Fox Community Center
Fox Community Center
THE LATEST:
Fox Community Center Feasibility Study Report
EOA Architects, May 15, 2026
EOA Architects Release Feasibility Study
On May 15, 2026, EOA Architects released their report detailing the results of the Feasibility Study for the proposed Fox Community Center. This slide show offers a glimpse into this exciting report; you can access a full copy of the 50-page report using the "Download Report" link.
Progress and Projections
The Report summarizes the initiative's progress to date, including stakeholder meetings, best uses survey, needs assessment and existing conditions assessment. It also offers several concept drawings and a preliminary schedule of next steps.
Concept - Exterior
The Feasibility Report offers several exciting concept drawings, including the one shown above. In this drawing, the exterior of the Fox Community Center is shown after all masonry, window, entry and parking upgrades are complete.
Concept Drawing - YMCA, Jackson County Branch
This exciting concept drawing shows one possible look for the YMCA check-in desk and lobby. To the right is a staircase leading to the upper-level Library. Note the glass-paned walls behind the check-in desk and hallway that allow visitors to view sports and athletic activities in progress within the gym.
Concept Drawing - New Holland Library
This drawing shows one truly beautiful possible design for the interior of the expanded Charles Ralph Holland Library planned for the Community Center's upper level. Note the rounded corners on seating, walls and table surfaces and visibility across all areas of the facility. Clearly, this concept space was designed with children in mind!
Next Steps ...
The report concludes with a Preliminary Schedule outlining the major milestones that lie ahead and projected timeframes for accomplishing these goals. While it's wise to expect the unexpected when it comes to restoration of old buildings, this gives us all something to look forward to - culminating with the projected grand opening of the Community Center, projected for late 2027/early 2028.
First Look! March 12, 2026
EOA Architects unveiled their first set of proposed designs at a public meeting held on March 12, 2026, in the Gainesboro Middle School auditorium. With an emphasis on the community's most-wanted features, the designs are anchored by a YMCA branch on the ground floor and a greatly-expanded Public Library on the second floor, with multi-functional areas for activities as wide-ranging as community events, sports events and activities, musical and other performances, meeting space, and workforce training. The designs also incorporated space for on-site childcare available to those who are using the Y.
Members of the audience had great questions and gave much valuable feedback during the public meeting. Have a look at the designs below, and check back regularly as we update this page with the latest versions and plans!
About EOA Architects - A Shared History
EOA Architects first crossed paths with the old Fox school building back in 1991, when they were commissioned by Gainesboro Mayor John Richard Fox to undertake an assessment of the building. Thanks to Mayor Fox's foresight, significant repairs were made to the building using grant funds to prevent water incursion and leak damage to this historic structure.
Since that time, EOA Architects has evolved to the current and experienced leadership of Sheila Dial Barton, Tracey Ford and Michael Murdock. Founding principal Gary Everton continues to provide inspiration with the leadership team. Striving for a better tomorrow today, EOA has created an astonishing portfolio of sustainable and award-winning projects in a variety of specialty areas. You can view a gallery of their work at their website, www.eoa-architects.com.
We are thrilled to be once again working with Gary Everton and his team to continue restoration of the old Fox Middle School and helm its conversion to a Community Center worthy of Jackson County. EOA is driven by a passion to improve people’s lives through architecture, to making the world a better place with projects that have a positive impact on people’s lives. They believe architecture gives voice to the spirit of place. We believe there couldn't be a better fit than EOA Architects for planning the design of Fox Community Center.
Meet EOA's Fox Community Center Project Team
Gary Everton, FAIA, LEED AP
Founding Principal
Matt Lewis, AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Project Architect
Kim Paige, Assoc. AIA, LEED GA
Architectural Designer
Gary Everton, FAIA, LEED AP
Founding Principal
Gary Everton
Matt Lewis
Matt Lewis, AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Project Architect
Kim Paige
Kim Paige, Assoc. AIA, LEED GA
Architectural Designer