SEWARD BRINGS

$250K TO REDO

HISTORY CENTER

Grant Will Largely Complete

15 Years OF GOHS Strivings

ONEONTA – State Sen. Jim Seward, R-Milford, this afternoon joined Greater Oneonta Historical Society officers in announcing a $250,000 state grant to largely complete the renovations of the second and third floors of the Oneonta History Center, 183 Main St.

The history center, Seward said, “is a showcase for the city’s past and a key component of the downtown revitalization taking place in Oneonta.”

In thanking the senator, GOHS President Corinne Bresee Smith expressed her organization’s gratitude, calling him “a native son of Oneonta (who) knows the value of our past and is invested in the vitality of our future.”

Not only will completion of second-floor renovations enhance “archival research and improved storage,” said GOHS Executive Director Bob Brzozowski, “our sights are set on the third floor and its once vibrant ballroom. We look forward to the day when GOHS can not only hold its own events there, but can welcome other community groups to enjoy this centrally located and historically significant building.”

GOHS purchased the Bissell Block, the oldest brick building on Main Street, in 2001 and it became a cornerstone of the new Oneonta Downtown Historic District in 2002. “Extensive renovations” were needed, both structurally and cosmetically, before this space could become a suitable center for local history exhibitions and programs and for the society’s extensive collections, according to Seward’s announcement.

“Ambitious fundraising” allowed the first-floor renovations, a new roof, columns in the basement and on the first floor to improve load-bearing capacity, an elevator, a second set of stairs to the third floor, and “significant progress” on the second floor, where the GOHS collection is stored, Seward said.

The next phase includes completing renovations to the second floor and stairwells, restoring the third-floor ballroom and gallery space, creating an ADA-compliant restroom, and constructing a kitchenette on the third floor that will facilitate gatherings.

Structural safety measures will be completed, including a firewall in the crawl spaces above the third-floor ceiling to separate it from the adjoining building, and a code-compliant door on the building’s west entry.   The grant will also pay to restore brickwork and the ceramic tile entryway, and painting of the cornice and other non-brick areas.

The total cost of renovations is estimated at $330,000, so fundraising will continue to underwrite the final touches.

“Thanks to an ambitious renovation plan and the gifts of generous supporters, we are well on our way to creating a History Center that is the city landmark and community magnet that past president Sally Mullen and other early advocates imagined,” said Smith.

She announced the naming of spaces for key donors to date, including Sally Mullen, Marc Bresee, Jack Bresee and John Curley.  “More naming opportunities remain available,” she said.

The $250,000 grant is under the state’s 2002 Strategic Investment Program and is administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY).