Tyrone seeks ‘second act’ for empty Tyrone Elementary campus

Tyrone Elementary School is sitting vacant after being closed last year. But an effort that involves the town, the Fayette County School System, the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) and other stakeholders is unfolding in a way that could lead to a new use for the facility located on Senoia Road in the center of the town.

The effort to repurpose the school for a new use is just getting underway, according to Tyrone Mayor Eric Dial, with a small group of stakeholders from the community coming together to determine possible uses for the former school. Among others, the group includes Tyrone, the Fayette County School System, the Fayette County Development Authority, ARC and the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce.

Dial said that while there is no grant money for the effort, ARC is primarily providing personnel resources and research. Dial noted that ARC, being a regional entity, has more contacts and will help develop a concept for potential uses.

“ARC came in because we wanted ideas on potential uses for the school and for the enhancement of the downtown corridor area,” Dial said. “The challenge will be to find investors.”

Citing potential uses for the property, Dial said those might include a private school or church or use as a set-piece facility for the movie or television industry.

“We’re trying to be as proactive as we can,” Dial said of the effort to repurpose the school facility.