:00AM-4:00PM Monday-Friday
www.cooleemee.org

October Update From the Town Clerk

Posted on by Cooleemee Admin

Good morning, Town of Cooleemee residents,

Many things happening around our state and Town in the past weeks.

Firstly, we continue praying and thinking about the folks west of us. That storm was very close to home and could have, at any minute, taken a slight turn towards Cooleemee and Davie County. While we are glad that did not happen, we know many folks in our area were still impacted, whether they have family in those areas, were vacationing in those areas, or have friends in and around those areas.  

We also want to send HUGE shout-outs to many Davie County, Cooleemee, and Mocksville Fire, Rescue, EMT, DOT, and any other volunteers I may not have mentioned that have traveled these roads over the past week aiding and assisting wherever they are needed. It is nice to know if we in Davie/Cooleemee ever need assistance, these amazing folks are already right here.

Many have probably noticed, heard, or even felt the demolition of the old pool over on Duke St. and may have seen a survey crew out and about around the whole Zachary House grounds in the past weeks. These folks are working hard for us as we navigate through building a new community center here in the heart of our Town. The rains and the hurricane have slowed progress somewhat, but this dryer weather expected in the next week is very welcoming and needed for the Town to complete some projects, and I am sure you all to complete some outdoor projects. 

We will be having a Planning Board meeting on Monday, October 14th, at 6 p.m. here at Town Hall/Zachary House, mainly to bring the newly developed board up to speed on what they do and why, but also to discuss the Sign Ordinance. We still need at least one more participant and one alternate for the planning board. If you or someone you know live within town limits and would like to take part, send them my way. It is a state statute, not a Town requirement that they reside within the town limits. I get that question a lot, “Why can’t I do this? I am only half a mile out of Town,” but again, we, the Town, are not allowed to move the lines, and we, the Town, are not allowed to go outside those boundaries currently. 

The next Town Board meeting will be Monday, October 21st, at 6 p.m. An agenda will be posted on Facebook and in the Town Bulletin the week of October 14th.

Code Enforcement is making waves in some areas of the Town. As we all know,  some folks correct issues right away, and some do not. There are processes that have to take place to properly move forward on less motivated folks, but be assured the Town and Code Officers are working to get many of these areas corrected as quickly as possible. If you notice a potential violation, please reach out to Town Hall at 336-284-2141 or email the Clerk at scorriher@cooleemee.org.  I promise these inquiries stay confidential. 

Early voting starts Thursday, October 17, and runs through Saturday, November 2, 2024, with official Election Day being Tuesday, Nov 5, 2024. Three places to vote early are the Davie County Board of Elections Office located at 161 Poplar St., Suite 102 Mocksville; Jerusalem Volunteer Fire Dept. located at 7185 HWY 801S Mocksville (Greasy Corner); and if you are in Advance/Bermuda Run area, you can vote at Bermuda Run Town hall located at 120 Kinderton Blvd. Bermuda Run 27006. You can also reach out to the Elections office at 336-753-6072 with questions. 

The Town is not hosting a Halloween event this year, but we are hosting the Christmas Parade on November 30th at 4 p.m. The parade will start at Cooleeemee Elementary School on Marginal St. and end at the Zachary House, where The Cooleemee Historical Association will host an event to end the day. Please start spreading the word and plan to attend. 

Thank you all. We will be seeing you and talking soon!

Steven Corriher
Clerk/Finance

Cooleemee Elementary’s Carmen Lawrence Named DCS District Teacher of the Year

Posted on by Cooleemee Admin

Davie County Schools District Teacher of the Year Carmen Lawrence. 

While standing on stage with nine other teachers representing schools in Davie County, Carmen Lawrence heard her name announced as Davie County District Teacher of the Year. With hands in the air, she gave a big shout-out to the faculty seated to her left because she was so happy for the school.

 “I don’t know why they chose me. All teachers strive to be the best they can be, and I’m not saying I’m better than all the rest, but it truly is an honor,” said Lawrence.

 In May of this year, Lawrence was awarded teacher of the year for Cooleemee School. She has been a first-grade teacher at Cooleemee School for the past six years. 

