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On Monday, Matthews commissioners committed another $75,000 in tourism funds to the Matthews Historical Foundation to help with renovations on the historic Clark House, located at 232 N. Trade St. in downtown Matthews.
Tourism funds come from the town's share of state hotel, motel and prepared food tax.
Last month, commissioners voted to sell the house, which the town has owned since 1977, to the Matthews Historical Foundation for $65,000, with the stipulation that the group would renovate it. The board then approved a $65,000 tourism grant for the Historical Foundation to enable the purchase.
The additional $75,000 would to go toward the estimated $150,000 renovation cost. Foundation president Paula Lester says a construction bid should be chosen in a few weeks.
Renovations will include restoring the central hall, refinishing floors, uncovering ceilings and walls to original wood, and upgrading plumbing, fixtures and wiring.
The building will be used as an office for the Historical Foundation as well as housing the Children's World Museum.
Commissioners also adopted a schedule that details when funds can be distributed based on progress of renovations.
Lester says it's now up to the public to help fund the renovations. The historical foundation is working on naming rights for various rooms and will start a brick campaign. "Donations of any amount will be greatly appreciated and will help us reach our restoration goal," said Lester.
