Developer Proposed Converting School Into Care Center
A new proposal aims to turn the former Terrace Manor Elementary School into a multi-use facility for local residents.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Child Care
Live Poll
Should local officials approve converting closed school buildings into community care facilities?
Shelley Mack has petitioned the Augusta Planning Department to repurpose the shuttered Terrace Manor Elementary School for new community care programs. The proposed site at 3110 Tate Road would house specialized services for adults with developmental disabilities and youth aged 12 to 17.
Why it matters
This project aims to fill local service gaps for vulnerable residents in Richmond County by utilizing existing municipal infrastructure. If approved, the site would offer both an adult day care center and an after school program for teenagers.
The proposed facility will operate an adult day care program from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and an after school program from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Goodwyn Mills Cawood prepared the site traffic analysis for the property.
The players
Shelley Mack
She is the applicant leading the petition to convert the elementary school into a care facility.
Augusta Planning Commission
This municipal body is responsible for reviewing special exception applications before they reach the full commission.
Richmond County School District
The district retains ownership of the closed Terrace Manor Elementary property.
The details
Mack Lander LLC plans to refurbish the existing school building, which is currently owned by the Richmond County school district. The facility seeks to provide specialized care to adults with mental health diagnoses and disabilities alongside youth programming.
Timeline
Terrace Manor Elementary School permanently closed in 2023.
The Augusta Planning Commission will consider the special exception requests on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
The Augusta Commission will review the exceptions on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026.
Culture Shift
This project mirrors a national trend where developers and municipalities seek to repurpose dormant institutional buildings to meet modern social needs. By revitalizing closed school sites, local planners hope to mitigate urban decay while addressing gaps in essential human services.
Residents near South Augusta can expect significant changes to neighborhood traffic patterns if the proposal moves forward, as the facility expects nearly 500 vehicle trips per day. The repurposing of the site may also influence property accessibility and local service availability for families.
The takeaway
Adaptive reuse projects offer a practical way to address service shortages without new construction. Local stakeholders should monitor the upcoming commission meetings to understand how the proposed traffic changes will affect their daily commutes.
What happens next
The Augusta Planning Commission will meet to deliberate on the proposed exceptions on Oct. 5, 2026, followed by a formal session of the Augusta Commission on Oct. 20, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts to expand Child Care access in the region.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Augusta Press.
Live Poll
Should local officials approve converting closed school buildings into community care facilities?
