Hindman Settlement School is working to develop a comprehensive list of Capital Project needs that includes photos of needed maintenance and repairs, as well as cost estimates for each project.
Proposed Gathering Place Project
In 2006, a close friend of Hindman Settlement School took a leadership role and made a lead gift in order to make possible construction of a new facility called "The Gathering Place." The Settlement School’s Facilities Committee, under the leadership of the late Harold Watts, selected a site for the new building and the Settlement commissioned an architect to prepare preliminary sketches and a cost estimate. The estimated cost at that time, including architectural fees and furnishings was $225,000.
In 2006, a close friend of Hindman Settlement School took a leadership role and made a lead gift in order to make possible construction of a new facility called "The Gathering Place." The Settlement School’s Facilities Committee, under the leadership of the late Harold Watts, selected a site for the new building and the Settlement commissioned an architect to prepare preliminary sketches and a cost estimate. The estimated cost at that time, including architectural fees and furnishings was $225,000.
The proposed 1,700 square-foot building would consist primarily of a large open room with a small kitchen, storage closet and restrooms. It would also include a 400 square-foot covered porch and be handicap-accessible.
The proposed design includes an open 36’ x 47’ interior room with a reflected wood and timber beam ceiling and windows on the front (western face). If sufficient funds are raised, the design will include a stone fireplace. The exterior will be a combination of stone and wood, designed to compliment the wooded setting.
The proposed building would be situated, on a site to the northeast of the Stucky Building and will be accessible from the drive that leads to the Stucky Building. The front porch area will face toward the May Stone building and the two buildings will be a short distance apart.
To date, the Settlement School has raised approximately $52,500 toward the project. These funds have been placed in a restricted project account. The Settlement's Facilities Committee is in the process of reassessing campus building needs to determine what options are available to meet multiple goals.
The Need
At the time the May Stone building was constructed, the Settlement utilized Recreation House (built in 1936) for folk dancing and cultural events. But Recreation House was soon in such poor shape, it had to be renovated or closed. With the growth of the Settlement School’s cultural programs, the board determined additional housing space was needed. In 1982, Recreation House was remodeled as a dormitory and renamed the Preece Building. In 2002, the Settlement School purchased the Quiltmaker Inn in downtown Hindman to meet additional campus housing needs for its growing array of programs and events.
Today, the Settlement hosts approximately 2,700 visitors to campus each year. Events include Appalachian Family Folk Week and Appalachian Writers Workshop, which both draw 80-120 visitors to campus for a full week, as well as the annual Alumni Banquet. Large and small groups of visitors come to Hindman from Kentucky and throughout the U.S. to learn about the Appalachian region and experience firsthand an extraordinary community.
With its central location, the Settlement also serves as a gathering place for families and community members. As a service to the community, the Settlement makes its facilities available (for a modest charge) for family reunions, weddings, funerals and other special events.
The May Stone building, which houses a large dining hall and kitchen, in addition to the “Great Hall” is the only centrally located building on campus for convening these groups. It functions well as a gathering place for larger groups. However, without Recreation House, there is no space to host smaller gatherings on campus. The Settlement utilizes classroom space available at the Knott County Opportunity Center for educational purposes, but does not have a space available to host meetings and recreational activities for smaller groups.
The Settlement currently makes the May Stone building available to small groups, but it is inefficient to heat and cool the large building. There are also security issues involved with leaving the building open, since it houses important historical artifacts, quilts and antiques. The wear and tear on the facility takes a toll as well.
Comments on visitor evaluation forms continue to suggest that a better space is needed. The Settlement has tried erecting tents in the summer months to accommodate this need, but weather makes this solution unreliable and it is only feasible in warmer months.
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