Vision Historic Preservation Foundation (Vision Rockdale) was awarded a $5,000 grant by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. These grant funds will contribute toward the cost of updating the Architectural Historic Structures Report for The 1895.
Vision Rockdale purchased “The 1895” (the historic Rockdale City Hall) from the City of Rockdale in November 2020, with a mission to restore the building to its original Victorian design and re-develop the site into an Arts & Entertainment Center.
The foundation engaged renowned historic preservation architect Stan Graves of Architexas who has been updating a 2018 Historic Structures Report & Feasibility Study to define the restoration project’s architectural, engineering and historic preservation plans based on the foundation’s re-development intentions.
“Many people don’t realize the amount of work entailed in the current Pre-Construction Phase,” commented Toni Mason, foundation grants manager. “Detailed architectural plans are not only necessary for preparing the construction documents, but also required for seeking grants and other funding.”
This is one of several grants Vision Rockdale has applied for this year, including two other National Trust grants—a Preservation Funds Grant for $4,550 for the foundation to formalize a strategic plan; and the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Historic Interiors Grant for $15,000 toward Phase One interior plaster and woodwork.
“All three of these grants require the foundation to secure $1-for-$1 matching funds,” explained Curah Beard, foundation campaign manager. “We are looking to individuals and businesses in the community to help us raise these matching funds so we can bring to Rockdale an exciting Arts & Entertainment Center and improve our quality of life.”
“Organizations like Vision Historic Preservation Foundation, help to ensure that communities all across America retain their unique sense of place,” said Paul Edmondson, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “We are honored to provide a grant to Vision Historic Preservation Foundation, which will use the funds to help preserve an important piece of our shared national heritage.”
Grants from the National Trust Preservation Fund range from $2,500 to $5,000 and have provided over $15 million since 2003. These matching grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations and public agencies across the country to support wide-ranging activities including consultant services for rehabilitating buildings, technical assistance for tourism that promotes historic resources, and the development of materials for education and outreach campaigns.
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