Chamber Breakfast offers sneak preview of Community Center
- 15 hours ago
- 2 min read
Long-time RE/MAX realtor Michelle Blackburn said stepping back inside the former Hannah McClure Elementary building Thursday morning reminded her of the close-knit school community that meant so much to her family.
“Walking through the building brought back so many memories,” Ms. Blackburn said after attending the Winchester-Clark County Chamber of Commerce breakfast held at the newly opened Hannah McClure Cardinal Community Center. “Both of my girls attended Hannah McClure, and it truly felt like family to us.”
Ms. Blackburn was among about 120 community members who got a sneak preview of the new center during the Chamber’s monthly breakfast.
“I actually grew up in Paris and went to a small-town K-12 school, so when we moved here and my girls started at Hannah McClure, I immediately fell in love with how small and close knit it was,” she said. “The teachers and staff were so invested in the kids and the families, and I still feel like they’re family to us.”
CCPS is bringing that family-like spirit back to the former school.
Once home to Hannah McClure and Clark County Preschool, the building has been reimagined as a hub where residents, organizations, and businesses can come together.
“Seeing the building continue to serve Winchester and Clark County as the Hannah McClure Cardinal Community Center feels like the perfect next chapter instead of letting the building sit empty or be sold,” Ms. Blackburn said.
CCPS was proud to host this month’s Chamber breakfast and offer Chamber members a preview of what the Center will become.
In comments to those who attended the breakfast, Superintendent Dustin Howard praised Board of Education members for making the project possible, and emphasized that the Center reflects the district’s broader vision for education and community partnership.
Center director Christy Bush said the building is already becoming a gathering place.
“I believe Ms. Hannah McClure is very happy today,” Bush said, referencing the building’s long history in the community.
The facility includes a gym, meeting rooms, office space and areas for classes and activities. Interest has been strong even before the official ribbon cutting.
The center will host a variety of activities — from art and yoga to sewing classes and indoor pickleball
Several partners have helped bring the project to life, including the Winchester-Clark County Industrial Authority, Stock Yards Bank & Trust, Lowe's and numerous individuals.
From a community perspective, Ms. Blackburn said she believes the center fills an important need.
“From a community and business perspective, I think the CCPS vision is exactly what our town so desperately needs,” she said. “Spaces that bring people together for activities, wellness, and events help strengthen the entire community, and I’m grateful to see this come to fruition.”
