MORGANTOWN — A full renovation and interior redesign aimed at supporting an exciting new curriculum of youth and adult programing befitting a cultural arts hub.
That’s what Historic Morgantown Post Office Building Inc. (HPO) President Jane Cardi sees as the future of the 108-year-old building at 107 High St.
But you can’t do any of that if it’s raining on your head.
On Thursday, a group was gathered on the steps of the old building known more recently as the Monongalia Arts Center, or MAC, to announce the completion of a $250,000 roofing project.
The work, which started in March and concluded last week, was undertaken by Sutter Roofing and Metal Co., Arch Masonry and Restoration and H.E. Neumann Co. It included a new roof as well as the replacement of damaged roof masonry, the installation of new rooftop gas and electrical lines and the removal/repair of the building’s HVAC units.
The overall HPO project is envisioned to be a $10 million multi-year overhaul that will breathe new life into a building added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
Architect and former Morgantown Mayor Ron Dulaney is the HPO project manager.
“The drain pipes are in the four corners. Water was coming in every time it rained. You can see what that’s done to the plaster. Obviously, water is one of the worst things that can happen to a building. Everything deteriorates very quickly,” he said. “So the first step was to stop all of that.”
With that first step behind them HPO is looking to begin fundraising in earnest for Phase II of the project, which is estimated at $3 million-$5 million to replace the building’s boiler and repair plaster on the ground floor.
The HPO is seeking individual donations, corporate sponsorships and federal, state and local grants to get that accomplished.
The building is home to three nonprofit organizations: the Monongalia Arts Center, Your Community Foundation and the Morgantown History Museum. YCF is currently operating out of an office at 201 High St. due to the building’s condition.
Mary Hastings, representing MAC and HPO, said the building’s best days are yet to come.
“We’re going to revitalize the entire inside space and make it a cultural arts center. We want to really fix this building up so people feel safe and secure, and curious about what we have going on,” she said, explaining the roof project has generated positive momentum. “We believe we can do anything now. That was a major undertaking. That’s why we’re celebrating today.”
Cardi shares Hastings’ enthusiasm and optimism.
“We will continue. This building will be a gem in downtown Morgantown,” she said.
More information about the project is available at hpomorgantown.com
