1972-1980

In 1973, Washington County sold the old Jonesborough High School building at auction for $25,000 to a local developer. The developer wanted to tear down the building and erect a hotel. Three times the developer went before the Historic Zoning Commission to propose erecting a hotel in this residential area. The third time the developer became frustrated and said “It’s for sale”. Dr. William Kennedy who had recently moved to the area and was attending the meeting said “How much?” The developer said $30,000 and Dr. Kennedy said “Sold”. Dr. Kennedy did that intentionally to put the acceptance of the offer on record in front of a room of witnesses. Being a young man in 1973, Dr. Kennedy did not have $30,000. To raise funds he contacted friends and neighbors in Jonesborough and Johnson City and put together a group of fifteen people willing to invest $2,000 each to purchase the old building. The group was incorporated as the Jonesborough Preservation Corporation.

In early 1975 a group of artists leased the building and formed the Sourwood Regional Art Center. In 1976, the Appalachian Theatre Ensemble joined the Art Center, renovated the auditorium, and performed a full season of plays. Sourwood failed in December 1976 when their tax exempt status was denied by the IRS and their doors soon closed.

In late 1977, the Jonesborough Preservation Corporation proposed to convert the building into condominiums. The proposal was accepted and construction continued for 2 ½ years. The first of the thirteen condos was occupied in 1980.