Members of the Shawano County Historical Society are hoping to add on to Heritage Park, a site that features several 19th century buildings on Shawano’s north side.
“This past spring, we were approached by Dean Proper, who is also the gentlemen that built our Zachow Depot,” said Jesse Borlen, Shawano County Historical Society president, curator and archives director. “He would like us to build, with his help, a new museum building. It would be a space for temporary exhibits, meeting space, stuff like that. He has already pledged a million dollars to the project.”
In August, Borlen received the tentative OK from the county’s highway and parks committee and the public property committee.
The building is proposed to be built west of the church and small stone building at Heritage Park near Sunset Island at North Franklin and West First streets. The land is vacant now.
“He has worked with Somerville Architects,” Borlen said of Proper. “Somerville’s estimate right now would probably be about $3 million.”
The project would require more fundraising on the part of the historical society.
Borlen said the society hopes to hire someone to write grants and become the spokesperson for the project.
“We’d also probably try to tie it in to our church and wedding venue, so we could rent it out for events,” he said.
It was also noted that if nothing happens with the project within 10 years, the $1 million pledge would be rescinded and given to Bonduel High School for scholarships.
kpasson@newmedia-wi.com
The lot behind the Old Tabor Church and the Limestone Building at Heritage Park is the proposed site for a new Shawano Historical Society building that could house temporary exhibits and be rented for large gatherings. The projected cost is about $3 million, with $1 million already pledged. (Kevin Passon | NEW Media)
