Spotlight

Building Receives Official Name

 Four years since its opening, the building on the Dana O. Baldwin Block has an official name, The Baldwin Building.  New College Foundation board members chose the name because it is how the building has been unofficially referred and it memorializes Baldwin’s contributions to city. 

Built to house New College Institute, the facility also is home to the Martinsville Henry County Economic Development Corporation, and the Martinsville Visitor Center.  Venue space is provided to the public for private, community and corporate functions in the Martin-Lacy Lecture Hall.

 “It is very much a building for the community,” said Patrice Newnam, chairwoman of New College Foundation.  “It is state of the art and considered a local gem.”

 The City of Martinsville deeded the land to the Foundation and construction was funded through public contributions, federal and state grants so that New College Institute would have a modern location where residents could earn bachelor’s degrees locally.  Over four hundred students have earned degrees and professional certificates through programs at NCI over its twelve-year history.

 “It is a fitting name considering Dr. Baldwin owned the entire block,” FAHI executive director, Chauncey Adams said.  He and his brothers contributed much to the entrepreneurial spirit which helped the city as a whole. 

 On the walls of an exterior seating area, murals painted by Amanda Honore’ Donley of Woolwine depict scenes from the past of the Fayette Street area which features the business and cultural life during Baldwin’s era.  Inside is a historical exhibit on the first floor that follows a similar theme.

“We are proud of this facility and happy to make it available to the public.  It is an asset to uptown Martinsville and the community,” said Newnam.