 Having a church family who gave her the opportunity to be involved in bible school helped keep her desire to become a teacher strong.

 In her classroom, she strives to provide a variety of learning levels and to respect different disabilities while recognizing their unique strengths and interests. Having each child experience a job or role develops their self-esteem and reinforces their sense of belonging to a team.

Lawrence admits teaching is a balancing act.  She isn’t the same teacher as she was nine years ago or last year.  Each year, she strives to do more, be better, grow and learn, and allow herself to learn from her own experiences. She is excited about implementing a first-grade improvement plan. Teaching a first grader to recall a memory by drawing pictures and then adding words to the pictures evolves into a sentence.  This simple concept is being used by all grade levels to make a difference in writing skills.

In the designated parking spot, Lawerence pulls in a new car provided by Flow Honda of Winston Salem, which she will drive for a full year. 

Each teacher of the year in Davie County schools received $100 from Chris Sheppard Reality.  A gold star showing her name is posted at her classroom door.

 Each teacher of the year in Davie County Schools received $595 dollars from the Davie Community Foundation. For the district teacher of the year, Davie Community Foundation awarded Cooleemee School $1000 dollars.

 “Anyone who works around children knows that children thrive off someone who listens to them, shows respect, sends encouragement, helps them, and believes in them. These are the things that I strive to do for children everywhere, whether that be in the classroom, my church, or even in the community,” says Lawerence.

 Congratulations Cooleemee School, you have the best.

 Feel free to contact me at cooleemeenews@gmail.com or call at 336.250.1133. I would love to hear from you.

August Clerk’s Corner

Posted on by Cooleemee Admin

Happy August, Everyone!

We started back with newsletters at the end of July. For those who may not have a PO Box, we are working on getting addresses to mail to, but you must own property within the town limits for us to obtain that mailing address information. In the meantime, click here to view the newsletter.

Many exciting things are in the works here in Cooleemee. We have awarded the design of the Community Center to John Fuller Architectural. We have a meeting set with him very soon to start the development of the Center. The hope is that the Center will be placed at the pool site; however, surveys and soil tests can change those plans. We will know soon whether that can be confirmed or if the Town needs to consider relocation options.

The Town is currently conducting its 2023/2024 audit. The process takes about two months or so, but we are moving right along and plan to submit this audit on time this year, thankfully.

We are currently seeking Town residents who are interested in serving the Town in some way. We encourage you to sign up and be considered for the Town Planning Board. This is an appointed position, and terms are typically three years, although they may stagger the first term. It does, in fact, pay $50 per attended meeting. State Statute does require that you reside within the incorporated limits of the Town.

We also have two committees we are seeking assistance with: Town Events and Beautification. You are not required to reside within the Town limits for these committees. These are volunteer-driven committees that can aid in planning and putting on events, as well as having ideas and hands-on work to beautify our Town. Stop by the town office to sign up or for more information.

We received a grant from Davie County Recreation and Parks for painting and repurposing several areas at the parks this year. The main focus will be painting lines on the basketball and tennis courts and turning one tennis court into a pickleball court. We also hope to resurface and paint new lines on the shuffleboard courts.

Our next Town Board meeting will be held on August 19, 2024, at 6 p.m. at 131 Church St, the Zachary House/Town Hall.

I hope everyone has a great remainder of their summer and stays afloat as the rains from Hurricane Debby head our way over the next few days. As always, if you have any Town-related concerns, my office hours and contact information are below. Feel free to reach out.

Thanks!

Steven Corriher
Clerk/Finance

Town of Cooleemee
336-284-2141 Office
336-284-6285 Fax
8:00 AM-4:00 PM Monday-Friday

Don’t Miss the Great Bullhole Duck Race & Family Festival on September 14th 

Posted on by Jeanna White

Jamie O’Neal drops the rubber duck racers into the Yadkin River.

Make-up day for The Great Bullhole DUCK RACE and Community Day is Saturday, September 14th! To celebrate, entrance to the park will be FREE! This beloved event, held at RiverPark at Cooleemee Falls, is a crucial fundraiser for park maintenance and improvements. The funds raised from the duck race directly contribute to and impact the park, including the addition of new amenities and personnel to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors. 

