Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Historic Preservation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves $10,000 contribution for restoration of 1885 Sayre Cabin in Riverfront Park
Summary
After a presentation by Craig Greening of the Board of Culture and History, the Ravenswood Common Council approved a $10,000 expenditure to help pay for roof and north-wall restoration of the Sayre Cabin. The board estimates the project costs at approximately $57,000 with county and other contributions noted.
Craig Greening, chair of the Board of Culture and History, told the Ravenswood Common Council on June 2 that the board is requesting $10,000 from the city to complete structural repairs to the Sayre Cabin in Riverfront Park.
"Therefore, we the members of the Board of Culture and History respectfully request the City Council approve an expenditure of at least $10,000.00 for the restoration of the Sayre Cabin located in the Riverfront Park," Greening said, summarizing the board's vote and the cabin's history.
Greening told the council the cabin was built in Cow Run in 1885 by the Sayre family, was donated to the Jackson County Historical Society in 1981, and was moved to the city's Riverfront Park in 1985 as part of an Eagle Scout project led by Sean Simon. The Board of Culture and History and the Board of Parks and Recreation obtained bids for replacing the leaky roof and restoring the cabin's north wall; the boards estimate the work will cost about $57,000.
Greening said the Jackson County Historical Society transferred about $28,000 to the city at the time artifacts were transferred; that money was used to repair the museum chimney. He said the County Commission approved $20,000 toward the cabin restoration and that other donations and grants total approximately $43,500. With that support, the board asked the council for $10,000 to complete the current phase of work.
Action taken: Councilor Amanda Slaven moved to approve the requested $10,000 expenditure; Councilor Jeff Koon seconded and the minutes record the motion as approved ('All Approved'). The minutes do not list individual roll-call tallies for the motion.
What’s next: the Board of Culture and History indicated any excess funds earmarked for the cabin will be used for other cabin-specific needs. The council scheduled its next meeting June 16, 2026; the minutes do not list a timeline for when work will begin or be completed.
