Commission approves $53,766 for Harrison House restoration amid questions about private ownership and fiscal arrangements

The Commission for the Las Vegas Centennial on May 11 approved $53,766.10 to support restoration work at the Harrison House, a historic Westside property associated with segregation-era history and prominent Black entertainers.

Representatives from the Urban Chamber Community Development Corporation presented a scope of work covering exterior repairs (replacement or repair of multiple historic windows, three doors, chimney restoration and exterior painting) and described planned cultural programming to use the site for performances, workshops and free community events. Project proponents said the full restoration budget is about $120,000 and that the commission's grant would be one part of the capital plan.

Commissioners raised procedural and policy concerns. Several recalled a prior $25,000 grant offer that had not been accepted because the applicant lacked matching cash at the time and questioned whether the commission should fund work on a privately owned residence. Staff clarified the grant will be paid to the Urban Chamber Community Development Corporation as fiscal agent; the city's file shows state historic-preservation covenants already recorded against the property deed because of earlier state funding, which staff said obliges the owner to meet preservation standards.

Katherine Duncan, who said she is the property's private owner and lives at the house, and Urban Chamber representatives explained the site will operate for tours and community programming and that the chamber will administer funds and pay contractors. After discussion and clarifications about reimbursements and covenants, the commission approved the grant and asked staff to ensure contract language addresses public-use commitments, reporting and deed covenants.