An agreement is under consideration between the city of McMinnville and Young Men United in regard to the old Bernard School property.

The city’s Building and Grounds Committee has begun consideration of YMU’s verbal request to obtain the property. 

Chairman Rachel Kirby says the agreement, if approved, would be for 20 years and would include everything within the fenced-in area and not the public park.

“The interest seems to be having it as a community center,” said Kirby. “There seems to be a lot of ideas floating around, but there seems to be a lot of interest in the community for it becoming a community center.”

Kirby invited members of the organization on a tour of the property. 

“We want to make sure you know what you’re getting into,” she said. “It would be leased as is, which is why I’d like everyone to come look at it just to make sure you understand the condition of the property and how much work it would require.”

YMU president Donald Crisp says he believes the gym can be saved and used. 

“I’d like to get the gymnasium back into working order,” said Crisp. “I’d like to see it preserved for future generations. There are some underprivileged children who cannot afford to use the Civic Center. This could provide them a place to go and play. It’s not going to take a million dollars to get the gym back in working order. It would take some money, but not too much.”

Wayne Wolford expressed an interest in offering a Black History Museum on the property and having the property added to the National Register of Historic Places.  

“If we can get the distinction that would open up more funding opportunities” said Wolford. “I don’t know how long that process would take, but it would open up additional funding to be used for restoration.”

Committee members instructed legal counsel to generate a lease agreement for Board of Mayor and Aldermen consideration.