Deep Creek- Former School Site RFI

The former Deep Creek School property, most recently used by Southeastern Cooperative Educational Programs (SECEP), is an 11-acre parcel located in the heart of Deep Creek, along George Washington Highway near the Deep Creek Bridge. Since the SECEP program ceased operations on the site in 2013, the site has remained inactive. An adjacent 0.6-acre parcel, also owned by the Chesapeake Land Bank, is being considered as part of this site. Together, these parcels pose a prominent opportunity for redevelopment and to create a central gathering place for the community. Description of Site The site is located along George Washington Highway near the Deep Creek Bridge, bounded by Westonia Road to the south, George Washington Hwy to the east, and primarily residential parcels along the west and north/northeastern boundaries. Some institutional and commercial uses are located nearby, such as the former Chesapeake Fire Station 8 to the north along George Washington Hwy, the retail uses on the corner of George Washington Hwy and Moses Grandy, and the "Crossings at Deep Creek" shopping center across the bridge from the site. The site is comprised of two publicly-owned parcels. A re-subdivision to combine parcels and/or parcel out the portion for historic designation is a possibility. The parcels include the following: Tax Parcel #0341003000130 – 140 George Washington Hwy N This parcel is 11.48 acres and is zoned R-8s and B-3. Its assessed value in 2027 is $3,677,100. A drainage easement bisects the parcel. This parcel features two primary buildings fronting George Washington Hwy: the smaller north structure, which includes the former gymnasium and cafeteria spaces, and the southern classroom building that includes several sections that were constructed over time. The City acquired the property in 2022. The north structure is a 2-3 story Colonial Revival style building completed in 1947. Its primary spaces include a gymnasium on the upper two levels and a cafeteria on the lower level, with related service spaces. While there are several locations where minor settlement cracking is visible in the concrete block walls on the interior and some evidence of leaking at the slate roofing, the building appears to be in good condition overall. The south structure was constructed in four phases. The central portion is the oldest remaining part of the school, built in 1923 as a west addition to the original 1910 structure. In 1952, another addition was constructed to the west of this structure. Finally, in 1957, the 1910 building was demolished and replaced with a modern style addition fronting George Washington Highway. This 3-4 story building contains primarily classroom spaces. The condition of the south structure is less sound than the north structure. All three sections of the building have flat roofs and have had active leaks for some period of time. Areas of fallen ceiling in the newer portions of the building have exposed the metal decking and joists, where there is visible corrosion. At the 1923 portion, the fallen ceilings and damaged floors have revealed a wood frame structure, which is more susceptible to damage and decay. Despite these conditions, the concrete and masonry shell of the building appears to be in generally good condition. The parcel includes some paved surface behind and between the existing structures, as well as two notable redwood trees directly in front of the north school building. Tax Parcel #1231003000001 – 136 George Washington Hwy N This parcel is 0.6 acres and is zoned B-3 and R-8s . Its assessed value in 2027 is $270,000. The parcel is currently vacant, with some remaining paved surface on the western portion of the parcel. Vision The Deep Creek Area Plan, adopted in 2026, covers the Deep Creek and Camelot Planning Areas and establishes a vision for the revitalization of this site. From the start of the Plan in 2024, the City conducted numerous rounds of robust community engagement. Public input from Deep Creek area residents showed a desire for more local dining, recreation, and gathering spots, more diverse housing options, and to see the school site transform into a vibrant place that benefits the community. The Plan envisions the site as a local mixed-use destination at the heart of Deep Creek that includes a multi-purpose outdoor plaza and open space, local dining/retail, smaller-scale residential through adaptive reuse of the school building(s), and some new development that supplements and compliments the historic architecture of the former school. To access the full Deep Creek Area Plan document and supporting materials, please visit: Deep Creek Area Plan | Chesapeake, VA .