GUILFORD COUNTY, N.C. — An abandoned elementary school in Greensboro could have a new life.
Erwin Montessori Elementary School was one of many buildings badly damaged after the 2018 tornado.
Guilford County now plans to buy and make use of the nearly nine-acre property off East Bessemer Avenue.
Those who live near the former school met Monday night to map out the future of the site, all with the goal of transforming lives on the northeast side of the city.
Everything from turning the former school into an event center, a space for housing, and a community garden are all ways the community hopes to make it happen.
Shante Woody is one of dozens of people who came to the community meeting with a vision for the future. She'd like to see a multi-purpose food hall on the site.
"There are multiple food desserts in Greensboro and when the community comes together to address these issues we can be more sustainable by having more fresh affordable foods even if that's teaching people how to grow their own food," Woody said
Erwin Montessori was one of three Guilford County schools badly damaged when a tornado slammed through the city in 2018.
Guilford County Schools demolished Peeler Elementary and is currently rebuilding it as a magnet school.
The district voted to close Hampton Elementary.
They're currently in the process of selling Erwin Montessori to the county for $100,000.
County leaders want those who live on the northeast side to decide what becomes of the site.
Hassan Yamini is the Imam at W.D Mohammad Islamic Center.
It's directly across the street from the former school he said he's seen the space become an eyesore and would like to see it torn down and a new facility built.
"Like a dome structure whether it be a grocery store whether it be a barber shop a pool hall a gymnasium an exercise center all of these things could be inside the dome," Yamini said.
Guilford County Commission Chair Skip Alston said some of the school is salvageable based on an environmental study.
Some who spoke Monday said they'd like to see if the cafeteria and gym can be saved.
During a previous meeting, Alston suggested demolishing the school and starting fresh
"We should be able to find the funds to do it through a bond or government grant but we want to make sure they have the opportunity to dream and dream big and not be limited with what they can do as far as what they can do with the space," Alston said.
The community plans to meet again on Oct. 30 to form a solid plan before presenting it to county leaders.
Nothing can be done until the property is in the county's possession.
County leaders said it should happen in the next three weeks.