UA Cossatot is Awarded ANCRC Grant

May 12, 2016

NEWS RELEASE

Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council voted on and approved a proposal on Wednesday made by UA Cossatot staff that awarded the college a $175,000 grant that will be used to restore the old Lockesburg gymnasium.  

Through ACT 318 of the 89th General Assembly that allows public school districts to donate their closed and consolidated schools to community and technical colleges, UA Cossatot received the old gym, high school and middle school on the Lockesburg campus from the De Queen School District.  

“We can’t thank the ANCRC enough for supporting the restoration project of the gym,” said UA Cossatot Chancellor Dr. Steve Cole.  “Of course we appreciate State Senator Larry Teague and State Representative DeAnn Vaught and the citizens of Lockesburg, for their support, as well.  We are excited about working with the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program and restoring this beautiful structure to its original luster.”   

The project plans will restore the gym while maintaining the historical integrity of the structure.  There is still much of the original wood throughout the building.
“We want to continue to make investments in all of the communities we serve,” said Cole.  “Serving our communities is the heart of our mission statement.  This grant will allow us to expedite offering educational opportunities and a facility for community events to the city of Lockesburg and surrounding areas.”  

The last time the gym was used was in 2009, when retiring Sevier County Judge Dick Tallman was honored at a dinner and “roast.”  After the renovation, more events such as these are expected to be in the gymnasium. Restoration is expected to start this summer and conclude in the spring of 2017.