wait for a more convenient time. Structural repairs and
threats to safety and accessibility had to be addressed.
The Altama Museum had already contracted with area
architect Fred Dean of Dean Architecture and Design to
assess the scope of work and produce drawings to guide
a renovation project that, at that point, seemed likely to
be done in stages over the course of years due to budget
constraints. When Georgia Council for the Arts offered
Cultural Facilities Grants with awards up to $75,000, it
seemed an answer to the organization’s prayers and meant
the possibility of accomplishing all the major goals in a
shorter time frame might be a reality.
The deadline to apply for the grant was the end of
June of 2020 and terms required that an organization
prove they could obtain 50% of the grant money through
matching donations. The Altama Museum’s board
of Trustees wasted no time launching a fundraising
campaign for the purpose, aptly entitled the Second
Century Project. Contributions made by Sweet Onion
Classic, Altamaha Bank and Trust, Georgia Power,
descendants of the Brazell family, and many others, both
corporate and private, enabled the organization to meet
this requirement.
Finding a general contractor with experience in
historical building renovation was relatively simple.
Finding one who was also available to work within the
constraints of the grant-stipulated project completion
date of June 30, 2021 was no small task—and the
grant required three competitive bids. “Our greatest
competition for GCs was an abundance of new
construction projects and the many industries that were
taking advantage of lower demand on facilities due to
COVID restrictions to make improvements and additions
to their commercial spaces.
“We waited four agonizing months to find out if we
were going to receive the grant,” said Jen. “And we had
to ask our bidders to be on deck until October of 2020
when awards were announced. There was no guarantee on
the amount of money we would receive, if any. We were
hoping for the best and preparing for the worst. There was
a lot of trust involved.”
Because the Altama Museum cannot exist without the
support of the community, the director and trustees made
a commitment to utilize as many local subcontractors,
suppliers, talent and resources as possible. “Because we
would be receiving support from Georgia Council for the
Arts through the appropriations of the Georgia General
Assembly, it was important to us that that money stay in
this area,” said Jen. “We secured Kelvin Manning, owner
of MMI Construction and Engineering in Uvalda, to
provide general contracting services. He’s worked on a lot
of projects in our area, including renovations on the Pal
Theatre and other historic properties. We knew his work
to be exceptional.”
Word finally came in late October that the Altama
Museum of Art & History had indeed been awarded the
grant. But as one time of waiting ended, another began.
Framing memories
for a lifetime
“Frame every
memory because
they don’t stay
little for long!”
BRANDED WITH EXCELLENCE!
Keep the special moments and events in your life
alive with expert custom framing from the Frame
Gallery. We can frame almost anything!
208 NE Main Street, Vidalia
912-380-4101
“We had rain for days and days,” said Jen. “Then, when the
rain stopped, it was already the holidays. Work was finally
able to begin just after the first of the year.”
As soon as the renovation process got underway, crew
with GG Landscaping and Design discovered original
masonry septic tanks while removing a mess of vines
and overgrown shrubs behind the back walkway. The
two cisterns were six feet deep by four feet wide and had
openings in the top just big enough for a small child to
fall into. It was an unexpected hit to the budget right off
HOMETOWN LIVING AT I TS BEST 75