The cornerstone of Clearwater

The brick building that anchors Clearwater's Main Street will be refurbished as a historical center.

Clearwater Village Board of Trustees approved a proposal by a newly-formed group, the Clearwater Historical Society, to renovate the structure that sits along Nebraska Street.

Carla Jacob told trustees, "We have a group of people who are interested in pursuing the building. We are aware it will take a significant amount of money. We have a few plans in mind already."

The group plans to form a 501(c)(3) organization and begin a fundraising campaign to refurbish the building.

Jacob said memorabilia from the Summerland-Clearwater site will need to find a new home.Educational Service Unit 8 purchased the building and will take ownership June 15.

The building on Main Street will be a place to preserve, not only school memorabilia, but historical items from the village, its businesses and residents.

Trustee Steve Stearns asked when the building would be open, once completed.

Jacob said those details are still in the discussion stage and she anticipates it will be open during high-traffic events, like Clearwater Rodeo weekend.

"Probably open a lot during the summertime, when people are traveling through," she said. "We know it is going to take a lot (of work)."

The main goal is to keep the historical aesthetic of the structure, which is approximately 500-plus square feet.

Inside, walls will need to be revamped and windows may be covered to provide more wall display space.

A new heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit will need to be installed to keep items, especially newspaper archives, in a controlled environment.

Jacob hopes an outside-mounted unit can be installed to add to display space.

The outside of the building will require work, also, while maintaining historical aspects. A new roof will need to be installed and windows replaced.

"We would like to keep the curb appeal as original as possible," she said.

A picnic area, under the canopy, has been proposed.

Stearns asked if the new group plans to cover insurance on the structure.

Trustee Mike Klabenes asked if the organization will request village assistance with utilities.

Jacob said the organization plans to raise funds to cover those costs.

Hankla said it is a possibility the village should maintain ownership and lease it to the historical society.

The trustees will consult with the village's lawyer about ownership of the property.