BRENHAM MAIN STREET HISTORICAL PRESERVATION WILL—FOR NOW—RETAIN OVERSIGHT OF BARNHILL CENTER
Full operation of the Barnhill Center at the Historic Simon Theater will remain in the hands of the Brenham Main Street Historical Preservation, at least for now.
The Brenham City Council met in executive session Thursday to discuss the development, operation, and possible acquisition of the Barnhill Center. The Historical Preservation has been unsuccessful in raising enough money to pay a principal and interest payment of roughly $100,000—due on March 30th—and asked the council to help with payment and consider transitioning into full operation and oversight of the facility. Thursday, the council chose to not offer financial assistance to the Barnhill Center at this time.
Historical Preservation President Hal Moorman said ever since the group acquired the initial property on June 25, 2003, its desire was not to operate the Barnhill Center, but rather to restore it and provide it to the city for use. He said full oversight of the facility would be better suited for the city, and the group is looking to turn it over to the city as soon as it will accept it. The Historical Preservation Board currently has a memorandum of understanding with the city to operate the Simon Theater.
Moorman said with roughly $9 million invested into the renovation of the Barnhill Center and more than $7 million in local donations, the Historical Preservation’s restoration project is nearly complete.
City Manager James Fisher said the Barnhill Center is “a treasure of the city”, but COVID-19 has led to a lot of unknowns concerning both health and finances. He said the city is going to have to “batten down the hatches” and prepare for the future as best as it can.
At Thursday’s council meeting during open session, Fisher said he expects it will take six to 18 months for the city to fully recover from the economic setbacks caused by COVID-19.
Moorman said he certainly understands why the city cannot help right now, saying this is an unprecedented time for all parties involved.
Moorman said business will continue as normal for the Barnhill Center in the meantime. He added that donations to help complete the Barnhill Center restoration project are always welcome.
Thank you city council for a wise decision. The taxpayers appreciate your wisdom. The city has already contributed tens of thousands of dollars to this private sector project. It is still in the city budget hidden under tourism. Private sector started it, let them keep and maintain. I would suggest that any taxpayer dollars be with held from now on. With the high number of city residents at or below the poverty which can not afford the price of admission to the events the choice of council seems obvious. More picket parks in older neighborhoods is a good investment. Many residents need safe places to walk besides our busy streets.