VISION HISTORIC PRESERVATION FOUNDATION TAKES FIRST STEPS TOWARDS RESTORING THE 1895.

ROCKDALE, TX, APRIL 20, 2021 – The pre-construction demolition phase of Vision Historic Preservation Foundation’s restoration of the 1895 Rockdale City Hall began Monday, April 19th with the removal of interior non-loadbearing walls.   The Foundation purchased the historic building from the City of Rockdale in November 2020, with plans to restore & create new purpose for the building.   Honoring its historic significance, the building has been dubbed The 1895.  “This is an important first step toward our renovation and restoration project,” said Collier Perry, the Foundation Chairman. “By opening up the space and stripping the building back down to its original masonry walls, it will allow us, and prospective tenants, to re-envision The 1895’s potential.”

The 1895, located at 140 W Cameron Avenue (Highway 79) in the heart of historic downtown Rockdale, has been vacant since the Rockdale Police Department relocated to their new station in March 2019.  The building has served many functions over the past 125 years, including municipal roles such as the Town Hall, Municipal Court, Water Department, Fire Station, Police Station & Jail, and even the city’s first Library.  The Rockdale Chamber of Commerce once officed at The 1895, and many community events such as commencement ceremonies, basketball tournaments, and social club meetings were held in the now missing Opera House which once existed in the rear portion 2nd story.

Vision Historic Preservation Foundation has commissioned Rockdale-based D&C Construction to handle the demolition project.  D&C Construction has generously donated back $6,000 as an in-kind donation to the Foundation.  Waste Connections has also provided an in-kind donation of 4 roll-off dumpster loads for demolition debris, valued at nearly $1,900.  “We are very thankful for these in-kind donations as the non-profit is still in our start-up phase,” stated Curah Beard, Foundation Campaign Manager & Executive Director.  “There is much preparation in the works before we kick off our Fundraising Efforts and Capital Campaign late this year.”

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Vision Historic Preservation Foundation is a Texas Non-Profit 501.c.3 Corporation whose Mission is to enrich the arts & cultivate economic development by restoring the historic 1895 City Hall for the citizens, businesses, and visitors of Rockdale.

It is our Vision that Vision Historic Preservation Foundation will act as a catalyst in the revitalization of Downtown Rockdale by:

* Preserving the historical significance of The 1895.

* Creating new purpose and attracting businesses to the Development.

* Inspiring a culture of art, commerce and tourism for residents and visitors.

* Enhancing the success of all area businesses and enriching the lives of our citizens.

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For more information about Vision Historic Preservation Foundation’s 1895 City Hall project, please visit FB @VisionRockdale, www.VisionRockdale.org or call Curah Beard at 512-496-3962, or email cbeard@visionhistoricpreservationfoundation.org