This year, Kama Carnes, owner of the old school building at 574 Rock Avenue in the hamlet, is planning to transform the historic structure into something that can be used by many people.

Carnes had been living in New York City with her husband, architect Dennis Askins, and working in corporate design and fashion. But after deciding to move permanently to Sullivan County in 2019, the couple purchased several properties in Livingston Manor, including the long-dormant Rock Avenue building.

They are now finalizing plans with the support of the Town of Rockland’s recently acquired NY Forward grant funding to turn the old school into what they are calling “a mixed-use hub for community, commerce, creativity and culture.”

A variety of potential uses

Carnes recently gave Manor Ink a preview of the couple’s plans for the two-story brick building. It will include, she said, a mix of commercial spaces for studios, retail shops, a neighborhood eatery, a rooftop garden, a fitness/wellness center and a likely apartment for a building manager. The property’s two acres of grounds will also be landscaped with gardens.

The history of the building is somewhat shrouded in mystery. It seems to have been constructed in 1933, and served as the community’s school after the old wooden Union School on an adjacent property burned down and before the former Livingston Manor Central School opened in 1939.

The Rock Avenue building was then used as a creamery and other industrial purposes in the years that followed, and eventually served as a taxidermy studio.

Renovation of the 12,000 sq. ft. structure will be a big project, one that is estimated to cost over $2 million. The work is expected to take one-and-a-half to two years to complete, according to Carnes. The intent is to preserve as many the school’s historical elements as possible.

Carnes and Askins have the necessary experience for a project of this magnitude, having previously rejuvenated the former A&P building on the corner of Main and Pleasant Streets into a thriving retail center with apartments. At present, though, an architect and contractor for the old school renovation have yet to be selected.

As the project enters its next phase, Carnes said she was grateful to Supervisor Rob Eggleton, Code Enforcement Officer Glenn Gabbard and town consultant Russell Budd for their help with the project.

“We really want to make sure they are acknowledged and know how much we appreciate their dedication and commitment to the community, as they shepherd us through this process yet again!”