Hattie’s Crossing is coming to a two-acre lot between Lexington Avenue and Poplar Street in Cayce.

Cypress Commercial and Investment Real Estate has plans to build 12 single-family 1400-to1600-sq-ft homes on the site where the vacant Cayce Grammar School sits.

Hattie Derrenbacher, started a grade 1-through-7 school at her home, and later became principle of Cayce Grammar School. The development will be named Hattie’s Crossing in recognition of her legacy.

To develop the property, Cayce Grammar School, will be torn down. The school has been unused since 1976 and it is in disrepair. Tyler Boland, with Cypress Commercial and Investment Real Estate, said the demolition of the school could begin next week and keepsake bricks will be set aside for those who have a history with the school. Those bricks can be picked up after demolition begins.

The Cayce Avenues are a highly sought-after area of the city and new residential development is welcome. The new homes will bring in families to help revitalize the area. and spur more investment for Cayce, said Cayce City Councilman Byron Thomas.

“We want to send a positive message to all developers that Cayce will work with you,” Thomas said. “We want to show everyone that Cayce is a great place to live, work and play.”

Tim James, Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Cayce and the President of the Greater CWC Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Center has a history with Cayce Grammar School.

Mrs. Ann Malpass began teaching reading at Cayce Grammar School in 1968, and talked about the compassion she received from the staff at the school while her husband, Bob, served in Vietnam.

“As a prior student of Cayce Grammar, I am excited to see the history of our beloved school memorialized, and now as a member of Council and our Chamber, I am encouraged to see the growth bringing new families to our community, all while we celebrate and maintain the original purpose of the property,”

Lexington Two School District leaders are pleased with the commemoration of the property’s history.

“We are pleased to recognize and celebrate the roots of Lexington School District Two, and to have one of its educators, Hattie Derrenbacher, as a namesake for this new development,” said Lexington Two Superintendent Dr. Brenda Hafner. “It’s a fitting tribute to the woman who dedicated her life to educating the children who would one day be productive citizens and leaders of our great city of Cayce.”

Longtime Lexington Two School Board Member Beth Branham is the niece of Hattie Derrenbacher. She said it was important to her aunt to give students an opportunity to get an education. Julia Jameson, Derrenbacher’s daughter also served as principal of the school.
Others spoke too,

Mark James, with Cypress Real Estate Partners, stated, “We are pleased that the redevelopment of the historic Cayce Grammar School property into a vibrant new residential infill neighborhood will be starting soon. We have worked hard with the City of Cayce to honor the legacy of this neighborhood school and bring a new and attractive community to Cayce. These single-family homes will blend attractive and traditional architecture with the benefits of new construction. We look forward to getting started and appreciate the support of the city and the neighborhood.”

“Infill development is part of our comprehensive plan, and this is a perfect opportunity for partnerships that transform a blighted property into a vibrant housing opportunity,” exclaimed Jim Crosland, Cayce’s Interim City Manager. Click on images to enlarge