DONATIONS SOUGHT FOR FINAL PHASE OF BARNHILL CENTER RENOVATION PROJECT

  

Renovations of The Barnhill Center at the Historic Simon Theatre in downtown Brenham are nearly complete, and the public is asked to consider contributing toward the final phase of fundraising for the project.

The restoration has been in the hands of the Brenham Main Street Historical Preservation, Inc. since it acquired the initial property on June 25, 2003.  The final phase of the project is the completion of Morriss Hall, a large multi-purpose space to be used for meetings and conferences.

Historical Preservation President Hal Moorman said about $575,000 is needed for furnishings, audiovisual (AV) equipment and other meeting-related accessories.

 

The construction of Morriss Hall began after the organization received $1 million from an anonymous donor.  To date, over $9.3 million has been raised in total, including $6.7 million given by local donors, $1.65 million in state historic tax credits, and $1.03 million in federal tax credits.

Fundraising efforts have been impeded by COVID-19, preventing many meetings and concerts from taking place at the venue.  Moorman said even once the project is completed, the hall’s opening is still subject to limitations caused by the coronavirus.

 

Ultimately, the organization’s goal upon completing the restoration is to turn the facility over to the city for use.  The Historical Preservation Board currently has a memorandum of understanding with the city to operate the Simon Theatre.

To learn more about donation opportunities, visit http://thebarnhillcenter.com.