A state senator this week announced a grant to aid the development of a music education facility in downtown Athens.

Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, is giving the Scout House project $1,500 from his Senate District 3 Funds. According to a city building inspector, those funds should cover the cost of gutter installation for the entire building with potentially some funds left over for other needs, such as new doors or window repair.

“Athens Arts League appreciates Sen. Orr’s support of the arts in our community,” said Arts League Executive Committee member Holly Hollman. “We have received support from a variety of organizations and individuals who see the importance of preserving this Athens icon and repurposing it into a music venue. The grant from Sen. Orr will assist us in offering a facility for students interested in music-related careers and a facility for us to offer music events in our community.”

In September, the Scout House Committee received a $20,000 grant toward the restoration and beautification of the Washington Street building. There is no distinct timeline until the building becomes a place where students can learn not only how to play instruments, but also produce music.

Work is progressing on the first phase, which is to repair extensive water and environmental damage to the facade. Afterward, renovations will begin on the interior of the former Athens City Schools central office, followed by the installation of the faculty and equipment needed to get the program off and running.

The building was constructed in 1938 for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, but has sat dormant since 2012, the year Athens City Schools moved across town to a new building on U.S. 31. Carpet was laid over the building’s original hardwood floors, while a dropped acoustical ceiling was installed to hide cathedral ceilings. Outdated wood paneling conceals the building’s original stone fireplace, though the chimney is still visible on an upper floor.

Hollman pointed out the Scout House project fits in with efforts that have already been made to save historic sites around the city like the Fort Henderson and Trinity School project and the former home of Gov. George Houston, known as the Houston Memorial Library.

“It’s expensive, but the cost of losing them is higher,” she said in a previous interview with The News Courier.

She explained such projects are also important as the city prepares to celebrate its bicentennial in 2018, while Alabama will celebrate the state’s bicentennial in 2019.

 

— Adam Smith contributed to this report.