VISION ROCKDALE ANNOUNCES TRANSITION IN LEADERSHIP

Carrying on The 1895’s Legacy.

ROCKDALE, TX, MARCH 22 – Vision Historic Preservation Foundation (Vision Rockdale) announced the election of new Board Members and a transition of Executive Leadership in the Foundation following its February 2024 Board Meeting.  Joining the Board for three-year terms serving thru February 2027 are Paul Dixon and Bill Torrey.  Both bring great experience and leadership to the Board and Foundation and look to positively influence the future of The 1895 in its service to the community. 

Founder and Board President & Treasurer, Collier Perry, chose not to renew his expiring term, but will continue to participate in an advisory capacity as his knowledge and experience is of great value to the organization.  “The leadership we have recruited to the Foundation is well-suited to bring this project to completion for the benefit of the community,” shared Mr. Perry.  “It has always been a goal of the Foundation to cultivate future leadership for our community, and it is fitting that they should determine the future of The 1895 now that its true beauty and original purpose as the center of culture & community has been revealed.”

Mr. Perry’s daughter, Dell Perry Giles has served on Vision Rockdale’s Board as the Vice-President since February 2021, and was elected by the Board to serve as President. “I look forward to carrying on the work the Foundation has started,” stated Giles. “We will continue to solidify plans for the next phases of construction, as well as plans to bring new purpose to The 1895 in a way that honors its architectural, cultural, and historical significance, while best serving the community in the future.”

Also elected to the Board was Curah Beard, who had served as the Foundation’s Executive Director since its October 2020 founding.  In a decision to minimize the Foundation’s operational costs, Beard moved from a paid position to a volunteer Board role and was elected to serve as Board Treasurer. “This project is truly an act of love and dedication for me and our entire Board,” expressed Beard. “Restoring The 1895 is not just about putting a pretty façade on an old building: it is about appreciating the significance of this unique structure, all the functions it has served, and understanding the vision our city founders had in constructing it as an architectural centerpiece in the heart of town.”

The following community leaders also serve on Vision Historic Preservation Foundation’s Board of Directors:  Bebe Saavedra-Villarreal (Board Secretary), Geritt Davenport (Arts Chair), Jessica Cvijic (Economic Development Chair), Brandon Reynolds (Historical Chair), Brooke Graham, Lee Brewer, Chris Miles, and Tamara Powell.  Geri Burnett has served on the Board since February 2021, and while she will be stepping down from the Board in April 2024, she will continue to participate as a valued participant on the Historical Committee.

Vision Historic Preservation Foundation is a 501.c.3 non-profit (Tax ID 85-2855176), with The 1895 restoration being fully-funded via donations and grants.  Tax-deductible donations for operational expenses to maintain the property and capital improvement projects to continue construction 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