Staying with the story
The Springfield News-Sun covers construction projects around Clark County.
By Tiffany Y. Latta
Staff Writer
The Heritage Center of Clark County will get $150,000 to help repair and preserve the 124-year-old historic building on South Fountain Avenue.
Clark County commissioners voted unanimously Wednesday evening to contribute $75,000 toward the project. The Convention and Facilities Authority will also provide $75,000 in matching money for repairs.
“There’s has been a lot of work on the building … and it just needs to be improved,” Commissioner John Detrick said. “It’s making it a better facility and will preserve it for the next generation.”
Clark County Administrator Nathan Kennedy said the funds will be used to restore a building that has had issues with water damage, clogged gutters and other problems.
“Water has always been a problem. It’s probably the biggest problem. (The money will be used) basically to resolve issues with water damage over the years and add LED lighting,” Kennedy said.
Kennedy said Heritage Center officials believe adding LED lighting will save money.
He also said most of the funds are going to be spent on gutters and maintenance. Kennedy said clogged gutters has caused visible structural damage, adding passersby can see bricks out of place on the building.
CFA Chairman Matthew Kridler said the board is pleased to work on the project with the county commissioners.
“It’s very important to the community,” he said.
The authority has provided money in the past to the Heritage Center and other facilities, such as the Clark County Fairgrounds.
The independent organization receives $300,000 to $400,000 a year from hotel and motel taxes.
He said CFA board members set aside money to help facilities in need, but never have enough to help all of them.
“We look at different facilities that need help that bring in tourism,” Kridler said.
Roger Sherrock, chief executive officer for the Heritage Center, thanked the commissioners and CFA for their support.
He said bricks and mortar on the building have deteriorated and needed to be repaired. He also said new LED lighting in the parking lot will use less wattage than the current lights. The lighting is expected to last about 10 to 15 years.
Sherrock said the maintenance on the building is something that will be needed on the more than 50,000-square-foot structure at least every three or four years.
“It’s not routine maintenance,” Sherrock said. “Every few years a building that size and that age is going to have to need substantial repairs.”
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