VISION ROCKDALE RECEIVES ANICE READ GRANT
Contributing to The 1895 Downtown Improvement Project.
ROCKDALE, TX, NOVEMBER 2, 2023 – Vision Historic Preservation Foundation (Vision Rockdale) is proud to have been awarded an Anice Read Fund Grant from the Texas Downtown Association. The 2023 recipients were recently announced during the Association’s Texas Downtown Conference held in Nacogdoches. The project for which the Vision Rockdale submitted its funding request for the Anice Read Grant application is to develop a Landscape Architectural Master Site Plan for The 1895’s surrounding lots. “The site plan will include formal designs for The 1895’s Greenspace, re-installation of a THC Marker of Interest on the southwest corner of The 1895, and much-needed downtown parking,” stated the Foundation’s Executive Director, Curah Beard. “While we continue to pursue The 1895’s complete restoration, our greenspaces can begin serving as community gathering space and our parking will contribute toward downtown revitalization and economic development.”
Phase One of The 1895’s restoration, which focuses on the building’s front façade, is slated to be finished by the end of March 2024. With Phase Two architectural construction documents now complete, the Foundation can pursue funding for the rest of the building’s restoration, but development of the exterior spaces can occur independent of the building’s restoration. Vision Rockdale estimates at least 28 spaces, including 3 ADA accessible parking spaces will be developed at the site of The 1895. “We know we will eventually need to establish parking for The 1895,” shared Beard. “but developing it sooner than later will help all of the Downtown District and strengthen the community’s business interests.” The Rockdale City Council recently passed an ordinance allowing for pervious commercial parking systems which the Foundation also looks to incorporate into its development plans in hopes of helping to remediate some of the run-off the downtown district experiences.
Further funds will be needed to “match” the $5,000 Anice Read Grant, as well as to complete the site plan design and fulfill the construction of the parking areas. Tax-deductible donations 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 or schedule a tour, please call Curah Beard at 512-496-3962, or email cbeard@visionhistoricpreservationfoundation.org
