Museum needs $375,000 to move into old post office

The Siloam Springs Museum needs to raise approximately $375,000 in up to 18 months to move into the old post office building, according to a Museum Commission recommendation approved by the city Board of Directors on May 5.

Ann Guinn, chairman of the Museum Commission, presented the three-page recommendation to city directors during a study session held before the May 5 meeting.

The four-member Museum Commission was created by former city administrator David Cameron in May 2014 to give suggestions on how to move forward with the city-owned old post office building and the museum. Commission members met 12 times over the past 11 months and toured the Rogers Historical Museum, the Siloam Springs Museum and the old post office building.

In the three-page document, the commission stated that the old post office is an asset to the downtown area that should be used for a civic, noncommercial purpose.

In previous years, the city committed $500,000 toward the renovation of the old post office. Total renovation costs were estimated to be $1.2 million in 2013.

The commission recommended the museum should be given 12 to 18 months to demonstrate meaningful progress toward matching 75 percent of the $500,000 the city has committed -- or $375,000.

The museum board plans to seek funding through public and private grants, donations, gift shop sales, and membership dues, according to documents presented to the Board of Directors. If meaningful progress is not made or a sustainability plan is not complete, the commission suggested the city pursue other options for renovation and occupation of the building, keeping with a civic purpose.

Once the fundraising goal is met, the commission recommended the city should consider a deed or lease agreement with the museum board. If the Siloam Springs Museum is unable to care for and maintain the old post office building the commission recommends transferring the property back to the city.

Other recommendations include:

• Obtaining a professional evaluation of the feasibility, practicality and historical; integrity of moving the Simon Sager Cabin. Because the building has been significantly renovated and what remains of the original structure is in disrepair and has visible decay, the commission suggests that this not be a high priority for the city. Instead it was suggested the city may wish to pursue the construction of a reproduction of the cabin at a more central location.

• Maintaining the old post office building in good repair. Similarly, the city should proceed with roof and window repair to prevent further damage to the structure by restoring the integrity of the building's exterior. Restoration activity is dependent on the outcome of the 2015 Arkansas Historic Preservation Restoration Grant application.

• The need for an informal cultural alliance that would re-establish and sustain historical, cultural and arts programming in Siloam Springs and the surrounding area.

City director Bob Coleman congratulated the Museum Commission and museum board on gathering "cold, hard facts and recommendations." He pointed out that plans for the library, which is currently under construction, did not succeed until it went through the same process.

General News on 05/20/2015