VISION HISTORIC PRESERVATION FOUNDATION RECEIVES DONATION FROM MILAM COUNTY HISTORICAL COMMISSION

Funds support Fundraising Campaign to Restore The 1895.

ROCKDALE, TX, OCTOBER 14, 2021 – Vision Historic Preservation Foundation is proud to announce the receipt of a $5000 donation from Milam County Historical Commission.  Vision Historic Preservation Foundation’s restoration project was selected by Milam County Historical Commission (MCHC) to receive the donation due to the historical significance of The 1895 City Hall not only to Rockdale, but to all of Milam county.  The funds were given to MCHC by Milam County to support worthwhile Heritage Tourism projects.

“The Foundation’s plans to restore the building to its original architectural design and pursuit of an Historic Designation will be a phenomenal accomplishment,” stated Milam County Historical Commission Chair, Joan Ratliff.  “The project’s contribution as a Heritage Tourism attraction will be of great value to the county.”

The first phase of the planned restoration, which the Foundation aims to begin in late 2022, will include reconstruction of the iconic bell tower and restoration of the front façade.  Vision Historic Preservation Foundation is in the process of filing several grants on the local, state and federal level, and has just launched a Fundraising Campaign.  “We will be heavily depending on grants to fund the restoration project and local grants such as this strengthen our application for larger grants,” explained Curah Beard, the Foundation’s Campaign Manager. “We also appreciate every individual and business donation as they are essential in meeting the ‘matching funds’ requirements of grants.”

Foundation Chairman, Collier Perry accepted the Milam County Historical Commission donation at a recent ceremony.  “We are extremely grateful for the local support we are already seeing for the project,” he stated.  “We intend to make The 1895 a ‘Destination’ for both locals and visitors by creating an Arts & Entertainment District.”

Learn more about The 1895 Project or to make a donation 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, please call Curah Beard at 512-496-3962, or email cbeard@visionhistoricpreservationfoundation.org