NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARDS GRANT TO VISION HISTORIC PRESERVATION FOUNDATION

Funding Contributes to Architectural Historic Structures Report

ROCKDALE, TX, MARCH 2, 2022 – 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 & 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 & 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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To learn more or contribute to Vision Historic Preservation Foundation’s fundraising campaign visit www.VisionRockdale.org.

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 

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About the National Trust for Historic Preservation

The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a privately-funded nonprofit organization that works to save America’s historic places to enrich our future. The National Trust for Historic Preservation is committed to protecting America’s rich cultural legacy and helping build vibrant, sustainable communities that reflect our nation’s diversity. Follow us on Twitter @savingplaces.

For more information on National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Preservation Fund grants, visit their website.