In 2020, a new vision for ‘The 1895’ was born …
THE VISION
The Vision Historic Preservation Foundation aims to revitalize Downtown Rockdale by preserving the historical significance of The 1895, attracting businesses and repurposing the Development, promoting a culture of art, commerce, and tourism for both residents and visitors, and enhancing the success of local businesses while enriching the community.
THE MISSION
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.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Our Team
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Geritt Davenport is a native of Rockdale, Texas and Milam County. He is an active composer and founder of T.U.X. People's Music, a publisher of sheet music. Geritt strives to take an active part in bettering the local community in any way he can. With the historic past of Rockdale’s downtown having captivated him throughout his life; there is no better way to give back than by taking an active role in Vision Historic Preservation Foundation’s endeavors.
Geritt Davenport - Director of Arts & Outreach Chair
Jessica Cvijic Was born in Texas and moved to Rockdale from the Austin area 2 years ago. She has a bachelor's from Hendrix University in Arkansas, a Master’s Degree in Book conservation from West Dean in Chichester England, and a Master’s of Science in Information Studies from University of Texas in Austin. Currently working as a project manager, Jessica fell in love with Rockdale and the 1895 City Hall. She hopes to use her passion for preservation and art to make a meaningful contribution to the city’s heritage.
Jessica Cvijic - Director/Economic Development Chair
Brandon Reynolds was raised in the Austin-Georgetown area, but relocated from Jarrell to Rockdale just over five years ago. Husband and father of seven, he is currently teaching Junior High at Thorndale ISD. Brandon has a strong love of history and has been researching the history of the Rockdale area, which is what drew him to the Mission of Vision Historic Preservation Foundation. Brandon is pursuing his Doctorate in History from Liberty University, and is planning his capstone to be on the history of Rockdale and the surrounding area. In 2022, Brandon published Urrea’s Goliad Campaign and the Texas Revolution available here.
Brandon Reynolds - Director/Historical Chair
Lee Brewer, was raised in North Mississippi on his family's farm until enlisting in the U.S. Army in 2012. During that time, he was deployed to Kosovo and Afghanistan. Upon his return in 2018, Lee joined the Texas Army National Guard in order to continue his service. Lee is a Service Manager for Hyliion, a company based in Austin that brings electrified powertrains to transportation and fleet vehicles. Lee, his wife Aimee, and their two daughters moved to Rockdale in October 2022. Wanting to get involved with the community, Lee stumbled upon The 1895 project and fell in love with the uniqueness of this restoration. He has a strong passion for the collaboration that the community will have to undergo to bring this building and its opportunities to the spotlight.
Lee Brewer - Director
Curah Beard, who served as Executive Director for the Vision Historic Preservation Foundation from its inception in 2020 until transitioning to Treasurer in 2024, has lived in Northern Lee County since 2016 after 35 years in Austin. With a bachelor’s degree in Advertising & Communications from the University of Texas and over 25 years of marketing experience, including as Rockdale's Marketing Director, Curah has a passion for historic preservation. She volunteers on The 1895 project and with The Kay Theater Foundation, aiming to enrich the community through arts and cultural heritage.
Curah Beard - Treasurer/Director
Dell Perry Giles serves as the President of Vision Rockdale’s Board after having served as Vice-President since February 2021. She is committed to continuing the Foundation's work on The 1895, preserving its architectural, cultural, and historical significance for the community's future.
Born and raised in Rockdale, Texas, Dell graduated from Rockdale High School in 1990 and earned a B.A. from Texas A&M, an M.S. from Georgia State University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Georgia. After nearly 25 years living in Atlanta and Barcelona, she returned to Rockdale with family. Dell now coordinates literacy and mentoring for Rockdale ISD, serves on the Love & Learning Center Board, is a member of the Rockdale Earth Day Committee, and attends St. James' Episcopal Church in Austin. Proud to be back on her childhood street, she is dedicated to making Rockdale a vibrant and welcoming community.
Dell Perry Giles - President/Director
Brooke Graham, a proud fifth-generation Texan born in Rockdale, has deep roots in Milam County. After studying Kinesiology at the University of North Texas, she pursued a music career, earning a 2014 nomination for Female Vocalist of the Year by The Academy of Texas Country Music. In 2022, she began working with Tex Whitson and Jimmy Collins to produce her third album, focusing on Tropical Americana. Driven by her passion for music and the arts, Brooke joined the Vision Historic Preservation Foundation to bring diverse arts, music, and entertainment to Rockdale, Texas.
Brooke Graham - Director
Tamara Hebert Powell, a native of Rockdale and honors graduate of Rockdale High School in 1982, was the first African American editor of the Lair yearbook and a regional science fair winner. She attended the University of Texas and Huston-Tillotson College on scholarships, earning a B.S. in English and Chemistry and an M.S. in Oriental Medicine and Herbology. She owns Acufit-Capital City Wellness, an acupuncture clinic in Austin, and serves as a Director in the Treasury Department's largest bureau.
Tamara, a published author, lives in Round Rock with her husband, Marcus, and has a daughter and three granddaughters. Drawn to The 1895 restoration project, she aims to preserve and share Milam County’s diverse history, continuing her grandmother's legacy of documenting the contributions of Rockdale's African American community.
Tamara Herbert Powell - Director
Bio coming soon!
Chris Miles - Director
Bio coming soon!
Paul Dixon - Director
Bio coming soon!
Bill Torrey - Director
CONSULTANTS
Collier Perry, originally from North Carolina, moved to Rockdale in 1952 and has lived there since. Fascinated by the Victorian design of the former City Hall & Opera House, he founded the Vision Historic Preservation Foundation to restore and repurpose the 1895 City Hall into an arts and entertainment district.
A graduate of Rockdale High School and Texas Tech University with an Engineering degree, Collier served in the Peace Corps in India with his wife, Peggy, before returning to Rockdale in 1972. He founded Perry & Perry Builders, now run by his son Lin. Collier, who retired from the Foundation’s Board, remains an active advisor and is proud of the community's new leadership. He and Peggy live in the house they built in 1974 and attend St. James Episcopal Church in Austin.
Collier Perry - Founder & Former President
Stan Graves, Senior Principal of Architexas, brings over 35 years of historic preservation experience to The 1895 project as the Foundation’s Architect. Formerly the Director of the Architecture Division and Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer at the Texas Historical Commission, he created and managed the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program, which awarded over $245 million to 83 projects. Stan also acted as liaison for restoring the Texas State Capitol and Governor’s Mansion. He has led the Texas Society of Architects’ Historic Resources Committee, chaired the Rehabilitation Tax Incentives Committee of the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers, and received the Edwin C. Waller Award for Public Architecture from the Austin AIA. He was also elevated to the College of Fellows of the Institute for his contributions to preserving Texas' architectural legacy.
Stan Graves, FAIA - Architexas
Geri Burnett, Past Director and Historical Advisor of the Foundation, has been a dedicated resident of Rockdale for 51 years with her husband Bob. A retired educator, she spent 30 years in Rockdale ISD as a teacher and administrator. Geri holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from the University of Texas and an M.S. in Educational Administration from Texas A&M.
Her passion for history led her to serve 16 years on the Milam County Historical Commission, including as chair, and as an Educational Specialist at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. Recognized with the John Ben Shepperd Award in 2019, Geri has significantly contributed to the promotion and preservation of Milam County’s heritage. A 50-year member of Peace Lutheran Church, she continues to support the Foundation as a Historical Advisor while enjoying reading, gardening, and traveling.
