VISION HISTORIC PRESERVATION FOUNDATION RECEIVES GENEROUS DONATION FROM ROCKDALE ROTARY CLUB

Foundation kicks off Fundraising Campaign to Restore The 1895 in October.

 ROCKDALE, TX, SEPTEMBER 29, 2021 – Vision Historic Preservation Foundation was the guest presenter at the Rockdale Rotary Club lunch on Tuesday, September 28th.  The Foundation’s Campaign Manager, Curah Beard, treated the club to a pictorial history of Rockdale’s 1895 City Hall, telling of the many roles the building has served over the past 125 years.  “Most don’t realize the central role ‘The 1895’ has played in our community,” said Beard. “It has been exciting to learn of the building’s past as an Opera House, community meeting space, and library, as well as its service as fire station, police station and municipal government functions.” 

The Foundation also presented information regarding plans to restore the building to its original architectural design and re-develop the adjacent properties which the Foundation has also purchased.  “It is our goal to restore The 1895 and create an Arts & Entertainment District,” stated Foundation Chairman Collier Perry.  “This is an important project which not only to preserves our community’s past, but also creates and exciting new future – improving quality of life and creating a tourism draw for our local economy.”

Rockdale Rotary Club also had a gift for Vision Historic Preservation Foundation.  In June, the club selected the Foundation as the cause for their annual fundraiser during their Changing of the Guards celebration – raising $3680 in a live auction that evening.  Rotary Service Projects Co-Chair, Mike Vance, presented the donation to Vision Historic Preservation Foundation following their presentation.  “Rockdale Rotary is thrilled to support The 1895 restoration project,” said Gretchen McCord DeFlorio, Rockdale Rotary’s new President. “It is going to be a great improvement for our historic downtown and become a mecca for arts & entertainment in our community.”

Visit www.VisionRockdale.org for information about the history & future of The 1895 and to make a donation. 

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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