Event Details:

  • Date: Saturday, September 14th 
  • Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Duck Race at 1 p.m. sharp)
  • Location: RiverPark at Cooleemee Falls

Join us for a day of family fun as hundreds of rubber ducks race down the South Yadkin River, beginning at the Cooleemee Dam. The first duck to cross the finish line will win a $500 cash prize, with $300 for second place and $200 for third.

Enjoy the Festival Fun!

  • Music & Dancing: Enjoy lively tunes and dancing throughout the day with Emergency Music Services. 
  • Delicious Food & Sweets: Treat yourself to a variety of food and sweets available for purchase from area food vendors. 

“If you haven’t been to RiverPark lately, you are in for a real treat!” said Carolyn McManamy, RiverPark board chair, inviting local residents to come out during the Duck Race and Community Day to see firsthand all the new amenities and upgrades that have been added to the park in the last couple of years. “Plans were already underway to host a fall community day, and when Tropical Storm Debby forced us to postpone the Duck Race, the RiverPark Board decided to combine the two events. This is such a great opportunity for us to showcase all that the Park has to offer and to thank our private donors and grant organizations that have made it possible.” 

Since 2022, with private donations and grants from the Davie Community Foundation, Davie County Recreation and Parks, Davie County Tourism, Mocksville Tourism, Duke Energy, Robertson Foundation, and the Salisbury Community Foundation, the park has been able to address infrastructure needs as well as enhance existing facilities and add amenities:  

  • A gatehouse and entrance park sign
  • Trail to the beach
  • Picnic shelter with tables and grills
  • Changing rooms
  • Security cameras
  • Kayak portage
  • Nature Interpretive and Interactives (Coming Soon)
Niti, Neeraj, Rubepes, Nikithe, Riyansh, Ahmar, Sifat, and Mysha enjoy a picnic at the 2023 duck race.
Photos by KC Smith

McManamy shared that the park was truly discovered in 2020 during COVID. As the state mandated that indoor spaces be locked down, people started looking for outdoor venues that remained open. Once the warm weather arrived, RiverPark experienced a significant increase in the number of visitors. 

At that time, the park only had one part-time staff member to clean and maintain the park. “People started flocking to the park, which required more supplies and more hours just to collect the trash. We didn’t have the staff to enforce the rules or take care of the park,” she explained.  

Although the park receives funding from Davie County Tourism, Rowan County, and the Town of Cooleemee, as well as fundraising, there simply wasn’t enough money to hire additional staff. 

With concerns for public safety and the well-being of the park in mind, the RiverPark Executive Committee made the difficult decision to close the park on June 29, 2020, until the concerns could be resolved. The park reopened on Memorial Day weekend 2021 after hiring and training a new park manager and some park staff.  To cover the cost of increased staffing and security, a small entrance fee is charged during the high season.  

The popularity of RiverPark continues to soar. This summer, a TikTok influencer featured the Bullhole, and over the 4th of July weekend, thousands of people tried to visit. The park was at capacity by noon, and hundreds of cars had to be turned away. This is a clear indication of the park’s growing appeal and the excitement it generates.  

“RiverPark at Cooleemee Falls is a beautiful destination for both locals and visitors,” said Paul Moore, Davie County Recreation & Parks director and former chair of the RiverPark Board. “All proceeds from the event go directly back to RiverPark, making it a fun and meaningful way to support this community treasure. Whether you have a single duck or a whole flock in the race, the excitement is unparalleled. Purchase your tickets today and join us for a fantastic day at RiverPark!”

Adopt Your Duck Today!

To join the race and compete for the cash prizes, you need to buy a ticket:

  • Single Duck: $10
  • Firequacker Pack (5 Ducks): $40
  • Flock (15 Ducks): $100

You don’t have to be present to win!

Where to Buy Tickets:

Duck tickets are available at:

Tickets will also be sold at RiverPark until 12:30 p.m. on the day of the event.

