
Circus Smirkus, Greensboro
In 2014, the group solved a long-term problem by purchasing a campus in Greensboro. The new campus allows Smirkus to dramatically expand training and educational programs, and stabilize the organization’s financial picture. The site included a farmhouse, a connected barn, glass studio, and garage. The next step was to construct two new dorms for the 200+ campers who participate in Smirkus programs. Now they are ready to finish the rehabilitation of the original farmhouse and barn. These spaces are used for a dining hall and office space. In 2016 they completed $289,000 of work on the house and attached barn. The to-do list includes a new standing seam roof, repair porch columns, replicate historic windows, and foundation work on the front porch. Total cost of the work is $106,000. A $50,000 grant plus other committed funds will complete the work.

