Restoration to Historic Building will Double Museum’s Capacity
The Following Press Release is Courtesy of LCRA
(MARBLE FALLS, Texas) – Falls on the Colorado Museum soon will double its usable space as part of a major renovation project, thanks in part to a $25,000 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority and Pedernales Electric Cooperative.
The LCRA Community Development Partnership Program grant will be combined with more than $216,000 in matching funds from the museum to help restore the museum’s historic building, the former Old Granite School, and preserve a local landmark that has served the Marble Falls area for years.
“We’re restoring the original look of the building, so it’s going to look more like the original building, in addition to being more functional,” said Amanda Seim, museum chair. “At the same time, this is not just about preserving the building, it’s about expanding our capacity. There are so many people that come through and say they went to school here or taught here, and it’s wonderful that the building is put to use in such a meaningful way. This renovation is going to help us enrich the lives of the people in Marble Falls.”
In the past, the museum has only been able to use the building’s first floor because of the poor condition of the second floor. The renovation project will restore the second floor as safe and usable space, as well as replace 29 upstairs windows with historically accurate versions and refurbish 28 lower-story windows, which will improve the building’s energy efficiency and lower the museum’s carbon footprint and operational costs. Many of the windows were damaged during the April 2024 hailstorm.
The renovation also will refurbish a large room upstairs to provide a space for STEM-focused programming and hands-on exhibits for young people, repairing both sets of interior stairs, replacing carpeting and adding an accessible toilet.
LCRA General Manager Phil Wilson said the planned renovations will help the museum preserve the history of Marble Falls, as well as promote lifelong learning through its extended programming.
“Preserving local heritage is an important part of a vibrant community,” Wilson said. “Recognizing and understanding your community’s past can play a vital role in helping determine where you go moving forward. LCRA is honored to be able to assist Falls on the Colorado Museum in these significant renovations.”
Wilson said LCRA also supports the museum’s efforts to host more educational programs, exhibits and community events.
“The enhanced educational environment will help foster a deeper understanding of local history, and we salute the museum for honoring the region’s past, while also looking forward to a new and exciting future,” he said.
Seim said the grant will help push the major renovation project across the finish line.
“The community has really come together for donations, but the contributions and support from LCRA and PEC are crucial to finishing this project,” Seim said. “Without them, we would be waiting a very long time to complete these important renovations.”
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. Pedernales Electric Cooperative 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.
About PEC
Founded in 1938 by then-Congressman Lyndon B. Johnson, Pedernales Electric Cooperative Inc. is a member-owned electric cooperative serving more than 415,000 meters across the Texas Hill Country. An industry-recognized leader providing outstanding member service and reliable electricity, PEC conducts its business via a transparent and democratic process and encourages member participation.
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