Cash has been injected into the revitalization of a local heritage property.
The Humboldt and District Museum and Gallery has received $50,000 in funding from the Saskatchewan Community Initiatives Fund (CIF) to help with their revitalization of the Merchants Bank of Canada building in downtown Humboldt.
The HDMG took over management of the building on the 600 block of Main St., which used to house the City's Willkommen Centre, earlier this year.
So far, a lot of work has been done to improve the historic structure.
The roof has been repaired, noted HDMG curator Jennifer Hoesgen, and temporary walls put up on the main floor have been taken out.
"We've opened up the space," Hoesgen said.
That opening up included taking out the brick and turf-like flooring, and removing the stucco and half-timbre treatments on the walls, and taking down ceiling tiles to have a look at insulation and systems.
Carpet has also been removed from the second floor of the building, which was once an apartment.
"We had to empty the building in order to begin the renovations," Hoesgen said. "We needed to get to know the building."
The CIF funding is tied to work on the building's systems.
"This project is focused on enhancing the quality and use of this community facility," Hoesgen noted. "Work will begin in January 2012 to install a new heating and air conditioning system, sprinkler system, fire alarm system, and associated electrical upgrades."
"This project is the first phase in rejuvenating this historic building to better serve heritage, arts and cultural needs of our community," said Carol Oleksyn, chair of the HDMG board.
Funding for the rest of the revitalization of this building will be provided by donations received by the HDMG Foundation.
Repairing the systems is just the first step in the rehabilitation of this designated heritage property into an accessible community venue, Hoesgen noted. The HDMG board also has plans to make the entire building accessible for all through changes to the front lobby, the installation of a wheelchair lift and by building wheelchair accessible washrooms.
"These changes will allow the museum to provide accessible arts and heritage programming to all members of the public," Hoesgen stated.
The revitalization of this building does not come with a small price tag. It will take a substantial amount of money to complete.
The funds raised by the 12th annual Festival of Wreaths hosted by the HDMG Foundation will go towards this project, and the HDMG Foundation will be looking for further support from the community for the upgrades.
"This project represents an investment in our heritage, as well as the opportunity to increase the vitality of the downtown core through new programs and community events," Hoesgen said.
Saskatchewan CIF is a special purpose fund created through the Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation Act and accountable to the Ministry of Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport. The programs are funding through a portion of the Regina and Moose Jaw casino profits.
