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Number 2 |
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Castle Report: Update on plans for The CastleCastle Report May, 2001 To: Castle on the Hill Association Members and Friends From: Don Jensen, President Castle on the Hill Association Re: Past, Present, and Future Castle happenings in the Past. Castle on the Hill Association was formed some 25 years ago with a goal of preserving and restoring the Central High School building. During these years, our group has accomplished some major improvements to the structure. If you have visited the building these past years, you will have noticed that the ground floor has been converted into rental units by volunteer labor along with union contractors allowing COHA to receive rent payments which assist in our expenses. Another major project was replacing the roof over the auditorium and some of the roof on the north side addition. Another huge project was the replacement of copper gutters on the west and south side of the 1913 addition, the library side of the building. Other minor improvements have been made over the years, which help to maintain the building. Membership dues and donations have been much appreciated. Without the support of our dedicated members and those who have contributed, COHA could not have continued with their goal. Over the years, many projects have been presented but nothing has materialized. Early in the 1990's the Sioux City Public Museum started a drive to place their artifacts in the Castle. Approximately halfway through their drive, it was decided not to continue with their plan. COHA board members were disappointed in their decision, consequently we had to rethink our position and make other plans. Recent happenings at the Castle. COHA contacted the city building inspector to ascertain what had to be done in order to use the auditorium on a more regular basis. It was determined that a handicap elevator had to be installed. A fund drive was initiated to assist in the expense. Project HOPE (Handicap Operating Public Elevator) was started in February 1999 and raised over $26,000. These funds are in a separate account for COHA. Two years ago, Knights and Ladies Honor Roll was initiated to assist in the monthly small expenses of COHA. Those who signed up agreed to pay $10.00 per month. COHA would like to thank all who have or are participating in this program. It is still an on-going program. A framed certificate, which is outside the COHA office, lists the members who belong to the Honor Roll. Since our memberships and donations are a very limited source of income, our goal of preserving and restoring our Castle seemed to be very far into the distant future. But at last, our spirits were lifted to a new high. NuStyle Development Corporation of Omaha, NE became aware of our plight and visited the Castle. After a tour of the building, their group decided that this must be saved at all costs. (NuStyle is in the business of restoring old historic buildings.) NuStyle's plan is to convert the Castle into apartments. Initially, NuStyle developed a plan for 70 apartments, which would have 1-2-3 bedroom apartments throughout building. The Castle's auditorium would also be refurbished. COHA would have the responsibility of renting the auditorium for a variety of activities with the rental receipts going to the association. Also the old gym (dungeon) would be COHA's responsibility. NuStyle's officers came to Sioux City to meet with Chamber officials, city council members, COHA officers, and renters in the Castle to explain their project. Since that initial meeting, NuStyle has been busy working with their architect and construction superintendent in formulating plans. They have also met with Iowa State Historical Society and the Iowa State Legislature concerning tax credits. Castle happenings in the future Originally, construction on the apartments was to begin the first part of August. But due to a delay in extending tax credits, the date has been moved back to the first of November. Initially, NuStyle has estimated the cost of construction at $8.15 million. Once the apartments are ready to lease, applications will be based on income and market value. NuStyle will have a manager on site to supervise the building and renting. Hopefully, this letter has communicated to you, our members and friends, what has transpired these past years and what lies ahead for Castle on the Hill Association. If you would like to express your opinion or suggestion, our e-mail address is: COHA1976@aol.com our mailing address is: COHA, 610-13th Street, Sioux City, IA 51105. Keep thinking positive! Castle on the Hill needs your support COHA board members express their gratitude for your support in membership dues and donations over these past 26 years. Yes, NuStyle Corporation will be coming in and making the Castle into beautiful apartments and COHA's goal of preserving and restoring the Castle will have been accomplished. What happens now? Yes, we will still have an association. We are required to move out of the Castle this coming October. In the meantime, an office space will be needed to continue until we can move back into the Castle. This move will require a rent payment for at least one year. Is the picture becoming clearer? We will be storing the articles that will be brought back to the Castle. Other items will be sold at an auction. Rent payments and storage rentals need to be met; and, the only way we can accomplish this is through memberships and donations. Your continued support during this time of transition will be rewarded when we move into our new office space. Also the Castle Gift Shop will have new quarters in the building. Castle - A Tribute to Time Listen good spirits, I'll sing you a rhyme From the halls of a castle, the annals of time Red like the pipestone, blood of the earth Aged with patina, smoked in rebirth If walls could talk, what would they say? A hundred plus ears, dawn of a day Voices and laughter, vibrations of mirth Songs of the future, past pluses of earth Ladies and Knights, profilers of cool It's more that a castle, an ornate "Old School" Do we know of our future, a mystic in time? Where goes the Dodo, lost in a rhyme I sing to the halls, the walls, to the wind Casting mere shadows, is where I have been Let me live out my years, whatever the time I'll stand an eternity, a profiler of rhyme P.S. She knew no race, creed, no rhyme She stands inanimate, a dominion of time. Submitted by Richard L. Collins, 1946 Class |
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