• Tract A (Location of Living History Museum) – Land will be donated to Westville. Westville will have 24 months to begin normal operations.
• Tract B (Leased to for-profit) – 10 year lease - $1,200 per year for first 3 years.
• Tract C (Wren Lake) – 10 year lease - $1 per year - Westville will be responsible for the maintenance and operations of any activities on Wren Lake.
• MOU expired on August 22, 2015
Mr. Leo Goodsell, Executive Director of Westville said they are excited about coming to Columbus and wanted to share with you what they have accomplished to date. He said a committee of local leaders, members of the education committee, their board members and staff has engaged in a multi-step process to develop a new plan for the Historic Westville that will be the foundation for their program for years to come. He said their vision for the site in South Columbus includes an emphasis on storytelling and will engage and connect a diverse community by challenging and transforming perceptions of the 19th Century South. He said by using its historic structures and artifacts to illustrate their stories, Westville will explore the uniqueness of the southern experience and their contributions to American History, politics and culture. He said they have three historic structures, which includes the historic Chattahoochee courthouse, two churches, a general store and several town buildings, shops, plantation houses, slave houses, a number of log buildings, including one of a Creek Indian construction. He said they have organized a strong team to guide the continuing planning and implementation. He said Aaron & Clements- Project Managers, French & Associates - Landscape Architects, 2WR & Associates - Architects, Solid Light – Interpretation Design Company, American Lowe – Building Moving Company. Mr. Goodsell said they have been meeting with Georgia Power and other utilities to plan logistics for the move. He said preliminary work on the site has started; the brush has been cleared, and they have accessed the trees, as well as completed a topographic survey. He said they continue to make process with their fundraising plans, and are pleased with the enthusiasm and support that they are finding with the community. He said that they are committed to the new Historic Westville opening once they have raised all of the monies needed to bring Columbus a great learning and life enriching institution. He said they are developing partnerships for future collaborations with their Columbus neighbors, and schools. He said the City of Columbus has received them warmly and they look forward to being an intricate part of this community. The following individuals, who were also present with Mr. Goodsell, came forward and introduced themselves: Mr. Ryan Clements, Ms. Savannah Grande, Ms. Darby Brittle, Ms. Chilean Wong, Mr. Randy Whitt, and Ms. Gloria Johnson. City Manager Hugley pointed out that they have a resolution, as listed on his agenda to approve the Memorandum of Understanding.
¡ December 2014 – Jan 2015 – Complete RFP Process, Incorporate/Apply for 501 (c)3, Kick off P.R. Campaign
— June 13, 2015 – One year meeting held for the restoration and preservation of Claflin
— June 20, 2015 – Genesis FHC’s Summer Gospel Explosion fundraiser event
— 2WR+Partners architecture firm is working with the Friends of Historic Claflin, Inc. on restoration updates
— Lease with City still pending awaiting Friends of Historic Claflin, Inc. to be able to secure liability insurance on the building and submit preliminary plans for renovation
• Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. (extended for events)
• Gate enclosures will be added this month to prevent access to the alcove area after hours to prevent damage to the facility
VANDALISM OF CITY FACILITIES: