During the effort to restore the school property several major strengths of the project became evident to the Olive Hill Historical Society.  Following is a summary of those areas:

Prominence. The building has a strong architectural presence sitting nearly 100 feet above the downtown business district.  It is constructed with red brick and has 78 classical white windows with its main entry centered over 100 steps down to the street below.

Visibility.  The size and site location makes the building visible to most of the community and tends to expand its 24,000 square feet to appear to be even larger.  The large grass hill fronting the building on each side of the long row of steps creates a major green space for the community and gives the building a park-like setting.

Historical Significance. The property is a Kentucky Landmark and an application is in process for its inclusion on the National Historic Register.  The National Preservation Trust has displayed photographs of the interior of the building in presentations and the historical value of the structure has allowed it to be recognized by the Heritage Council of the State of Kentucky.

Location. The property is located in the Main Street/Renaissance area and within the Downtown Historical District.  It fronts U. S. Highway 60 which was once known as the Midland Trail, a major early transportation route linking the central part of the state to the northern industrial portion of the state.  Olive Hill is located near two major recreational lakes and is home to Carter Caves State Park, a significant tourist destination.

Structure. The building is a three story structure with classrooms on the first and second floors facing the town and a multi-purpose two-story gymnasium/auditorium situated behind the classroom spaces.  The third floor is primarily an open space which was originally used as a library.  The view of the town from the third floor is magnificent and the large windows create a natural lighting which illuminates the entire floor.  The large gymnasium/auditorium  has oversized palladium windows on the east and west ends which also provide substantial natural lighting for that area as well as seating for up to 500 and a working stage which is adequate for most performing art requirements.

Capacity. The former gymnasium has been renovated to serve as a community center.  With it’s seating capacity of nearly 500,  it the largest public space in the town other than school assembly spaces.  The former classroom and library space allow for multiple meetings, teaching or training areas, and assembly spaces for smaller groups.

Given  the strengths noted previously, the Olive Hill Historical Society has examined the potential  uses for the renovated project and has attempted to define priority uses for the property.  Following is a listing of some of those uses:

Major Community Center.  The capacity and prominence of the renovated property demand its major use as Olive Hill’s center for community activities.  Its ADA accessible assembly and bathroom areas and elevators will allow the entire building to be used by all the community.  Its stage and remarkable day lighting through restored 1920 era palladium windows will allow for a variety of uses from teaching to performances.  With approximately 250 in bleacher seating and a similar number for seating on the floor between the bleachers and the stage, nearly one third of the area residents can assemble in the main center at one seating.  Newly constructed and modern baths provide adequate capacity for even the largest community gatherings.  Potential use for public forums, citizen assemblies, and social uses will keep this area well used from its day of opening.

Performing Arts.  Currently, there is no adequate space in the community for use in the performing arts.  Similarly, there is no adequate space for exhibition of local arts and crafts.  With new stage curtains and a carefully restored performance stage area, there will finally be opportunities to work with the local universities, schools and other groups to create a true center for the performing arts in Olive Hill.  From the youngest to the oldest resident all will have opportunities to perform or be entertained by this new venue for local talent and growth of that talent.  Immediate plans call for a repertory theater for children to begin in early 2008.

Heritage Cultural Center. Known for its love for country music and with a long history of performing artists in all musical areas, the building will become a center for the heritage and culture of the area.  Use of the property for quilting, antique shows, local arts and crafts, bazaars and fairs, dancing performances and classes, and areas set aside for the preservation of local historical cooking and other life skills will allow for the future generations to better understand their common history and cultural heritage.

Recreation Center. The former gymnasium can once again be used for both adults and children to enjoy the health and fun associated with recreational activities.  Sports, which are such a major part of the town’s history, will once again take place “on the Hill.”  The benefits for exercise both in team play and in supervised classes will provide an opportunity for improved health in the community and offer a new opportunity for the long winters of eastern Kentucky.

Community Education. Once recognized as the center for the town’s education of it’s children, plans now call for a redirection of effort to adult needs for retraining and new career development.  Entrepreneurship will be encouraged along with specific skills training in area including current technology and computers.  Partnerships for distance education and nearby colleges and universities will allow learning to occur within the community rather than requiring travel away from the locale.  Literacy and reading skills will be a high priority as Olive Hill works to bring all of its residents the opportunity for an improved quality of life.  Classes in small business management, governmental reporting and compliance, basic economics, and other classes to stimulate local businesses and economic development will be a centerpiece in the community education program.

Personal Development. A major planned use of the restored building will be in the area of personal life skills development and the very practical teaching to allow residents to live responsibly and care for their family.  Parenting skills will be a major emphasis as well as assisting in the acquisition of basic life skills.  Budgeting, health-centered meal planning, training in civic service opportunities, and simply learning how to read and understand bank statements and tax return instructions will be provided by persons who have training and teaching capabilities.  Major opportunities will be provided to families to learn how to live as a family unit, to deal with addiction issues, and to learn to plan for future financial or life issues.  Community-based health care training will be provided and a center for wellness education will be established.

Center for Local History & Culture. The purpose of the building is more directed for the future of the area residents than their past.  However, the building block of local history must be recognized to assure that its place in the evolution of the local culture is not absent.  The building will have local photography from the town’s history, the former school’s history, and artifacts that tell the story of the town from its inception.  Areas showing the impact on the community of roadways and railroads will be included.  There will be seminars and exhibits to allow the children of the present and future generation to develop an understanding of earlier times and a different way of life.