Plans proceed for restoration
Representatives of Mills & Mills Architects visited the Marshall County boardroom to discuss the restoration of Isaac Chapel Rosenwald School.
The firm was awarded the contract for the project.
William Mills and David Jones presented the proposed project plans. It will involve restoration of the ex terior and interior of the structure.
Mills said restoration includes:
• resetting of loose stones outside.
• adding an ADA (American Disabilities Act) ramp and handrails to the building.
• replacing the canopy and roof.
• adding flat-board siding and installation of new windows.
• adding new steps in the rear.
• sloping the grade on one side to stop erosion.
• adding new insulation.
• restoration of doors when possible. Those replaced will be replicas of the existing doors.
• staining and sealing of floors.
• putting in a serving (noncommercial) kitchen for small groups.
• replacing new electrical wiring and adding HVAC and plumbing.
• building ADA accessible restrooms.
“We want it to look like it did when built,” Mills said. “They think the color was red with a metal roof that will be silver.”
The corrugated metal roof will have a membrane underneath to seal out moisture.
A museum area will be located in the front entryway.
If money lasts, an outdoor classroom will be added out back.
A new septic system will be installed.
Some members of the Rosenwald committee, formed to oversee progress and provide ideas, were also present.
Terry King Moore, secretary, and William Sidney Payne spoke for the committee.
Moore said Laverne Jones, one time teacher at the school, is on the committee. Other members of the nine-member committee present were Robbie Zinn, Dorothy Stegall, and Katherine Parish. Zinn is a 30-year teacher.
“There is a great deal of excitement to have this to come to life and restore the building,” Moore said.
The grant of $268,744 was the second highest grant awarded from Archives and History this year, she said.
“You are about to see this facility draw attention,” Moore said.
There are only 10 Rosenwald Schools still standing in Mississippi, she said. A grand opening next year is planned to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the school.
The dream is to have the school attract tourists and continue to serve as an educational center.
“We now have to roll up our sleeves and get to work,” Moore said.
Payne said the committee is partnering with Northcentral Electric Cooperative to create a broadband hotspot at the site.
The committee wanted to oversee the construction, Payne said.
District 1 supervisor Charles Terry asked what types of artifacts will the committee seek to go in the two museum rooms. The museum is to draw tourists and remain as a school, he said.
Moore said she cleaned out her barns and found three sets of cotton scales and `peas,’ “stuff we used to survive.”
Terry asked if the committee will form a non-profit.
“Definitely,” said Payne.
The committee is already fund-raising, he said. And the members of the committee want to serve on the board of the non-profit.
Supervisor George Zinn III said the building should be open on a regular basis and the non-profit should staff it so it will not be a burden to the county, which will likely pay the utilities and insurance premiums.
The committee visited New Albany to tour the Union County Heritage Museum, said Gary Anderson.
The committee learned how the museum generates over $300,000 a year and Union County and New Albany contribute $40,000 a year.
The committee will visit other museums to learn how to raise money and to operate.
Mills said Union County applies for lots of small grants to bring in operating money.
Would it take a board order to allow the committee to run it, Zinn asked.
Bennett asked if it is legal for the county to turn the project over to the committee since George Zinn sits on the board.
Board attorney Amanda Smith said there could be ethical issues, and she recommended the matter be tabled until the issues are researched.
“It is not always about money but who may benefit from using the building,” she said.
In New Albany, the city owns the building and the curator is an employee, she said.
Smith said she thinks the county will need an employee on the premises to control the building.
“There is a process to follow and it has to be open to all,” she said.
She said the ethics have to be considered because supervisor Zinn and his wife are involved.
Chancery clerk Chuck Thomas said the county would manage the funds and cut the checks for the grant.
Terry asked if the committee wants oversight of the construction and then to take responsibility for operations after the non-profit status is obtained.
Anderson said the committee needs to start raising money now so the museum will be operational when restoration is complete.
Mills said the construction will be bid out because the county owns the facility.
The board approved a motion to allow the committee to provide ideas.
Terry said the county needs a written plan for the non-profit to be looked over to make sure everything is clear on what is being done.
Moore asked could the committee come back to the next board meeting.
“When we are long gone, we will have this facility for people who come after us,” she said.