The Texas County Library Foundation Inc. board has awarded a $2.51 million construction contract to a firm to build a new library in Houston.
The agreement with Gentry Construction Co. Inc. of Houston is a milestone in the project that began last fall to capture grant funding, donations and other sources of funds available to build the 7,200 square foot addition as the top level of the Houston Storm Shelter at First and Pine streets in Houston. The local company was the lowest of two bidders for the project that will start later this year. Completion near the Houston School District campus is expected by early summer of 2025. Sapp Design Architects of Springfield is the architect for the project.
The organization tapped several sources to raise funds for the project, which will replace the current library that has sat at Walnut and First streets since the 1950: Texas County Commission (American Rescue Plan Act – ARPA), $600,000; Missouri Department of Economic Development APRA funds acquired by a competitive grant application sponsored by the City of Houston, $900,000; Texas County Library Board, $600,000; and Missouri Neighborhood Assistance Program tax credits secured through an approved application, $500,000.
The South Central Ozark Council of Governments at Pomona has provided assistance on the project.
The storm shelter was engineered with the intentions of eventually housing the Houston branch of the county library. It was completed in 2007. The Houston City Council earlier unanimously approved a 50-year lease with a 50-year option. The library will face east toward the Lone Star Plaza. It will include several new features: A conference room and business center to aid smaller business owners and entrepreneurs. Meetings can be held in the conference room after hours. The Evelyn Dieckhaus Creative Center is an expanded children’s area that includes many features to better serve young readers. Computers designed for children are also included, as well as an array of computers for public use. It is financed with donations received by the Richardson family in memory of their granddaughter.
A pre-construction meeting is expected within two weeks. Most of the subcontractors for the project are local firms.
How you can help
There are two ways that donors can still assist: Through a tax-deductible donation to the Texas County Library Foundation, 117 W. Walnut, Houston, Mo. 65483; and businesses, farmers, landlords and others can benefit from the availability of state tax credits approved for the library. The latter allows contributors to earn a 70-cent credit on their tax credits bottom line for each $1 donated and also the ability to receive a deduction on federal tax returns. The library’s telephone number is 417-967-2258.
Members of the Texas County Library Foundation board members are: Terry Jones, Cabool, president; Janet Fraley, Houston, treasurer; Brad Gentry, Houston, secretary; and Dala Whittaker, Cabool; Linda Roberts, Licking; Cathy Sirdoreus, Bucyrus; Ross Richardson, Houston; Gwen Ross, Eunice; Sheila Walker, Houston; Janice Lowe, Cabool; and Marilyn Frisbee, Cabool, members.