Historic Lindsborg museum uses over $200,000 in community tax credits for Swedish Pavilion structure

1904 Swedish Pavilion Designed by Ferdinand Boberg, one of Sweden’s premier architects at the turn of the century, the Swedish Pavilion is the only one of Boberg’s international exposition buildings in existence today. It is the only example of his work in the United States. It is also one of very few international buildings remaining from the St. Louis World’s Fair. Image Courtesy Lindsborg Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum

By: NICOLAS FIERRO

Salina Post

LINDSBORG - The Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum has officially announced of fully using its funds raised from a community tax credit program, meant for the 1904 World’s Fair Swedish Pavilion Restoration & Improvement Project.

According to Adam Pracht, Marketing and Communications Director, the museum has used a total of $238,000 raised from the Community Service Program tax credits through the Kansas Department of Commerce. This amount was put towards the restoration and conservation of the historic 1904 World's Fair Swedish Pavilion.

Through the program, Kansas businesses and individuals subject to income tax were eligible to receive a fully refundable tax credit, worth 70% by donating towards the repairs of the Pavilion.

Pracht added an additional $2,724 was donated for the Pavilion Preservation Project, but were not eligible for credits.

This preservation project has completed the 1st phase, "Save the Pavilion" and the funds have been used to the restoration of the Pavilion's structure.

Currently the museum is in Phase 2 of the Preservation Project - "Raise the Roof."

The roof of the Pavilion is needing to be replaced and the museum plans on using composite Brava “Spanish Barrel” tile roofing in antique clay color to replace it. This new roof is UV protected to prevent degradation, will have the ability to withstand winds of 188 mph or more and have an estimated life span of more than 50 years.

Click here, to view more information about the "Raise the Roof" project.

Composite Brava “Spanish Barrel” tile roofing in antique clay color. Courtesy of Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum

Back in 1904, the Pavilion used terracotta clay tiles when it was first established and the new "Spanish Barrel" tiles would resemble that original look.

Currently the roof has a more than 30-year-old asphalt roof (which, additionally, is not historically accurate) that is starting to show serious signs of its age. There are often leaks after heavy rain or snow, threatening the long-term viability of the 121-year-old structure.

According to Pracht, the museum has $89,041.15 from the tax credits and are currently being designated for the "Raise the Roof" phase. It is estimated that between $175,000 and $200,000 will be needed for the roof replacement.

The museum is encouraging your donation that may give you charitable donation tax benefits and there are recognition rewards at $100 and $1,000 or more.

Those who donate upwards of $1,000 or more, will be able to get their names or their loved ones on a tile donor honor wall for the "Raise the Roof" project. The tiles for the honor wall will be placed inside the Pavilion.

Sample of honor wall tile. Courtesy of Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum

Moreover, the Smoky Valley Community Foundation are doing a $100,000 Patterson Family matching grant, running from Monday, November 10 - Friday, December 5. This matching grant is 50% each time you donate towards the "Raise the Roof" project.

To take advantage of this special opportunity, interested donors can contact one of the museum staff at (785) 227-3595 or [email protected].

For more information about the tax credits, the Raise the Roof campaign, or the Swedish Pavilion, please visit www.oldmillmuseum.org/raise-the-roof.