Polk Democrats are Building for the Future!
Above: Artists rendering of the new Polk County Democrats HQ and Community Center
Polk County Dems HQ Circa 1989
History
Our well loved, well used headquarters, (HQ) at 64 Ward Street according to tax documents - was built in 1941. But it wasn’t home to the Polk County Democratic Party until it was purchased by them in April 1984 from the Columbus Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The cost was $27,000 and had a mortgage of $19,000. Our HQ is now 85 years old. A few years later, one of the club members anonymously paid off the mortgage and we became the first county party in NC to own a permanent headquarters. Since then it has been our home. The home of the Polk County Democratic Party. We are serious mind ed people who care about good governance. We strive to help elect the kind of honest and competent representatives we all want and deserve. A New Home Our new home will be a major upgrade not just for us, but for the people of Polk County as well. Our headquarters will double as a community center for all to use when available. A great deal of planning and effort has gone into making this HQ and community center possible. Our plans most certainly would not be happening without the donations of Polk County residents who share our vision. But their patience we realize is not infinite. WHY NOW? We are under no illusion that building a new HQ “now” has bad optics. We wish we didn’t have to do it. But if we don’t replace our aging building now on our own terms we will be inviting bigger problems down the road. We are being proactive and responsible so that we can continue to serve the community we care about so deeply. And frankly, donors want to see their donations (earmarked for just this project) put to use. We are looking ahead or “past” the troubling era we find ourselves in. We are more than certain we can do two things at the same time. It will be harder, but the end result will be worth it. A cautionary tale for our current situation. In December of 2009 the Republican Headquarters in Columbus had its roof cave in because of neglect and a big snowstorm. Built in the 1950’s or 1960’s it was a brick and cinder block structure that had been built originally as the town post office. After the roof collapse it wasn’t clear where the group would meet to conduct their business. The building was a total loss. We hope to avoid this scenario happening to us. Thankfully nobody was hurt when the Polk GOP roof collapsed. By replacing our 85 year old building now we are being responsible hosts. The numbers for repair vs. replacement were smithed endlessly for a long time and repairing the building was ultimately deemed to be a bad idea. 
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Our current building exterior
Our current meeting room
Floor Plan
Old vs New Building
East and West Elevations
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Questions and Answers
Do we really need a building of this size?
Yes, absolutely — and we need it now. We desperately need space for general and private meetings, organizing activities, and storage. What’s more, Democrats are social beings; we love getting together and sharing meals. We need gatherings to encourage one another and as a gateway for new participants. Currently, any large meetings or events must be held at outside venues.
Where will the new building be built?
On the same lot as the current building. We believe it’s the ideal location, and we already own it. With the current building essentially beyond repair, it will need to be removed or demolished. The Columbus Fire Department has expressed an interest in burning it as a training exercise.
Why does it cost so much?
Construction is expensive these days! We’ve designed the building with an eye toward minimizing cost while maximizing functionality. Fortunately, we have some wonderfully skilled Democrats who have offered to do much of the work at little or no cost, so that will help.
How many Democrats are there in Polk County?
Of the 16,124 registered voters in Polk County, 3,593 are Democrats; 6,032 are Republicans; 6,388 are Unaffiliated; 110 are Libertarian; and 1 is Green. (NC Board of Elections data as of 4/29/23)
Why do you call it the Democratic Community Center?
We envision many uses for the building beyond just Democratic Party business. We want the Party to be embedded in our community. This means making the facility available for things such as after-school programs, support group meetings, and meetings of other community organizations that may not have a facility of their own.
Can I take a tax deduction for my contribution?
Unfortunately, contributions to political organizations are not tax deductible. This applies to parties, campaigns and political action committees.
What is the timetable for construction?
We originally planned to break ground on the new building in early 2025. However, we have realized that raising sufficient funds will take a little longer than that. We are committed to raising the full amount before construction begins. Yellow Dog Club commitments are 30 months long. That currently gives us a groundbreaking target date of late 2026 or early 2027.
There are other worthy projects seeking donations right now. Why this one?
The new YMCA and Saluda Grade Trail projects are indeed worthy, as are others. But our mission is nothing less than saving democracy as we know it — laying the foundation for a more free and just future for those who will follow. If you agree with that mission, then we need your help, and we need it now.
Yes, absolutely — and we need it now. We desperately need space for general and private meetings, organizing activities, and storage. What’s more, Democrats are social beings; we love getting together and sharing meals. We need gatherings to encourage one another and as a gateway for new participants. Currently, any large meetings or events must be held at outside venues.
Where will the new building be built?
On the same lot as the current building. We believe it’s the ideal location, and we already own it. With the current building essentially beyond repair, it will need to be removed or demolished. The Columbus Fire Department has expressed an interest in burning it as a training exercise.
Why does it cost so much?
Construction is expensive these days! We’ve designed the building with an eye toward minimizing cost while maximizing functionality. Fortunately, we have some wonderfully skilled Democrats who have offered to do much of the work at little or no cost, so that will help.
How many Democrats are there in Polk County?
Of the 16,124 registered voters in Polk County, 3,593 are Democrats; 6,032 are Republicans; 6,388 are Unaffiliated; 110 are Libertarian; and 1 is Green. (NC Board of Elections data as of 4/29/23)
Why do you call it the Democratic Community Center?
We envision many uses for the building beyond just Democratic Party business. We want the Party to be embedded in our community. This means making the facility available for things such as after-school programs, support group meetings, and meetings of other community organizations that may not have a facility of their own.
Can I take a tax deduction for my contribution?
Unfortunately, contributions to political organizations are not tax deductible. This applies to parties, campaigns and political action committees.
What is the timetable for construction?
We originally planned to break ground on the new building in early 2025. However, we have realized that raising sufficient funds will take a little longer than that. We are committed to raising the full amount before construction begins. Yellow Dog Club commitments are 30 months long. That currently gives us a groundbreaking target date of late 2026 or early 2027.
There are other worthy projects seeking donations right now. Why this one?
The new YMCA and Saluda Grade Trail projects are indeed worthy, as are others. But our mission is nothing less than saving democracy as we know it — laying the foundation for a more free and just future for those who will follow. If you agree with that mission, then we need your help, and we need it now.
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