Haywood County Arts Council has bought a permanent home at 196 North Main St. in Waynesville, using a $1.35 million gift from an anonymous donor.
The move expands the council from 640 square feet to 17,000 across three floors. Plans include affordable artist studios, exhibition and classroom space, children’s art clubs, and free classes for disabled adults. The building could also give local artists and Haywood Community College craft students more places to show their work.
Renovations are needed before opening, including replacing a nonworking 1935 freight elevator so every floor is accessible. The current building is just up the block from the new building, at 86 N. Main St.
Information for this story originally appeared at WLOS.