Foundation awards $15,000 to SCAD to preserve Kiah Hall

By: Melissa Wheeler

Published: Friday, January 12, 2007, in The Chronicle

Link: http://www.thecampuschronicle.com/features/articles/070112d.cfm

The Savannah College of Art and Design Museum of Art received a $15,000 grant from the Charles A. Frueauff Foundation to preserve Kiah Hall, its 150-year-old building at 227 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Once the 1856 headquarters of the Central of Georgia Railroad, the landmark structure, then called the Gray Building, epitomizes the elegance of mid-19th century, Greek Revival-style architecture.

The Frueauff Foundation’s mission is to improve the lives of those in need by awarding grants to nonprofit organizations in higher education, social services, and health and hospital. The organizations they provide with donations include the Boys and Girls Club, a guide dog training program, and several small healthcare facilities and children’s hospitals.

“We are always looking for opportunities to enhance community development in cities like Savannah,” said James Fallon, trustee and chief investment officer for the Charles A. Frueauff Foundation. “It is fitting that we support the outstanding activities of Savannah College of Art and Design in its urban renewal efforts and the renovation of the Gray Building on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.”

The grant will assist with the previously awarded Save America’s Treasures grant to preserve the building. The project includes replacing the 150-year-old metal roof, repairing the masonry in the Savannah gray brick exterior and making other needed repairs to prevent serious problems caused by moisture infiltration.

Visitors to the museum may view construction drawings and a history of the building as part of the exhibition “150 Years of Architectural Elegance: The Central of Georgia Railroad’s 1856 Gray Building Headquarters.” The museum is free and open to the public Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Sunday 1-5 p.m.


Wheeler is media relations manager.