LCRA, City of Luling award $20,336 grant for Fritz Zedler House repairs
Zedler Mill Foundation will repair exterior of historic home that serves as a special events space and guesthouse
MAY 28, 2024
The Community Development Partnership Program grant, along with $5,084 in matching funds from the foundation, will allow the foundation to repair and paint the exterior of the 124-year-old guesthouse.
“There’s a lot of peeling paint, holes and deterioration due to weather and the sheer age of the house,” said Bonnie Dredla, president of the Zedler Mill Foundation. “The building’s upkeep is like maintenance on a car. If you neglect it, then it’s going to continue to create problems.”
The house is part of the Zedler Mill Complex, which is rented out most weeks of the year for events including weddings, quinceañeras, class reunions, bridal showers and baby showers. The house, which can accommodate 16 guests, is located across the street from the event space and is one of the few options for visitors to stay in town.
“Since the house is right next to the San Marcos River, we continuously have issues with varmints, and they can be so destructive when they get inside,” Dredla said. “We have to maintain the building in order to best serve our community and overnight guests.”
The foundation will use grant funds to re-seal exterior windows, close off extra ventilation and repair holes in order to beautify and fortify the structure and improve energy efficiency.
Dredla said the foundation receives significant support from community members who value the opportunity the Fritz Zedler House provides both locals and visitors to connect with Luling’s history.
“We’re located at the southern-most entrance to Caldwell County off of Highway 80 and I-10, so anyone driving in sees the house as their first impression of Luling,” Dredla said. “It’s so encouraging to know that the building will be getting a makeover, especially in time for our celebration this September of 150 years of the Zedler Mill Complex.”
The community grant is one of 44 grants awarded recently through LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program, which helps volunteer fire departments, local governments, emergency responders and nonprofit organizations fund 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. The City of Luling is one of LCRA’s wholesale electric customers and is a partner in the grant program.
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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