MELFORT — An effort to raise money to replace the windows in Melfort’s Historic Post Office raised $16,000 – $4,000 short of what’s needed to move ahead with the project.
The community was asked to come to the building May 10 and contact their friends to raise the money.
“We’re really happy with the results. We’ve never done anything like this and it was a new idea to actually have people to call out for donations but it’s worked really well,” said Brent Lutz, Melfort’s community development manager. “It also shows the sentimental attachment that the building has to the community and that people are passionate about saving the building, keeping the building and maintaining it.”
Those that donated $100 or more will have their name placed on a postal box as part of a postal-themed donor recognition wall.
“When we raise that last $4,000, that will total $40,000 in local funds raised and we have grants and sponsorships that will match that money for an additional $160,000, so we’ll have a total of $200,000 for the entire project,” Lutz said, adding the Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation, Avatex Development Corporation and the federal legacy grant are providing those matching funds.
When the City of Melfort is ready to install the windows, it will work with a consultant to ensure that the windows placed in the building are appropriate as historic replicas, so as not to change the appearance of the building.
“Our consultant will also work with us to install them properly so we don’t cause any damage to the structure so that when we’re complete, the building will be as it was when it was new,” Lutz said.
To install the windows, the city will have qualified contractors and suppliers, as well as tender the work. The windows themselves will have to be crafted specially for the hole they’ll fill.
“It’s our hope the complete project can be done before the end of the year, provided weather doesn’t impact us in the installation,” Lutz said.
Once the windows are installed, most of the exterior restoration work for the Historic Post Office will be complete. Lutz said it will be harder to get grants to restore the inside of the building, so that will be done slowly as more money is raised.
