DANVILLE – A newly formed Danville area committee interested in preserving the Danville Intermediate School building, 405 S. Market St., for public purposes has begun exploring the possibility of a long term lease or purchase of the building to develop a center for community business and activities.
The building currently houses the charitable organization Sew Special Network and the Danville Driving School. Other classrooms are used for storage by the district. School administrative offices will soon be vacating the space, relocating to recently purchased property near the bus garage.
Initial inspection has shown the building structure to appear fundamentally sound. Future upgrades could include a roof work, window replacements, restroom renovations, required handicap accessibility improvements, internet connection, upgrades to the boiler system, and even a small service kitchen.
Discussions about potential uses include relocation and expansion of the Danville Public Library, which would serve as the anchor tenant of the building; a visitor information center; rental space for small-business owners; space for classes in art, crafts, music, dance, physical fitness, etc.; a computer technology lab; a permanent display of Danville history; meeting space for clubs and organizations; and a farmer’s market or arts and crafts market.
Danville area residents are encouraged to help determine the future of this building by completing a survey that's available in paper or online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HHLK6LT. The survey can be picked up in Danville at various locations to be mailed, dropped off. For security purposes, the provided color printed version is preferred over copies.
The cutoff to complete the survey will be midnight on Saturday, Oct. 15.