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The Sergeant York Patriotic Foundation plans to restore the Center for Peace and Valor in Pall Mall.
Foundation Director Debbie York said work has already begun to transform the historical building into a valuable community resource.
“We’re working with Design Innovation Architects out of Knoxville that specializes in historic restorations,” York said. “They’ve come up with some really wonderful renderings to make the space a multipurpose space for future generations, focused on youth leadership, our military, and our veterans.”
York said the ultimate goal of the facility will be to follow the principles and goals of World War I Sergeant and Pall Mall native Alvin C. York.
“The mission of the center is to advance and perpetuate peace through education and service to others, upholding the fundamental tenets of the Medal of Honor,” York said, “and kind of walking in Sgt. York’s footsteps with his life of courage, commitment, sacrifice, patriotism, integrity, and citizenship.”
York said the project will take some fundraising as restoration estimates are currently between $12-15 million.
“We just launched our capital campaign to fully restore the building, and as soon as we have the funds we’ll be moving forward with construction,” York said. “As fast as we can get the money raised is as fast as we can get construction [started]. Part of our mission is supporting the York State Park, so we have talked to the Park personnel about starting some programming through the Center of Peace and Valor even before construction is complete.”
York, who is also the great-granddaughter of the Sergeant, said continuing Alvin’s passions in education and leadership after WWI means a lot to herself and the Foundation.
“He came back with a burning desire to make his community better and actually spent the rest of his life from 1919 until he passed away in 1964 really focused on country, on service to others, on community, and really helping his fellow man,” York said. “I think he was a hero more for what he did after the war than during the war for that very reason.”
York said those interested in donating towards the project can contact the Foundation for more details. The Center for Peace and Valor is located at 2609 North York Highway in Pall Mall.
