Maffett-Bouton & Associates, an architectural and engineering firm in Cookeville, has been selected to create an adaptive reuse plan for the 1920's-era York Institute building in Jamestown. Cookeville Times - Story Published: Feb 11, 2011 at 1:58 PM CST

A proposed adaptive reuse plan for the historic York Institute building has been adopted by the Sgt. York Patriotic Foundation, according the organization’s executive director, Claudia Johnson. To date more than $1 million has been expended to save the building, Johnson said. “This money was primarily obtained through a $500,000 grant from the State of Tennessee matched by private donations from interested individuals totaling almost $400,000,” she explained. “A very limited amount of this money was received from the Tennessee Historical Commission and a one-time Congressional appropriation of $90,000.” Johnson said that Foundation is incurring the ongoing cost of maintenance, insurance, security and moisture control while a plan is being developed and funds are raised to complete the project.

“It is our plan to move forward with creation of an adaptive reuse plan that would incorporate some or all of the concepts described within a resolution passed unanimously by the SYPF board in 2010,” The Board agreed that the future of the historic building will best honor the educational legacy of Sgt. York if it becomes a multi-use educational facility available to meet a variety of community needs.”

Among those to be considered in preparation of a formal, working plan are:
1. Classrooms, laboratories, etc., as deemed necessary to offer additional educational opportunities on the Upper Cumberland Plateau, accomplished through strategic partnerships with such entities as York Agricultural Institute, Tennessee Tech University, TTU STEM Center, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Tennessee Technology Center, Roane State Community College, adult education, workforce development and others to be provided by lease agreements and funded by collection of appropriate fees.
2. Space for permanent and traveling flat panel exhibits that focus on local, regional, state and national history/arts/culture/humanities.
3. A WWI research center to serve scholars and students throughout the world.
4. Corporate headquarters for the Sergeant York Patriotic Foundation.
5. Space for small conferences, seminars, meetings, etc.
6. An auditorium for public use – lectures, concerts, screenings, drama, etc.;
7. Other purposes as deemed appropriate by the SYPF.

The SYPF is currently seeking proposals from qualified engineering or architectural firms experienced in historic preservation projects.

For more information about the project or the SYPF, visit www.sgtyork.org or to donate, join or volunteer, call Johnson at 931-347-2664.