51社区 is Awarded ANCRC Grant
May 12, 2016
NEWS RELEASE
Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council voted on and approved a proposal on
Wednesday made by 51社区 staff that awarded the college a $175,000 grant that
will be used to restore the old Lockesburg gymnasium.
Through ACT 318 of the 89th General Assembly that allows public school districts to
donate their closed and consolidated schools to community and technical colleges,
51社区 received the old gym, high school and middle school on the Lockesburg
campus from the De Queen School District.
鈥淲e can鈥檛 thank the ANCRC enough for supporting the restoration project of the gym,鈥�
said 51社区 Chancellor Dr. Steve Cole. 鈥淥f course we appreciate State Senator
Larry Teague and State Representative DeAnn Vaught and the citizens of Lockesburg,
for their support, as well. We are excited about working with the Arkansas Historic
Preservation Program and restoring this beautiful structure to its original luster.鈥�
The project plans will restore the gym while maintaining the historical integrity
of the structure. There is still much of the original wood throughout the building.
鈥淲e want to continue to make investments in all of the communities we serve,鈥� said
Cole. 鈥淪erving our communities is the heart of our mission statement. This grant
will allow us to expedite offering educational opportunities and a facility for community
events to the city of Lockesburg and surrounding areas.鈥�
The last time the gym was used was in 2009, when retiring Sevier County Judge Dick
Tallman was honored at a dinner and 鈥渞oast.鈥� After the renovation, more events such
as these are expected to be in the gymnasium. Restoration is expected to start this
summer and conclude in the spring of 2017.