Chelsea Public Schools staff described plans to convert a more-than-100-year-old church at 26 County Road into a multiuse education facility to house the Chelsea Opportunity Academy (COA), the Intergenerational Literacy Program (ILP) and the Chelsea Virtual Learning Academy (CVLA).

Ron Schmidt, former principal of COA and the project's manager, told the school committee the building will preserve iconic architectural features such as four stained-glass-arched windows while adding classrooms, bathrooms, a small kitchen, staff workspace and an elevator to three floors. He said the site sits above Orange Street near Chelsea High School and that staff would continue to be able to use the high school parking lot.

Schmidt said the building is already owned by the district and that renovation needs are extensive; he said not a single wire or water tube will remain in place as-is. The renovation was originally projected at about $10 million. Schmidt said the district and city have committed $5 million toward the renovation and that a private donor, Bob Hildreth, recently contributed $1 million. He also reported that Robert Cashman, president and CEO of Metro Credit Union, has offered a possible low-interest loan at about 2.5 percent to fill any remaining gap.

Schmidt described program needs: COA had 50 students enrolled as of the day before the meeting and ILP and CVLA will have dedicated space. He said early-childhood supports and family services will be incorporated into the site, including a shower and laundry space for students experiencing housing instability, and a dedicated area for children of parenting students to remain on site during school hours.

Architectural renderings shown to the committee retain the church's arches and stained-glass windows while inserting modern circulation, classrooms and secure entrances for early-childhood programs. Schmidt said teachers, COA and ILP staff participated in design workshops; architects also visited existing program sites to inform the plan.

Committee members praised the reuse and called the project an opportunity to expand pre-K seats and relieve overcrowding at Chelsea High School. Schmidt said the district will hold a community event before demolition where residents can take small artifacts from the building to engage community ownership of the project.

Financial next steps include continued fundraising, foundation outreach and grant-seeking; Schmidt said the renovation team has a development coach working pro bono and is meeting with potential large donors and foundations.