Habitat to ‘harvest’ building materials from outbuildings
Phase I of Tryon Fine Arts Center’s campus master plan focusing on improved access, parking, green spaces and an amphitheater began quietly on May 1 with the arrival of the Habitat work trailer and a band of Habitat volunteers equipped with hammers, crowbars and a boundless supply of enthusiasm. Habitat will “harvest” all usable building materials from three outbuildings on the TFAC campus. This harvest is the first step of the demolition of the Farwell Annex, Cate-Hall and the Discovery House.  
The three houses were used for work space by artists’ groups in the 80s and 90s under the TFAC umbrella. Over the years, these groups have grown and developed, eventually moving off campus to new spaces. Tryon Fine Arts Center officials said the organization’s board has made great efforts to use the buildings, but asbestos issues as well as serious foundation and structural problems with several of the buildings make maintenance or remodeling a costly and problematic option.
Habitat volunteers will harvest all building materials they feel they can use on future Habitat houses or sell at the Habitat Resale Store in Landrum.
Lee Cobourn, Habitat volunteer, said, “So far we’ve been able to harvest two truckloads of usable building materials and salvageable metal, and we’re continuing to remove more saleable items. We at Habitat appreciate the opportunity to salvage these building materials that will help put people in Habitat homes.”
Demolition of the houses should begin in late June and the new campus construction will begin in August.
TFAC officials said the new master plan addresses one of TFAC’s main problems: the lack of accessible parking and easy access to the front door. They said lack of handicapped parking and access to the theater has always been a problem for some patrons.
“We are fortunate to have a great working relationship with The Lanier Library, Bank of America and the First Baptist Church of Tryon and are grateful for the parking help they so generously give us,” said Beth Child, executive director for TFAC.
When the new plan is completed, TFAC will have 22 total parking spaces, including three handicapped spaces, a redesigned facade, improved bus access and a 150-seat outdoor amphitheater in the area of the campus not suitable for parking.
More information regarding the TFAC project can be found at the project website, www.tfacmasterplan.com, or by calling 828-859-8322.
– article submitted
by Tryon Fine Arts Center