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Child care center, theater planned for Still Hopes property

Staff Report //March 16, 2018//

Child care center, theater planned for Still Hopes property

Staff Report //March 16, 2018//

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Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community is acquiring two pieces of property totaling 12.5 acres currently owned by Lexington School District Two in West Columbia.

The 10-acre District Education Center at 715 Ninth St. will be used to accommodate long-term strategic growth, while the 2.5-acre former Fine Arts Center at 824 B Avenue will house a new child care center owned and operated by Still Hopes and the future home of the Columbia Children’s Theatre.

A district performing arts center will also be constructed at a location to be determined.

The Lexington Two offices at the District Education Center will remain in their current location for at least the next three years.  

“This partnership offers some great opportunities for children, including a new performing arts center for Lexington Two students, a new home for the popular Columbia Children’s Theatre and a high-quality child care facility,” Lexington Two Superintendent William James said in a news release. “It’s a great use of space for our family-friendly community, and we’re proud to be a part of making it happen.”

The Columbia Children’s Theatre, currently located in Richland Mall, will begin a capital campaign for its relocation to its new facility.  

“This facility will allow us to expand our programming in a community that is growing and understands that the arts and culture drive economic development and increase quality of life for both children and adults,” said Larry Hembree, director of development for the theatre. “We are especially excited about initiating an intergenerational theatre program that partners Still Hopes residents with area youth, providing opportunities for these two groups to create work together.”

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