The RiverPark Board is deeply grateful to the following sponsors who are making this event possible: Bank OZK, Calvary West, Davie County Tourism, Davie Discount Drug, Emergency Music Services, GNC, Happy Roots, Johnson Insurance, Mocksville Concrete Company, Mocksville Tourism Development Authority, O’Neal’s Lawncare, Row Co River Adventures, Skinny Wheels Pedals & Pints, Tar Heel Landworks LLC, and Thos Smart & Co LLC. Their support is invaluable and greatly appreciated.

Visit RiverPark:

RiverPark is located at the end of Erwin Temple Church Road, just ½ mile from Cooleemee off Hwy 801 & Needmore Road. For the latest updates about the park, follow RiverPark at Cooleemee Falls on Facebook.

Don’t miss out on the fun! Adopt your duck today and join us for a fantastic day at RiverPark!

Summer 2024 Update – Clerk’s Corner

Posted on by Cooleemee Admin

Happy Summertime,

I hope this update finds everyone staying cool and doing well to start the summer season off. 

I hope everyone made it out to see the July 4th Parade and was able to join in the festivities that followed.  Considering the heat, we had a great turnout; we gave away hotdogs, watermelon, and popsicles. The kids stayed cool on the slip-and-slide, and with the baby soap and shampoo we used to keep it slick, they got a free bath at the same time. Grimes Parker was our Honorary Grand Marshall this year. As many know, we lost Grimes in March this year, so his family rode the float to honor him. It was great for the Town to recognize him once more for all that he had done for our community and Davie County over the years. 

One item that will make many folks happy is we officially have a Code Officer back in Town. Tyler Chadwick started July 1. He is trying to familiarize himself with the area, and I will be assisting him in that area. He will spend the few weeks seeing the Town, sending letters of notification, not violations just yet,   hoping the notices let folks know he is here and starting up. Hopefully, when he starts with a full bang in August,  many will have cleaned up, mowed, or handled what violations may be present. 

The next Town Board meeting will be Monday night, July 15, at 6 p.m. at Town Hall. We will be discussing several topics. We are looking to appoint folks to the Planning Board soon. If you or someone you know is interested and lives within the Town limits, please send them to Town Hall for information. We have an Interlocal Agreement with Davie County in place for Tax Collections, the Cooleemee Branch of the Davie County Library, and soon Zoning Assistance. We are considering RFQ (Request for Qualifications) for architect duties to begin the design and oversee the construction of the new Community Center. A Public Hearing will be held as we have updated Zoning Ordinances to the newly required 160D by the state. We hope to vote those into action Monday night.

Over the next couple of weeks, you will notice a lot of activity on Church and Duke St. This will involve the demolition of the old pool. I understand many have great memories of the pool and hate to see it go away. However, the expense is just too great for our small town to bear to repair and maintain. Thanks to State grants, we have an opportunity to build this Community Center that is planned to hold Town Hall offices, a meeting room, a conference room, a small exercise room, a small kitchen, and the new branch of the Davie County Library. An area with use of the kitchen will be available to rent for your parties and get-togethers. 

Newsletter mailings will start going out to Post Office Boxes soon. They will start coming out each quarter for summer, fall, winter, and spring with updates on what’s happening with the Town, River Park, CHA, events, etc. So be on the lookout for those to hit your box soon. 

Lastly, the Town passed its 24/25 Budget at the June meeting. The budget is balanced at $516,400. No tax rate increases for our community is great news; a slight dip in Sales Tax is expected due to the Hold Harmless between the Town and County. However, a slight increase from last year’s budget is expected from State Sales Tax, which should help balance any differences. We will continue to have Davie County Sheriff Officers in town here with Sgt. Joseph Crotts heading that up for us; we greatly appreciate his service to our Community.

Stay cool and watch over your family, neighbors, and pets. We’ll talk to you in August.

Thanks!

Steven Corriher
Clerk/Finance
Town of Cooleemee
336-284-2141 Office
336-284-6285 Fax
8:00 AM-4:00 PM Monday-Friday

Celebrate Independence Day in Cooleemee with a Parade, Fun Activities, and Free Treats!

Posted on by Jeanna White

Get ready for a fantastic Independence Day celebration in the Town of Cooleemee on Thursday, July 4th. This year’s festivities promise fun for the whole family with a lively parade, fun for the kids, and delicious treats to keep everyone cool and refreshed.

