Our History
The building currently known as the MANN Center for the Arts has a rich history as a cornerstone of education and community life in Sanford, North Carolina. Originally constructed between 1924 and 1925, it served as the first Sanford High School.
This photo appeared on page 16 of the Lee County Progress Edition of The Sanford Herald, published on March 16, 1936.
Historical Timeline
- 1924–1925: Construction The building was designed by the firm Wilson, Berryman & Kennedy and completed in 1925. It replaced the overcrowded Sanford Graded School.
- 1925–1952: Sanford High School It served as the city’s primary high school for nearly three decades. The architecture, specifically the Classical Revival style with its grand pilasters, was intended to reflect the importance of education in the growing city.
- 1952–1970s: Junior High and Middle School Transition In 1952, when a new high school was built, this building became Sanford Junior High School. Later, it functioned as West Sanford Middle School before the school system eventually moved students to newer facilities in the late 1970s.
- 2015: Dedication to Tommy Mann, Sr. The facility was dedicated in honor of Tommy Mann, Sr., a long-time community leader, recognizing his years of service to Lee County.
- 2016: Official Renaming The building was officially named the Mann Center of North Carolina as it transitioned fully into its role as a regional hub for non-profits and community events.
- 2025: Evolution to MANN Center for the Arts The Board of Directors officially updated the name to the MANN Center for the Arts. This change was designed to better represent the facility’s specialized focus on the visual and performing arts, aligning its identity with its role as a cultural anchor for Sanford.
Architecture and Historic Registry
The building was designed by the architectural firm Wilson, Berryman & Kennedy. It is a prominent example of Classical Revival (and sometimes described as Colonial Revival) architecture. Key features include its two-story L-shaped brick construction, a projecting center pavilion, and pilasters with enriched capitals.
It was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) on November 29, 1995 (Reference Number 95001400, Former Sanford High School). View a PDF of our application for the National Register of Historic Places approved on October 16, 1995.
Student Images
Enjoy a few historic images of the students of Sanford High School. These archives are kept by Digital NC’s North Carolina Collections, and were published by the Sanford Herald. Explore more, including Sandprints yearbooks, in the NC Collection >
