VISION HISTORIC PRESERVATION FOUNDATION MAKES PLANS FOR PHASE ONE RESTORATION OF THE 1895

South Façade and Bell Tower reconstruction targeted for late 2022.

ROCKDALE, TX, SEPTEMBER 8, 2021 – Vision Historic Preservation Foundation has been diligently working with renowned historic preservation Architect Stan Graves, Senior Principal of Architexas, to devise plans to restore and preserve the 1895 City Hall to its original architectural design. 

The pre-construction phase started with clearing the building of old office furniture in February, followed by an asbestos survey and abatement in March.  “As with many historic buildings, a state-licensed inspector discovered some areas containing asbestos – mostly in the mastic under some tile and up in the attic,” said Foundation Chair & Managing Director, Collier Perry.  “For everyone's safety, the Foundation commissioned ARC Abatement to remove the asbestos before we endeavored upon any renovation projects which could disturb the hazardous substance.”

In April 2020, the Foundation hired local contractor D&C Construction to handle the removal of non-loadbearing interior walls to open up the spaces. “The goal was to peel away decades of renovations and partitioning walls in order for us, and the community, to be able to re-envision a new purpose for the building,” stated Campaign Manager, Curah Beard. “We were pleased to relieve this Victorian-beauty of the paneling & shag nightmare and reveal 1939 hardwood floors we look to restore.”  D&C Construction kindly donated back to the Foundation $10,000 of their fees as their contribution toward this community revitalization project.

Meanwhile, the Foundation has been exploring options regarding how to restore the exterior of the building. “Ultimately the plan is to pursue a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark designation with the Texas Historical Commission, which will require us to rebuild the iconic bell tower and the back half up the upstairs,” explains Historical Chair, Geri Burnett. “Doing so could make us eligible for many historic preservation grants on the state and federal level.” 

While plans are being evaluated to preserve the original brick on the east, west and south sides of the building, it has been determined that the south façade, facing Cameron Avenue, will be treated with new brick.  “Since reconstruction of the bell tower will require new brick, it was decided re-facing the entire front of the building would provide the best continuity of design,” explained Perry.  “We will be working with Architexas to acquire brick which will be the best possible match and have already seen some samples that closely match the varying tints and textured surface of the existing brick.”

Due to the visibility of the south face of the building, Vision Historic Preservation Foundation has decided to begin the restoration project focusing on the south side of the building.  The outer layer of brick from the south face will be removed and saved for use in other areas where compromised brick needs to be replaced.  Based on current pricing, total cost of the south façade restoration is estimated to be $1.5 million dollars.  This includes not only the reconstruction of the bell tower and masonry of the south face of the building, but also period-appropriate windows and doors, restoring the spires atop the cupolas and bell tower roofing, and re-installation of the original bell in the tower.

“Our team is working to apply for various grants for Phase One of the restoration project, but we will be looking to individuals and businesses to assist us with generous donations to help us meet matching funds requirements of grants,” explains Beard.  “We know restoring the south façade will be a visual victory, garnering the project much exposure, but it will also be a day of great pride for our community to once again hear the bell call out to the people of Rockdale.”

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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