Parade Details

The celebration kicks off with a patriotic parade starting at 10 a.m. at Cooleemee Elementary School. Don’t miss the chance to see beautifully decorated lawnmowers, bikes, tractors, floats, and community groups showcasing their patriotic spirit. The parade will make its way through town and conclude at the historic Zachary House, also known as Town Hall.

If you’d like to participate in the parade, simply arrive at Cooleemee Elementary School by 9 a.m. to line up and get ready to join the procession.

Post-Parade Festivities

After the parade, the fun doesn’t stop! Head over to the Zachary House / Town Hall for an array of enjoyable activities:

  • Hot Dogs and Drinks: Savor the taste of summer with hot dogs and refreshing beverages available for purchase.
  • Free Watermelon and Ice Pops: Beat the heat with complimentary watermelon slices and ice pops, perfect for cooling down.
  • Slip-n-Slide: Kids (and the young at heart) can enjoy an exhilarating Slip-n-Slide, open to all ages until 12:00 p.m.

This Independence Day celebration is a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together, enjoy each other’s company, and make lasting memories.

For more information about the parade or other celebration activities, please contact Town Hall at 336-284-2141 or email scorriher@cooleemee.org.

Photos thanks to KC Smith.

Simple Pleasures: Tooling Around the Neighborhood on an Electric Bike 

Posted on by KC Smith

Hey, who is that guy? Here he comes again. This time I hollered at him, and he turned around. I’ve been seeing this man riding down the sidewalk in front of my house on Marginal Street almost daily.  

He rides one of those electric bikes. He doesn’t go by real fast, and guess what? He doesn’t ride alone. Standing on the middle bar right up against him is a 4-year-old girl with blonde curly hair. She holds onto the handlebars, and there is always a small bag hanging on it, too.

I told him who I was and I asked if he was from Cooleemee.  He said, “Yes ma’am, right down here on Davie Street.”The man’s name is Drew Cline, and the cute little girl who rides along is Bristol, his granddaughter.   

You’re probably thinking, well I see people riding bikes all day every day.  But this ride is different. Not only is the ride consistent, but there’s always a quiet and sweet conversation between the two. The grandfather comes across as attentive and has a soft voice, one that you would expect from a grandfather. Cline said she loved riding the bike; “It’s what she likes to do. She probably really likes stopping to get a few things, too, at the store.”

I thought, surely sometime later in life, she was going to reflect on those sweet, hot summer bike rides down Marginal Street with her grandfather and how happy she was. Picking Bristol a small bouquet of daisies from my floral garden was a given because she makes me stop and say, “Ahhh” every week.

  Please feel free to contact me at cooleemeenews@gmail.com, or call at 336.250.1133, I’d love to hear from you.

Town of Cooleemee is Now Accepting RFQs for New Community Center

Posted on by Cooleemee Admin

Notice of RFQs

The Town of Cooleemee is now accepting Requests for Qualifications for the Design and Construction of a New Community Center.

The Town of Cooleemee will accept these requests until July 12, 2024, at 4:00 PM.

The requests will be presented to the Board on Monday, July 15, 2024. A selection from the presented requests will be made after that date.

We ask that all requests be sealed upon the Town receiving, you may mail those to PO Box 1080 Cooleemee NC, 27014 or, you may bring these to Town Hall located at 131 Church St. Cooleemee NC, 27014.

Packets can be picked up at Town Hall if desired, or you can read and download the details of our Request for Qualifications for Professional Architectural Services for a New Community Center below:

RFQ-form-Community-Center

Feel free to contact Town Hall for further questions at 336-284-2141 or email scorriher@cooleemee.org or any contact information included in the packet.

Request for Qualifications for Professional Architectural Services For a New Community Center

Submittals Due Date: July 12, 2024

Contact: Steven Corriher, Town Clerk
Town of Cooleemee
131 Church St PO Box 1080
Cooleemee, NC 27014
scorriher@cooleemee.org
Phone (336)284-2141

Purpose
The Town of Cooleemee, North Carolina is seeking proposals from qualified firms to provide complete architectural services for the design, oversee construction, keep projects on task, and provide information to the board on status of a new Community Center. The Town is Interested in finding a firm that will develop the design in a manner that reflects the surrounding streetscapes as well as meets our current and future needs and work with the building contractor through the construction and completion of the project to ensure completed by deadline.

