This year, one of the most heavily used buildings in downtown Wilmington celebrates a significant anniversary — even more significant when you consider how close the building came to being torn down.
The Hannah Block Historic USO, also known as the Community Arts Center, a handsome, yellow-painted structure at the corner of Second and Orange streets downtown, turns 85 in 2026.
It was built in 1941 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to serve as a USO, according to a history provided by Thalian Association Community Theatre, which manages the building for its owner, the city of Wilmington.
At the height of World War II as many as 35,000 service members would visit the facility each week for dances, entertainment, meet-ups, meals and more.
According
to the Thalians, it's one of only three surviving "Type A" USO buildings in the United States and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
After World War II ended in 1946 the city of Wilmington bought the property and renamed it The Community Center, according to a history of the building written by Ev Smith of the old Community Arts Center Accord, which sought to preserve it in the 1990s and 2000s.
The building hosted the first N.C. Azalea Festival in 1948 and was used for a variety of purposes (some Wilmington old-timers recall playing basketball there), including arts classes. It was renamed the Community Arts Center in 1973 and was used by theater groups for rehearsal space, with a pottery studio built in the basement and art, music and dance classes taught there as well.
By the 1990s the building was beginning to show its age. After funding struggles, and the giving of serious consideration to tearing the building down, the city of Wilmington conducted a thorough, $2 million renovation in 2007.
Redubbed the Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center, it reopened in 2008. During renovations, according to a story in the StarNews, old foundations from previous structures were discovered, as were the remains of an old cistern that likely dated to the 19th century.
Renovations turned the facility's lobby into a USO museum maintained by the World War II Wilmington Home Front Heritage Coalition. The piano played for servicemen during World War II by the building's namesake, Hannah Block, is still there in a studio named for former Wilmington resident (and Tony-winning actress) Linda Lavin.
On Dec. 5, the Hannah Block USO/Community Arts Center will celebrate its 85th anniversary with a World War II-era concert by the Wilmington Big Band. Doors at 6:30 p.m. (dessert reception sponsored by Apple Annie’s Bake Shop and One Belle Bakery), concert at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15, available at WilmingtonCommunityArts.org.
John Staton is the arts and culture reporter for the StarNews. You can reach him at jstaton@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Once almost torn down, historic Wilmington building marks milestone
