Since securing ownership of the building in 2013, the entire upper roof has been replaced including repairing rafters. Corbels have been repaired and/or replaced as necessary. The front porch was restored with a new roof, floor, and ceiling and we added an ADA required handrail for safety. In 2020 & 2021, side porticos were restored, asbestos was abated from heating ductwork, guttering was added/replaced, and a required window survey was completed. The contents left by previous tenants have been removed, and we have demolished interior walls that were not original to the building. We are now focused on the 100 windows and entrance doors. This will occur in a four-phased approach. We have secured funding for the majority of phase one and are working on phase 2. The goal is to get the envelope of the building secured so interior work may begin.
So far, the work has been financed through year-round fundraising, donations from individuals and local companies, Kansas Historical Society Heritage Trust Fund grants, a Monsanto grant, a Caring Communities grant, a Kansas Rural Preservation grant, WeKan crowdfunding, and state tax credits.