THF Grant Presentation, Vision Historic Preservation Fnd, Rockdale
Texas Historical Foundation Director Judy Davis will host a presentation of the organization’s January 2022 grant to Vision Historic Preservation Foundation, Rockdale. The grant was awarded in support of the group's efforts to restore Rockdale's 1895 City Hall to it's orginal design.
The 125 year old structure has served the town of Rockdale in many ways over the years, acting as a home for such diverse purposes as an opera house, a city jail, and a medical clinic, resulting in additions and remodels that did little to preserve the original architectural vision of prolific Texas designer Arthur O. Watson.
Additions and remodels left the former City Hall unrecognisable Rendering of the original design the building is being restored to
The lefthand photo shows decades of remodels that left the City Hall of 1895 unrecognisable; a rendering of the original design, right, depicts the standard to which it is being restored with this project.
Vision Historic Preservation Foundation envisioned the structure as the centerpiece for a revitalized downtown, reckognizing that honoring the city’s past is the foundation for an authentic and meaningful revitalization of the downtown corridor. With this principle in mind, they set about restoring the interior and exterior of Rockdale City Hall to its original appearance and function wherever possible. Granted funds will be used in Phase 2 of the project, focusing on the restoration of the building exterior and .
The presentation will take place at the 1895 City Hall in historic downtown Rockdale, scheduled time to be announced. If you'd like to attend, please contact Texas Historical Foundation using the information below.
