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Linnentown history center plan advances with Classic Center site and local fundraising
Summary
Project organizers outlined a proposed Linnentown history center at the Classic Center campus, a design‑build selection and programming plans tied to a community musical fundraiser; staff and organizers described a $900,000–$1,250,000 build estimate and a proposed operating budget.
Organizers and Classic Center staff presented plans for a Linnentown history center to occupy a space on the Classic Center campus and described recent fundraising and program development.
Paul Kramer and others said the site identified is beneath Gramma Hall 8 on the Classic Center campus and that Warner Museums (design‑build) was selected through a procurement process to design and build the exhibit space. Kramer said Warner would complete the work about 12 months after contract signing and that the space would leverage adjacent restrooms and campus infrastructure to reduce operating needs.
Organizer Hadi (Hadi/"Hattie" in transcript) described an inaugural community musical that raised about $45,000 and drew roughly 3,500 tickets sold; organizers plan a similar event in September 2025 and foresee school matinees and lesson plans tied to the center. Kramer and organizers said Warner’s build estimate for the exhibit fit‑out is about $900,000 to $1,000,000; with project management and additional custom work they estimated a total near $1.25 million. A proposed annual operating budget cited by presenters was about $375,000 per year, covering two staff positions and programming.
Presenters said they are pursuing grants for archival research and programming and plan to include interactive exhibits that target different grade levels, an archival research area and a collaboration room for community‑driven projects. Commissioners asked about square footage (one presenter said “less than 3,000 square feet” and another cited “about 2,300 square feet”) and about local history coverage; organizers said the center will focus on Linnentown and broader local history and will rotate programming.
No formal action was taken; presenters requested continued support and highlighted plans for naming/sponsorship opportunities to underwrite build and operating costs.
