Limestone College applies for permit to renovate Winnie Davis Hall

Limestone College has applied for a city building permit to begin renovation work on the Winnie Davis Hall of History.

Blacksburg contractor McDaniel Construction was selected by Limestone College Board of Trustees to restore Winnie Davis.

The Winnie Davis project will cost $4.8 million once furniture and landscaping are added to the construction costs, Limestone College President Dr. Walt Griffin said.

The college is in the process of removing a large building near Winnie Davis Hall in preparation for construction.

"We hope the project will be finished next July," Griffin said. "Hopefully, we will be able to move in when classes start in fall of 2009."

Winnie Davis was built in 1904 by president Dr. Lee Davis to serve as a center for Southern history and literature. The building was closed for safety reasons by the college in 1977.

The renovated building will have three wireless multimedia classrooms for history and honors courses. There will be three museums and galleries along with several faculty offices.

The city has done its initial review of building plans and has forwarded its findings to project architect Martin Meek, city zoning administrator Tony Lavender said.

"We are still in the process of reviewing the plans and are waiting to hear back from the architect on some information we have requested," he said. "A decision on the building permit should be made in the next couple weeks."

Limestone College has been involved in a yearlong capital campaign to raise money for the Winnie Davis renovation project.

The college's fundraising effort will receive a boost from a concert by The Hoppers on July 12.

The Hoppers will perform at 3 p.m and 7 p.m. in the Fullerton Auditorium. Their appearance is sponsored by the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce.

Tickets are $15. Advanced tickets can be purchased at Hames Music, White Columns Funeral Home, Limestone College's McMillan Hall and the Chamber of Commerce office. A portion of the profits will go towards restoring Winnie Davis.

"We are very grateful to the Chamber of Commerce for sponsoring these concerts," Griffin said. "We hope to have a great turnout."