A-State Awarded $88,000 Grant for Completion of Kays House
JONESBORO – The Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council (ANCRC) announced Wednesday that it will award Arkansas State University $88,000 to be used for the completion of renovations to the Historic V.C. Kays House on the A-State campus.
Built in 1936, the Victor Cicero (V.C.) Kays residence was the home of the first president of Arkansas State University, and is one of the three oldest structures on the A-State campus. In May, 2014, the Kays House was listed in the National Register of Historic Places, becoming the first structure on the Arkansas State campus to be listed in the register.
Restoration work since that time has been completed utilizing two ANCRC grants totaling $400,000, along with private donations from alumni, faculty, and friends that total almost $200,000.
Renovations funded through the grant include electrical and HVAC work, wiring for data, telecommunications and security, the construction of an ADA-compliant restroom, and finally, refinishing the floor of Tudor-style residence. With renovations estimated to be complete this fall, the facility will house Heritage Sites offices as well as exhibits and public space.
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