Preservation NC in process of receiving donated Dunbar School property, city will maintain park
Plywood has ben placed over the main doors at Dunbar School. Before the property reverted to Dunbar, it was Charles England Intermediate School. {Kassaundra Shanette Lockhart/Davidson Local}
On Monday, June 26, the Lexington City Council entered into a lease agreement with Preservation North Carolina (Preservation NC). The contract allows the city to continue operating Old Dunbar School Park as a city park.
Currently, Preservation NC is in the process of acquiring ownership of the property at 301 Smith Ave (as confirmed by a staff member) through a donation. It’s been owned by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte since 2009.
During her presentation to the council, City of Lexington Parks and Recreation Director Laura Duran stated the organization wanted the agreement in place prior to obtaining the property. She also noted the department’s staff “feels its in the best interest of residents to maintain this as a city park.” When asked if she had any indication of what the organization’s plans are for the property, Duran shared she “believes they are seeking to get this property rejuvenated.”
The agreement is for five years and the city will lease the park from Preservation NC for a yearly fee of one dollar. Per their website, the organization “promotes and protects the buildings and landscapes of our state’s diverse heritage.”
*At the time of publication, Davidson Local hasn’t received additional correspondence from Preservation NC regarding their plan. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte has since sent a joint press release which has been published on our website. When and if statements are received, this article will be updated.
