Grants for historic and cultural projects awarded

Nevada's Commission on Cultural Affairs has awarded $3.1 million in grants for historic and other projects this year, including the largest grant in its 13-year history and an award that should just about complete work on Virginia City's Fourth Ward School.

The historic Post Office and Courthouse in Las Vegas was awarded $475,000. Historic Preservation Officer Ron James said organizers of that project have "a real commitment to get it done rather than drag it out."

However, it is less than one-third of the $1.5 million organizers of the project requested.

Before that, the largest grants ever given from the commission's annual bond proceeds were a pair of $400,000 grants for the Dini Center in Yerington and the Oats Park School in Fallon.

The Fourth Ward School will receive $190,000, which James said will repair foundation problems at the southeast corner of the building. When completed, the old school will be turned into an archive to preserve historic papers and records from the Comstock days. That is about half the amount requested.

In addition, Piper's Opera House was awarded $120,000 to continue excavating the area under the first floor to create a basement area with amenities including rest rooms and storage. James said that will also clear the way for needed repairs to the floor near the stage of the historic Virginia City opera house and theater. That is a fraction of the $1.3 million requested for Piper's.

The Brewery Arts Center in Carson City was awarded $95,000 to continue work on the performance hall auditorium, which is the historic former home of St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church. The Roberts House and Children's Museum each received $18,000 to continue restoration projects at those sites. BAC had requested more than $270,000 for its project.

The second largest grant this year was to St. Augustine's Cultural Center, which is being created in the old Austin Catholic Church. That project will receive $300,000.

The commission has about $3 million to award for cultural and historic projects each year. The money is provided by selling bonds. This year, 42 applicants requested a total of $11.4 million.

Since its creation, the commission has provided $29 million in grants.

• Contact reporter Geoff Dornan at gdornan@nevadaappeal.com or 687-8750.