Published: July 01, 2009 08:52 pm      

The big Stark dig

New drainage system being added for property

The “big dig” is going on at the grounds around the W.H. Stark House, and crews are not searching for buried treasure. It’s just part of the ongoing renovation project following Hurricane Ike.

In a previous interview with Patsy Herrington, director of the W.H. Stark House, she said the Carriage House was inundated with approximately 18-inches of water which caused considerable damage to the lower levels of the structure.

Despite this setback, the Stark House has been open for business for several months as it did not sustain any damage. According to Herrington, the basement of the Stark House, which was empty at the time of the flood, only had approximately 18-inches of water in it.

The water was pumped out and the house reopened for tours shortly after power and other utilities were restored. Meanwhile, repairs and improvements have been progressing slowly but steadily inside the Carriage House.

“We all call this ‘The Big Dig’ because of how much work is going on,” Herrington said. “The drainage system is outdated and it wasn’t uncommon for Main Street to be flooded in front of the Carriage House after a heavy storm. Water never got into the Carriage House from a regular storm, but it got close a couple of times.”

Herrington said work crews began digging up the path between the Carriage House and Stark House last week and are making good progress.

“Everything kind of sloped toward the Carriage House previously, which contributed to the flooding in front of the Carriage House,” Herrington added. “The crews are adding in a series of drainage collection boxes from the middle of the property to the back corner near Main Street and Sixth Street, which is where it will tie into the city system.”

Herrington said Stark Foundation landscaping crews removed as much of the plant life as possible prior to the project and will replace it once the project is complete.

“The only thing we are losing are the Heritage Roses, which were in the corner at the fence,” Herrington said. “Hopefully, we will be able to find a new place for them on the property.”

While the drainage system is being installed, work on the Carriage House continues. The structure will look totally different once completed, as the old office will now move to the back of the Carriage House, while the large entry doors will serve as the main entry into the facility. Prior to Ike, patrons would enter the Carriage House through the office.

The restrooms, as well as much of the property, will now be handicap accessible, including the new restrooms which will be constructed at the front of the Carriage House.

Once the drainage system is installed, a new driveway will connect the rear of the Carriage House to the W.H. Stark House. Also, the brick path surrounding the Stark House will be extended to reach the back door of the Stark House itself.

“Everything is moving along,” Herrington said. “The construction inside the Carriage House should be finished some time shortly after Christmas, and then we have to set up all of the displays. I’m hoping we are able to reopen by February.”

The W.H. Stark House is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, except this Saturday which is the Fourth of July holiday. Admission for tours is $5 for ages 18 to 65, $2 for seniors ages 65 and older, and $2 for children ages 10 to 17. All tour participants must be 10 years of age or older.

Special group pricing is available for group tours that are scheduled in advance. Call 409-883-0871 for details or visit www.whstarkhouse.org.