Historical Park reports revenue up 19% for year; depot exterior restoration completed at $333,000

The Historical Preservation and Restoration Board reviewed its fourth-quarter and fiscal‑year financials, reporting a year‑end revenue increase of about 19% and a 9% decline in expenditures compared with the prior year.

"Our overall revenue increased by 19% and our rentals increased by 20% for the year," the Chair said, citing program income from summer camps, Christmas teas and classes as major drivers. The board reported 26 venue rentals during the year and 69 hotel room nights attributed to events; staff said those rentals produced modest hotel‑occupancy‑tax revenue for the year.

On expenditures, the board reported a decrease in spending: the fourth quarter saw about a 16% drop compared with the previous year's fourth quarter, and the overall year produced roughly $92,000 in savings versus the prior fiscal year, bringing total year expenses to just over $918,000.

Capital work completed during the period included the full exterior restoration of the Farmers Branch Depot, at a cost reported as just over $333,000. The board also purchased two climate‑controlled storage containers for about $22,000 and repaired a storm‑damaged maintenance fence for about $10,000, among routine operational expenditures.

Board members emphasized that many maintenance projects occur during the summer, which can shift costs between quarters. Staff also reported awards the program received from the Texas Recreation and Park Society and noted ongoing deferred-maintenance items — the Queen Anne Victorian cottage exterior restoration and the Gilbert House replacement remain scheduled for the current fiscal year.

What’s next: staff will report on remaining deferred‑maintenance items and follow up on punch‑list items for the new venue at the board’s January meeting.