DESIGN, STORYTELLING, AND SPEED

The church didn't just offer space; they built a partnership. With a grant from the Ormond Center, they hired an architect to map out the code requirements—toilets, doors, and safety features—to convert the space for children.

The $600,000 Challenge

• The "Hype Video": As part of the placemaking lab, a professional story video was produced to rally the community.

• The Fundraising Sprint: The video helped push the campaign over the top. They raised more than needed, allowing them to add "want-to" upgrades alongside the "have-to" renovations.

• Fast-Tracked: Because the capital was raised so quickly, construction moved fast to meet the daycare's timeline.

A MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR RIPPLE EFFECT

This project is more than a rental agreement; it is an economic engine for the entire county.

For the Local Economy

• Workforce Enablement: By providing care for 80 children, the center allows parents to stay in the workforce.

• Economic Impact: The project generates an estimated $2 million to $4 million annual economic impact for Wilkes County.

• Job Creation: The facility employs 20 to 25 staff members.

For the Church

• Sustainability: The lease generates between $30,000 and $40,000 in annual rental income.

• Mission Fulfillment: The church has transformed an empty wing into a daily ministry to families.

MEASURING THE CHANGE

• 80 Children served daily.

• 20-25 New jobs housed in the church.

• $600k Raised and invested in the facility.

• $40k Annual revenue to support church ministries.

A COMPELLING STORY OF ADAPTIVE REUSE

"It makes for a really compelling and interesting story around adaptive reuse because you have this small church that took an empty wing and leveraged it for a really positive impact in the community."— Luke Lingle, Co-Founder, New Chapter Ventures