For nearly a century, the Washington/Rosenwald School in Cape Charles, Virginia stood as a historic symbol of perseverance and opportunity. Originally built as part of the Washington/Rosenwald School movement that expanded educational access for African American students throughout the segregated South, the building has a special place in the community’s history. Today, its legacy lives on as a vibrant event space and community hub called The Impact Center. When transforming the facility, finding ultramodern presentation technology was a priority to elevate community and cultural programming.
The Vision: Creating a Community Resource for the Future
William Weeks, Executive Director at The Impact Center, observed that event spaces in the area had the room but not the necessary technology. As renovation plans took shape, technology became a focal point of the transformation. Weeks teamed up with Inacom Information Systems and Sharp to piece together a state-of-the-art solution that would ultimately exceed The Impact Center’s vision. Not only could this technology elevate workshops, lectures, economic mobility and community movie nights, but it would also expand access beyond the facility, allowing people to participate in programs regardless of their location
Modern Technology Meets Historic Spaces
The solution included a lineup of Sharp display technology designed to support collaboration spaces throughout
the facility.
Two 55-inch Sharp professional displays were installed in the meeting and learning rooms, while a 65-inch AQUOS BOARD® interactive display was added to the conference room, enabling users to present, annotate, collaborate and share content. An additional 86-inch AQUOS BOARD interactive display on a rolling cart allows teams to bring collaboration capabilities wherever they are needed throughout
the building.
For larger gatherings, a 165-inch Sharp All-in-One Direct View LED (dvLED) display became the centerpiece of Harmony Hall, the auditorium. The room is a bright, sunlit space, so the dvLED display serves as a modern solution capable of delivering stunning visuals that overpower ambient sunlight without compromise.
Wireless casting on all the displays allows presenters to quickly share content from laptops and mobile devices without complicated setup requirements. Just as importantly, during high-demand events, content can be shared across the multiple displays throughout the facility, allowing guests in overflow rooms to listen in and participate.
Honoring the Past While Inspiring the Future
The Sharp displays also play an important role in preserving and sharing the building’s history. Throughout the facility, digital signage showcases donor recognition, newsletters, event calendars and videos highlighting the history of the Washington/Rosenwald School and its transformation into The Impact Center.
Technology also supports the organization’s growing list of community programs, including workforce development initiatives in partnership with a local community college for lifelong learning opportunities, youth programming, entrepreneurship resources, culinary instruction and business incubator services.
Results and Impact
Technology has become a key differentiator. “The Sharp displays have absolutely increased interest in usage at the facility,” said Weeks. “Pretty walls and pretty floors alone are great, but people want to know how functional a space is. When they see the technology and the capabilities available here, it makes a tremendous difference.”
By combining Sharp technology, Inacom’s expertise and a bold community vision, The Impact Center has successfully transformed a historic landmark into a modern hub for learning, collaboration and opportunity.
“We’re grateful that we were able to turn legacy into impact. The building represents a legacy and now we’re paying it forward for future generations,” said Weeks.
“Pretty walls and pretty floors alone are great, but people want to know how functional a space is. When they see the technology and the capabilities available here, it makes a tremendous difference.”