The renovation resulted in the Stanly County's school board being honored by Preservation North Carolina in 2008.

[4] In December 2013, after several offers, the Stanly County School Board voted to sell the old building to the city for $150,000.

[7] The Albemarle Graded School/Central Elementary buildings were named to the National Register of Historic Places in 2015.

[8] Albemarle Central School Apartments, intended for people over 55 meeting income requirements, opened in August 2016.

"[11] The new building was described as "one of the handsomest structures in the city ... built of the best grade of brick ... three stories and ... practically fireproof.

[13] A gym completed in 1936 was considered "one of the most modern structures of its type in North Carolina high schools.

[18] Stanly County Museum director Christine Dwyer said, "It's a very important kind of architecture because it's so rare.

In December 2002, the Stanly County School Board voted to preserve the 1925 building.

[11] Onxley said the gym "has all the look of a modern movement with simplified precast concrete detailing to match the carved limestone.

A contractor went bankrupt, lead and asbestos were bigger problems than expected, and steel beams in the new section were bent.

The basement of the old school had been removed[20] and the third floor of the 1925 building was left for future expansion.

The stage and balcony of the 1924 auditorium were restored, and original brickwork that had not been visible can now be seen, showing the skill of those who built it.

[3] In 2008, Preservation North Carolina honored the Stanly County School Board with its Carraway Award of Merit.