Firms can direct any questions to Clerk Steven Corriher Town Hall 336-284-2141 or email scorriher@cooleemee.org or to Mayor Jeff Smith 336-250-1135 or email jsmith@cooleemee.org

Project Overview
The Town owns property at 124 Duke St (the Old Pool site) where the proposed Community Center is projected to be built. The anticipated size of the building will be approximately 4000 sq ft., must be ADA compliant, with an estimated total budget of $1.25 million to include design, survey, grading and ground prep, and construction.

The facility we hope has some brick mixed with vinyl siding to match the criteria of the Town houses located around it. The facility will house a Community Room/Council Meeting room, restrooms, small residential style kitchen, and potential Davie County Library.

The following shall be incorporated in the new facility:

  • 2 Offices for Town Hall 250sq/ft each 500sq /ft total
  • Council Meeting room 800sq/ft
  • Conference Room 300sq/ft
  • Restrooms Handicap Acc 250sq/ft each 500sq/ft total
  • Residential Kitchen 250sq/ft
  • Lobby with area for vending 400sq/ft
  • Library w/ storage 800sq/ft
  • Exercise Room 300sq/ft
  • Storage Space 50sq/ft
  • Hallway between meeting room offices and library 100sq/ft

Other items of current use:

  • Sprinkler system for fire
  • Fire and Security alarm (we would pay monitor fees)
  • Utilities including water, sewer, power, phone, internet (we would pay the monthly fees
  • Proper drainage outside around the facility.
  • At minimum have Handicap and Employee parking on site

Potential Future use:

  • Outdoor picnic area
  • Outdoor amp theater

Objectives
The Town of Cooleemee North Carolina proposes to retain a highly qualified firm to plan and design the project for a fixed cost. The Firm must have a commitment to designing a facility that functionally meets expected growth in the area while adhering to local architecture and history. Therefore, the successful Firm shall be familiar with local design themes and development processes. The Town of Cooleemee is the owner, and all financial and contract decisions will be made by the Town.
Submittal Requirements

  • The qualifications of the project team, the firm’s history, individual resumes, and current and completed projects over the last 5 years.
  • A list of similar projects current and completed by the firm within the last 5 years which are relevant to the scope, size, and complexity of the project as described above.
  • Provide examples of the experience of key members of the proposed team on the projects listed regarding demonstrated success with similar projects for local and state governments and educational institutions, preferably within North Carolina. Provide an organizational chart and resumes which will address the following:
    • Name the Principal in Charge, Project Manager, and other individuals to be assigned to the project, number of years of professional experience, and educational background inclusive of professional certifications.
  • List the following consultants that your firm plans on partnering with on this project such as Civil, Structural, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical.
  • List of client references for related projects with contact name, telephone number and email address.

EVALUATION CRITERIA
Applicants will be evaluated on their ability to demonstrate:
Describe no fewer than five projects in order of most relevant to least relevant that demonstrate the Designer/Team’s capabilities to provide design services for the project at hand. Identify whether the projects involved any of the firms/companies included in responder’s submittal for this RFQ. For each project, the following information should be provided:

  1. Project name.
  2. Project location.
  3. Dates during which services were performed.
  4. Physical description (e.g., square footage, number of stories, site area).
  5. Cost description (this description, at a minimum, must include: original project budget; final project cost and explanation of any differences in the original and final costs, if applicable)
  6. Brief description of project.
  7. Services performed as Designer.
  8. Statement of performance versus owner expectations in the areas of cost, quality, and schedule.
  9. Owner reference(s).

SELECTION PROCESS
Town of Cooleemee staff will evaluate each submitted RFQ and may select Firm(s) to interview. Upon selection, a recommendation will be made to the Town Council.

The Town of Cooleemee reserves the right to reject any and all proposals received as well as to waive any irregularities as they see fit.