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Stidger House group seeks county help as restoration proceeds
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Summary
A Stidger House representative updated Fiscal Court on preservation work, grant funding for cleanup and quoted costs for chimney restoration and a future rebuild; he asked the court to consider support for completion of the project.
Arnie Mueller, representing the Stidger House/Stidger Foundation, briefed the Fiscal Court on April 18 about ongoing restoration and preservation efforts. Mueller said the property was once at risk of demolition; it was placed on the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the foundation has completed cleanup and removed trash and trees with a $10,000 grant. The foundation has also purchased an adjoining lot for parking thanks to a donor.
Mueller outlined outstanding projects and cost estimates included in the packet: a total rebuild of the saddlebag log cabin (quoted at $294,100 and may need re‑quoting due to inflation), construction of a 14' x 36' building for office/storage/bathrooms (heat, air, plumbing and hookups estimated at about $90,000), and rebuilding the center chimney (quoted $15,100), which Mueller said must be completed before any cabin rebuild to preserve the fireplace footing.
Mueller asked the court to consider assistance for completion of restoration; the minutes record his presentation and request but do not show a motion or a funding commitment. The Stidger Foundation’s packet and grant items were entered into the meeting record.
Next steps: the foundation will continue fundraising and may return with more specific requests or grant documentation for county consideration.