BROKEN BOW – The Custer County Foundation (CCF) will soon be directing a bit of its energy to some well-deserved self-care: the institution’s 100-year-old headquarters may soon be seeing some exterior touch-ups, thanks to a $10,000 grant from the BNSF Railway Foundation.
CCF Executive Director Lindsay Cook says it was routine that first sparked her concern about the building’s condition.
“We park over on the north side of the building, and that was when I first noticed it. I saw it, and thought, ‘This may be something we have to look into repairing.’”
The deterioration, which includes the building’s terra cotta exterior and mortar joints, spans from the building’s north side up to the entrance, according to the foundation’s further examination.
The estimated cost for the total restoration is around $50,000. Cook says that while the money from Burlington Northern doesn’t cover the whole project, the $10,000 is a huge relief; it allows the foundation to keep its own house in order while continuing to perform its primary function: devoting money to community causes.
“Honestly, these types of grants help us a lot because we don’t have to pull from other programs we’re running. We can use this grant money to go toward the building and keep going on with the great grants programs we have as well.”
Cook and her foundation have occupied the building for roughly a third of its life; she hopes that with all the building has given her and her organization, they can reciprocate.
“The building’s been around for a long time, and it’s structurally sound, so if can just keep maintaining it so we’ll be here for years to come, that’s the goal.”
Planned repairs to the building include the full terra cotta restoration on the north and east sides of the building, sealing movement cracks, and, Cook says, replacing worn-out mortar that could lead to irreparable damage if not dealt with swiftly.
“Currently, there are joints that are either deteriorating or missing, and you start to worry about moisture getting in and causing major problems.”
Excess moisture causes foundation trouble, and foundation trouble could cause trouble for the foundation. With an anticipated project start date of this coming fall, Cook says the Custer County Foundation is reaching out to make up the needed $40,000 before the leaves start to turn.
“We’re going to have to pull $40,000 from somewhere, so if anyone feels like they want to donate to the building project, we’d be very appreciative. We’re applying for grants, but there isn’t a lot out there for these types of projects.”
Those hoping to see the century-old foundation headquarters restored to its former self can send donations directly to the Custer County Foundation at PO Box 304 in Broken Bow, including “Building Project” in the memo line. Questions can be directed to the Custer County Foundation by phone at (308) 872-2232 or by email.
