LCRA awards $25,000 grant for upgrades to Richland Hall
New level foundation will improve safety of historic community center
Nov. 11, 20OV
The Community Development Partnership Program grant, along with $12,800 in matching funds from the community club, will facilitate stabilizing the foundation at Richland Hall so members of the community can continue to safely enjoy events at the center.
Barbara Hees Masi, board president of the Richland Community Club, said leveling the foundation will preserve the structure of the building and provide a safe place for people to gather for meetings, dances, fundraisers and other events.
“The hall currently sits on black dirt and piers made from old cedar trees, causing the building to shift a lot,” Masi said. “Doors don’t lock properly, and windows won’t open and close easily. The new foundation will allow for a stable building. When we have our biggest community event, the 76th Annual Richland May Fete in May, the floor will not jiggle when the kids dance. The space will be a whole lot safer.”
The Richland Community Club has been trying to raise funds for the project for the past five years.
“Several years ago, we were able to have the exterior perimeter leveled, but we didn’t have enough money to level the entire building,” Masi said. “With the funds from this grant, we will be able to accomplish that and then focus on addressing more cosmetic issues, which is something we haven’t been able to do until the most expensive part was done first. We look forward to creating a safe and enjoyable venue and continuing to serve as a key focal point of community life.”
The historic hall was built in 1898 and is open for reservations. The hall typically is used for community events about 18 days a month.
The community grant is one of 37 grants awarded recently through LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program, which helps volunteer fire departments, local governments, emergency responders and nonprofit organizations fund eligible capital improvement projects in LCRA’s wholesale electric, water and transmission service areas. The program is part of LCRA’s effort to give back to the communities it serves.
Applications for the next round of grants will be accepted in January. More information is available at lcra.org/cdpp.
About LCRA
The Lower Colorado River Authority serves customers and communities throughout Texas by managing the lower Colorado River; generating and transmitting electric power; providing a clean, reliable water supply; and offering outdoor adventures at more than 40 parks along the Colorado River from the Texas Hill Country to the Gulf Coast. LCRA and its employees are committed to fulfilling our mission to enhance the quality of life of the Texans we serve through water stewardship, energy and community service. LCRA was created by the Texas Legislature in 1934 and receives no state appropriations.
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