Leesburg Heritage Society presents preliminary museum renovation plan; city staff to receive full proposal

Representatives of the Leesburg Heritage Society presented preliminary plans Feb. 24 for a comprehensive rehabilitation and modest addition to the Leesburg Heritage Museum building.

Contractor and presenter Daniel DiVonzo described the structure as a roughly 5,000-square-foot mission-style building and outlined a proposal to add approximately 1,000 square feet in a two-story addition that would provide an ADA elevator, second-floor circulation, restrooms on both floors and a small catering/serving area (no commercial cooking). The plans discussed replacing glass and doors, stucco work, restoring a historic facade on Sixth Street and replacing mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems.

DiVonzo said the project would modernize the museum while retaining the building’s historic character; he said he had prepared a preliminary budget that he described as “close” and estimated a final delivered cost under $200 per square foot once documents were prepared and bids obtained. The Heritage Society said it had hired a contractor and an architect with restoration experience and planned a full presentation to the commission in two weeks.

Commissioners and speakers at the meeting emphasized the city’s history and the museum’s role in preserving local heritage; no formal vote or funding request was taken at the meeting. Staff said the society’s preliminary materials will be scheduled for a future detailed presentation so the commission and staff can consider funding options or grant opportunities that might support the work.