RE-CROWNING OF THE 1895 SCHEDULED FOR 4/2

Big Step Toward Completion of Phase One of the Restoration.

ROCKDALE, TX, MARCH 26 – Vision Historic Preservation Foundation (Vision Rockdale) has announced a planned date of Tuesday, April 2, at approximately 1:00PM (weather permitting) for the reconstructed bell tower to be craned to the rooftop of The 1895.

Fabrication of the steel frame of the bell tower began in December 2022, and was transported to the east lot of The 1895 in January 2023, where crews worked on various aspects of the bell tower through 2023. With the exception of the brickwork, much of the bell tower re-construction has been done by Perry & Perry Builders on an in-kind donation basis.  On January 2, 2024, a test lift of the completed bell tower was conducted to ascertain its final weight (84,000 pounds). Engineers confirmed the finished weight was within tolerance of the architecturally-specified vertical and horizontal steel support beams which Perry & Perry Builders recently installed in the interior and rooftop of The 1895. 

“This will be a significant step toward the completion of Phase One of The 1895’s restoration,” stated Board President, Dell Perry Giles. “It will be a momentous occasion for the community, and we believe The 1895 will be a beautiful beacon of hope and pride – re-establishing it as the visual centerpiece in Rockdale’s skyline.”

Once the bell tower is in place, Perry & Perry Builders will soon install new roof trusses on the front 20% of the building, re-establishing the historic roofline of The 1895.  Brick masons, Yeatts Enterprises, will return to complete the top of the turrets flanking the bell tower; GrandChamp Roofing will install standing-seam metal roofing by Aggieland Metalworks on the bell tower, turrets and roof to the back of the bell tower; historically-accurate reproduction windows & doors, constructed by Austin Historical, have been stained (interiors) and painted (exteriors) by Friendship Painting, and will be installed by Cardinal Roofing once roof work is completed.  The final step will be to finish the interior trim and wall finishes on the south interior wall and bell tower observation deck and install exterior lighting. 

“We are working hard to complete Phase One work by early Summer,” explained Board Member and Arts Committee Chair, Geritt Davenport. “The Foundation will be hosting a Heritage Celebration at The 1895 on July 13 – our annual fundraising event and our contribution to Rockdale’s Sesquicentennial – during which we plan to offer tours of The 1895 and its newly reconstructed bell tower observation deck.”

Vision Historic Preservation Foundation invites the press and public to observe this historic occasion. For the safety of all, the sidewalks adjacent to The 1895 will be closed to pedestrians.  Please observe from across Cameron Avenue, from The 1895’s rear lot (former Philips & Luckey lot), or across Burleson Street next to Main Street Bookshop.  A section of sidewalk in front of Rockdale Sign’s awning will be reserved for Press and Videographers documenting this event. Streetside parking is available south of Cameron down Burleson St & Milam Ave next to the I&GN property and north of Cameron along Burleson St next to the Christian Church as well as in their parking lot at the NW corner of Burleson & Bell. 

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Vision Historic Preservation Foundation is a 501.c.3 non-profit (Tax ID 85-2855176), with The 1895 restoration being fully-funded via donations and grants.  Tax-deductible donations for operational expenses to maintain the property and capital improvement projects to continue construction are greatly appreciated and needed to help this project come to fruition.  To learn more about The 1895 project and contribute to Vision Historic Preservation Foundation’s fundraising campaign visit www.VisionRockdale.org.

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The mission of Vision Historic Preservation Foundation is to enrich the arts & cultivate economic development by restoring the historic 1895 City Hall for the citizens, businesses, and visitors of Rockdale.

Our Vision is to 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 visit www.VisionRockdale.org and follow Facebook @VisionRockdale.  To schedule a tour, please call Curah Beard at 512-496-3962, or email cbeard@visionhistoricpreservationfoundation.org