Wilkins House Initiative passes $250,000 mark
May 3, 2014
GREENVILLE, SC – May 3, 2014 – The Save The Wilkins House Initiative is getting to ready to move the historic Augusta Road structure after raising more than $250,000 in the past two months to save the home.
“Bon Voyage” parties will be held the weekend of May 9 and 10 if the group reaches its goal of $360,000, said Kelly Odom, the group’s chairman. Because of the large number of people who have participated, there will be two celebrations: May 9 at 6 p.m. for those who gave more than $250, and a larger celebration for all donors on May 10 from. 2 p.m. until dark.
“These celebrations will only happen if we deliver the final amount to make the move,” said Odom.
To date, the Save the Wilkins House Initiative along with the Palmetto Trust for Historic Preservation have raised $256,000, which enables the house to be moved from its current location at 1004 Augusta Street to the corner of Mills Avenue and Elm Street, which is roughly 0.25 miles away.
“This allows the Wilkins House to be saved and stay close to its original location,” Odom said.
Mike Bedenbaugh, executive director of the Palmetto Trust for Historic Preservation, said the amount of funds raised so far is promising, but there is still a need to raise $100,000 to assure the house is restored properly and never moved again. The house will be protected by a preservation easement that will ensure protection and public access for a minimum of four times a year.
The goal is to raise that final $100,000 by the May 9 Bon Voyage party, he said.
“The Greenville community has rallied around this project,” Bedenbaugh said. “We are very close to making the Wilkins House move a reality.”
The Save The Wilkins House Initiative started in February after new owners bought the four acres the house is located on and announced redevelopment plans. The new owners would not keep the house, but said they would not demolish if it could be moved. For more information on the Save the Wilkins House Initiative or to donate money to the cause, go to palmettotrust.org/savethewilkinshouse or learn more at the SaveTheWilkinsHouse Facebook page.
About the Palmetto Trust
The Palmetto Trust for Historic Preservation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the endangered historic places of South Carolina through preservation development, advocacy, education and networking. The Palmetto Trust is the state’s only statewide membership organization committed exclusively to preservation.
