Gallatin Shalom Zone announced plans today to restore a vital piece of Gallatin’s history, the original Union High School gym. The renovation, supported by a $250,000 grant from Meta, is part of a series of ongoing efforts to transform the facility into a nonprofit hub and resource center for the Clearview Park community.
Meta has partnered with Gallatin Shalom Zone since breaking ground on its Gallatin Data Center in 2020. The partnership garnered support from across the site, including general contractor DPR Construction and other skilled trade partners which have lent significant in-kind work and supplies to the project in anticipation of the project’s formal launch.
“We’ve been honored to call Gallatin home and partner with Gallatin Shalom Zone over the years, from helping launch the organization’s robotics program to providing support for families to have holiday meals. Each time, we see how connected Shalom Zone is to the community’s needs and how space has constrained its ability to meet them,” said Tara Tenorio, community development regional manager for Meta. “Through this donation and the support from many of our skilled trade partners at the Gallatin Data Center, we’re excited to help change that and provide opportunities for the local community to grow and thrive.”
The gym was originally constructed in 1950 as part of the all-black Union High School during the era of segregation.
“Sumner County donated the old school to Shalom Zone more than 20 years ago after they condemned it,” said Kaneisha Dotson, president of the non-profit Gallatin Shalom Zone. “While we have made significant renovations – we have not had the resources to tackle the gym. This donation provides an opportunity to pursue a capital campaign to restore the iconic facility.”
Almost all of the students participating in Shalom Zone’s after-school program and other educational services are from Sumner County Schools.
“Sumner County Schools has always believed in and invested in education as a powerful path forward,” Sumner County Schools Director, Dr. Scott Langford said. “This commitment is demonstrated to this day by the extraordinary history and legacy of Union’s teachers, principals, and alumni. Today, by restoring this building, we honor that rich tradition while extending Union’s legacy into the future as another generation of Sumner County children will learn, grow, and play. As the voices of children ring out in the building today, they will echo the voices of previous generations, renewing our commitment to education, opportunity, equality, and a bright future together. We are thankful for the commitment of Meta to our community and the rich tradition of Union.”
Renovating the gym would allow Shalom Zone to increase its service to students, children, and families with programs that have a waiting list, including after-school enrichment, summer camp, and robotics camp. Additionally, it would add space to expand the agency’s hygiene and diaper pantry, community Saturday events and services, and Toys 4 Tots – all of which fulfill needs throughout the county and into other communities.
“Our vision for the gym has always been to restore it as a space that supports our existing programs and provides additional room for educational activities, athletic opportunities, and community events,” said Bethany Sullivan, executive director of Gallatin Shalom Zone. “We look forward to opening its doors to the community, where people can come together for sports, the arts, and shared experiences—making it a welcoming hub for connection and unity.”
While Shalom Zone focuses on restoring parts of its building, the City of Gallatin is focused on Clearview Park which is adjacent and complementary to Gallatin Shalom Zone.
“This gym restoration will help preserve the Union legacy, elevate the Shalom Zone and serve a broader community as a very meaningful amenity,” said Gallatin Mayor Paige Brown who attended Union when it became a desegregated elementary school in the 1970s into the 1980s.”I am so grateful that this iconic part of this historic school is not only being preserved but that it is becoming a facility that will be used and enjoyed by so many in the years ahead. Additionally, it will enhance the adjoining Clearview Park, which is also in the process of being revitalized so that it may be the thriving recreation area it once was.”
Meta’s donation serves as the launching point for a $1.25 million campaign to fully restore the historic space. Wold Architecture and Engineering is working pro-bono with Gallatin Shalom Zone on design plans. Shalom Zone also dedicated former classroom space to the Union High Museum which is open to the public during summer hours.
“As a 1968 graduate of Union High School and having been a basketball player there for 6 years beginning as a 7th grader, I am thrilled that Meta has decided to take this gymnasium revitalization on as a project with Shalom Zone,” Mary Malone said. “Having the gymnasium reopened will give new life to the community and help give back to the place that I called home – a place where my grandchildren can feel a piece of the pride that I once felt. It will help preserve the history and integrity of the building, bridge some of the social, economic and cultural gaps and rejuvenate the area. Thanks to the thoughtfulness of giving, sharing, helpful hearts, hands, minds and souls, the vision is unfolding.”
Anyone wishing to contribute to repairing and reopening the gym may do so by donating online at www.gallatinshalomzone.org/legacygym. For more information or assistance, call Shalom Zone directly at 615-442-7575 or email Executive Director Bethany Sullivan at [email protected].
Donations by mail are also welcome. Please send to Gallatin Shalom Zone, 600 Small Street, Gallatin, TN 37066; please note “Legacy Gym” in the memo line. Your support will make a meaningful impact for generations to come.
Shalom Zone would also like to thank these business partners for their partnership in renovating the historic gym: Rosendin Electric, Harris Mechanical, Cherry Coatings, Porter Roofing, OES Equipment, Summit Concrete, EIG, Volunteer Rebar, Brundage Bone, SRM Concrete, Sherwin Williams, Sunbelt Rentals, Rockwood Solutions, and Gallatin Codes Department.
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