Augusta Planning Board Will Review School Rezoning
The city will weigh a proposal to turn the former Terrace Manor Elementary School into a care center on October 6.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Child Care
Live Poll
Should local governments convert closed public schools into private care centers for vulnerable populations?
The Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission will meet on October 6, 2026, to consider a request to rezone the shuttered Terrace Manor Elementary School. Applicant Shelley Parker-Mack hopes to repurpose the site into a care center for adults and local youth.
Why it matters
The proposal aims to address local gaps in support services by providing an adult day program and afterschool care for at-risk or special-needs youth. If approved, the site would shift from an educational use back to a community-focused resource center.
The proposed facility is located at 3110 Tate Road, a property owned by the Richmond County Board of Education. The site previously served as an elementary school with a capacity for 550 students before its 2023 closure.
The players
Shelley Parker-Mack
She is the founder of Macksimum Alliance Home Care Service and Lizzy's Adult Community Service Center.
Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission
This is the local government body responsible for reviewing and approving land-use and zoning changes within the city.
Richmond County Board of Education
This organization holds title to the property located at 3110 Tate Road where the school formerly operated.
The details
Shelley Parker-Mack, founder of Macksimum Alliance Home Care Service and Lizzy's Adult Community Service Center, submitted the application to transition the school building into a dual-purpose care center. The facility intends to serve adults with developmental disabilities alongside children in the 12-17 age range.
Timeline
1954: The Terrace Manor neighborhood was originally developed.
1965: Terrace Manor Elementary School opened its doors to students.
2023: Terrace Manor Elementary School officially ceased operations.
October 6, 2026: The planning commission will consider the rezoning request.
Culture Shift
This proposal reflects a broader societal movement to repurpose shuttered school buildings for specialized social services. Such projects demonstrate how vacant infrastructure can be adapted to support shifting community demographics and the demand for inclusive adult and youth programming.
Residents in the immediate Terrace Manor area should anticipate potential changes to local traffic patterns and site usage if the facility is approved. The center may eventually offer new afterschool and adult care options for families currently seeking specialized community services.
The takeaway
The transformation of vacant school buildings into social care centers is a growing trend that maximizes the use of existing city property. Interested residents should monitor the upcoming commission meeting to understand how this development will align with local land-use requirements.
Further reading
For broader trends regarding local facilities and family support, visit Child Care.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Augusta Chronicle.
Live Poll
Should local governments convert closed public schools into private care centers for vulnerable populations?
