After more than a century of serving Brown County, the Zephyr Community Center soon will see several improvements, including much-needed air conditioning, thanks to a community grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority.
The $5,095 grant will help pay to replace the antiquated cooling system with modern air conditioners and circuit breakers. The grant also will be used to replace old bathroom appliances and to make the facilities more accessible for those with disabilities. In addition, the hall’s old wooden floors, windows, concrete steps and ramp will be repaired.
Built in 1909 as a Presbyterian church, the structure served in that capacity for about 30 years, then continued for a time as a private residence before it was repurposed as a community center in 1948. For decades, the hall has served an important role in the Zephyr community, but time has taken its toll. The structure was last renovated in the 1970s and improvements are needed to make it more desirable for local events.
“The historical association’s mission is to preserve the history of Zephyr, but it is also important to us that the citizens take pride in our community,” said Myrna Wright, Zephyr Community Historical Association treasurer. “No other building serves our community in so many capacities. It is a community center, election polling station, a site for family reunions and wedding receptions, and so many other activities. The building holds many memories for my family, as well as many others in the community. This grant will allow us to make improvements to help it serve the community for many years to come.”
The work also will be funded by $1,273 in local matching funds.
The community grant is awarded through LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program, which provides economic development and community assistance grants to cities, counties, volunteer fire departments, regional development councils and other nonprofit organizations in LCRA’s electric and water service areas. The program is part of LCRA’s effort to give back to the communities it serves.
Applications for the next round of grants are due Jan. 31, 2017. More information is available at lcra.org/cdpp.
Pictured, from left to right, are: Lori A. Berger, LCRA Board member; Myrna Wright, historical association treasurer; Joan Gist, association member; Nola Sweatman, association president; Richard Gist, association member; Pam Hughes, association member; Lana Webb, facility manager; and George W. Russell, LCRA Board member.