Developer Richards invites local officials on high school tour
Former Calhouner Hagan Richards (L) and developer son,
Dan Richards (R)
have a vision for the old school
By Bob Weaver
The old cut stone Calhoun County High School has been purchased by a California
developer, with strong ties to the county.
"We see opportunity here, and besides we don't want to see this building go down,"
said Dan Richards, President of Corporate Services of Coldwell Banker Commercial
Inland Empire.
"We're looking at creating 25-30 senior housing units in the old school building. "It
is an ideal structure for such a project," he said.
Local businessman Shirley Fitzwater sold the building to Richards last week.
Richards, who has helped develop over 3,500 housing units in southern California,
is the son of former Calhouner Hagan Richards of Fairmont.
"We really don't expect to make money with this project, but dad wants to do this,
and so do I," said Richards, who has 26 years in real estate development. "We want
to make this happen."
Richards said there is a problem most everywhere finding affordable housing. "We
want to compliment the local senior center. He said "Mike Ritchie has done an
excellent job for Calhoun seniors. I'm really impressed."
"I really want you to know we need your support," said Richards to the members of
the Calhoun Commission, Mayor Neil Blankenship, Del. Bill Stemple and other
officials who met at the school yesterday morning.
Richards said it would take time to "put all the pieces together."
Richards asked officials if there were any ideas for the old
shop building and
gym, otherwise they might be torn down
Hagan Richards said he and a crew will start on a three week project "cleaning
out" the building.
The high school project is one of four proposed improvements on the drawing
board for Grantsville.
The CCCOA (Senior Center) is working on the possible construction of an indoor
swimming pool and health center on the Minnie Hamilton lot on High Street, owned
by Knott's Memorial UM Church.
The disposition of the crumbling town hall could be the site of a $750,000
convenience store, although businessman Steve Satterfield said he is backing
away from the project.
The Calhoun Commission is submitting several grants seeking improvements to
Wayne Underwood Field, including a paved parking area, bleachers to seat an
additional 400 people, and a walking trail, among other improvements.
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