Rendering ‘Sculpting the Future’ of the Cain Center / Renderings by Nicole Perri Architecture

Dec. 3. This month the Cain Center for the Arts will officially acquire three historic properties on Catawba that will be the centerpiece of the new $4.7 million community redevelopment project.

Groundbreaking is expected in January or February, depending on permitting, which is underway.

The grand opening will be late spring/early summer of 2026, according to Justin Dionne, executive director of the Cain Center.

Justin Dionne

The total project is valued $4.7 million, roughly $700,000 over the initial estimates. Dionne said private fundraising has already raised $1.4 million. A public fundraising effort will get under way at groundbreaking.

Cornelius-based RJK Construction, which is based in Cornelius one block from the properties, has a pre-construction contract with the Cain Center.

Background

Ceramics patrons, artists and instructors have been here before Cain Center was an idea.

“When we opened Cain Center, there were two things that we just couldn’t do.  Those two things are ceramics and history,” stated Dionne.  “Those were two things we couldn’t find the right way to work into this (the Cain Center) building. For us, this is a great opportunity to close those loops.  We owe it to the community and to our supporters.”

The Cornelius Arts Center, located in the Oak Street Mill since 2009, is operating there on a month-to-month basis. The mill complex will be redeveloped.

“We have expressed to the landlord that we would love to stay in the Cornelius Arts Center as long as they can allow us to, while understanding that they have a long-term vision that does not include us,” Dionne said.

The future

What’s coming is a new era for the ceramics center, the spiritual predecessor to the Cain Center.

The new and bigger facility will allow the Cain Center to offer more classes.

The design and layout were done by Nicole Perri, a Davidson-based architect.  Simone El Bey, director of visual arts and education along with Rennee Calder and Keith Meyers, long-time instructors with the Arts Center, helped to provide input on building program and layouts.

“We really leaned on them,” Dionne said.  “We said, ‘You guys just tell us what you want and where you want it. Let’s make sure we do this right.’”

The project includes preserving and repurposing two historic homes on Catawba Ave, the Goodrum and Puckett houses. Both built in 1906, they will serve as new civic spaces for art and community engagement.  The third home on the property will be torn down.

The Puckett house will be transformed into a new ceramics facility, allowing for an increase in classes and a permanent home for the beloved art form.

There will also be a courtyard, designed to be a gateway to downtown Cornelius, between the two historic homes. With the ability to host various events, classes and workshops, social gatherings, and performances, this will be a welcoming gathering site for both residents and visitors.