ORGANIZATION

 In 2006 Concord High School Alumni Association (CHSAA) organized as a Texas nonprofit Corporation and obtained its tax-exempt status from the IRS. After fundraising activities produced enough funds, we purchased the Concord Rosenwald property from the owner in 2008 for $10,000. The building had suffered significant damage from Gulf Coast hurricanes. Trees had grown around the building and 40% of the tin roof had been blown off or damaged. The original tin roof was constructed without decking which allowed the rainwater to easily penetrate the ceiling, walls, and floors of the 80-year-old building.

In 2008, we engaged an Architectural firm to create a Master Plan with documentation of the existing conditions and history of the structure as well as provide recommendations for preservation and rehabilitation. The plan recommended immediate steps to curtail deterioration with the most critical issues being the roof and floors. The Master Plan cost $4,500.

We stabilized and weatherproofed the building at a cost of $7,000 in 2010. The windows were covered with sheets of plywood. Missing or damaged tin roofing was replaced. Ineffective and damaged brick piers were repaired. Rotten and broken sills were replaced. Rotten floors and ceilings were removed. Studs, walls, and ceiling joists were reinforced with new bracing studs.

In December 2021 we were notified of a grant opportunity from the Rural African American Heritage Grant Program through Preservation Texas and administered by the National Park Service. The grant targets included rural historic buildings. Our Rosenwald School structure qualified for submission of an application. CHSAA’s preliminary application was selected as one of fifteen finalists for a maximum $75,000 reimbursable grant. CHSAA submitted a final application on June 30, 2022. CHSAA was awarded a $75,000 grant announced September 1, 2022.