City Council approved a contract with Western Specialty Contractors to complete the renovations, including the replacement of the existing metal roof, repair or replacement of missing or severely deteriorated wood siding and window repairs, according to a news release issued by the city.
The details
The city stated that it was awarded a $150,000 grant from the American Express Partners in Preservation program—a partnership of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the American Express Foundation—to complete the repair work.
Michele Burleson, a San Marcos resident and vice president of the Calaboose African American History Museum, said she was excited about the recent milestone in the fight for its preservation. Her mother, Rose Brooks, attended the Colored School in her youth, and both women have played a pivotal role in working to get the Home Economics Building renovation secured.
“It’s a part of history, and it’s so old. Once it’s gone, you never get it back. It needs to be preserved, and it needs to be preserved in the right way,” Burleson said. "It holds great historical significance.”
What’s next
The city stated that repairs should be completed by Nov. 2, weather permitting.
Restoration of the building has three phases:
- Phase I: Focused on stabilizing the pier and beam foundation and was completed in May 2024
- Phase II: Focused on roof and siding repairs to protect the building envelope, and is currently underway
- Phase III: Will address interior restoration when funding is available and public input has been gathered on the best future use of the facility
