The first of two public meetings to discuss the future plans for the Mt. Zion Institute building was held at the Old Armory Thursday evening.

Approximately 60 people were in attendance to hear about what lies ahead for the sentimental site.

Late last year, Red Clay Development of North Carolina purchased the buildings and land beneath it from the Town of Winnsboro for $100,000.

“We also bought out the contract the Town had with Carolina Wrecking to demolish the building,” said Ray Clay Development owner Frank Warlick.

According to Red Clay Development’s zoning application, The Mt. Zion Institute (MZI) Planned Development District will be developed and reserved for local, or “Main Street” oriented, business purposes and uses that serve to enhance the entire community. The regulations that apply within the district are designed to encourage the formation and continuance of a stable, healthy, and compatible environment for uses that willprovide nearby residential areas with convenient service facilities and wellness opportunities, reduce traffic and parking congestion, avoid the appearance of “strip” business districts and discourage uses capable of adversely affecting the localized residential character of the District.

The zoning proposal states that the permitted uses for the property will include retail business such as an antique store, art supply, retail bakery, book/magazine/newspaper shop, deli or other restaurant (with restrictions), a pharmacy, florist, gifts, hobby shop, office supply, photography studio or a printing /shipping store.

Service businesses would also be permitted, such as administrative offices, legal, insurance, real estate agencies, or offices for government, business, professional, or general purpose uses. Trade schools would also be permitted if offering instruction in art, music, dancing, drama or similar cultural activities.

“The identities of interested major tenants will not be revealed until the new zoning is completed,” Warlick said.

Red Clay is hoping to attract an art school, wellness facility and provide a performing arts theatre.

“Assuming this zoning petition gets approved,” he said, “we'll be moving forward with completion of the design drawings, tenant announcements and searching for the best qualified general contractor to commence construction.”

Once construction has begun, the project with have a 13 month completion schedule.

The next public hearing on the rezoning of the Mt. Zion property from R-1 to Planned Development District Commercial will be held on Tuesday, June 22, 6:15 p.m. at the Old Armory. The public is invited to attend.