Baker Foundation seeks council approval to restore Decatur Historic Cemetery chapel

Gaye Blackburn Maloney, an attorney for the Baker Foundation, urged the council to authorize the foundation to engage a contractor to restore the Victorian chapel at the Decatur Historic Cemetery, saying the foundation has already invested in landscaping, gates and tree plantings. Maloney said the restoration will return the structure to usable condition with a multipurpose room, a catering kitchen, accessible restrooms and a ramp to allow casket transport into the meeting space.

Maloney said the funds for the project will come from amounts set aside with the Community Foundation of Greater Decatur by the Decatur Legacy Society and the Baker Foundation. She said the restored chapel would be available for rent through the Parks and Recreation Department and that the foundation is working with Parks and Recreation to update policies and enter a memorandum of understanding for management.

Maloney framed the project as a continuation of the foundation’s long-term partnership with the city and said architectural drawings have been prepared; she offered to share print copies with council members after the meeting. Council members thanked the Baker Foundation for its work and expressed support for moving forward with the approval request.