Years of fundraising and planning and renovating culminated in the grand opening of Abilene’s Heritage Square over the weekend. The project preserves part of the city’s past, while creating space for learning, gathering and creativity in a former high school building.
On Saturday, community leaders, families and even visitors from out of town showed up to celebrate the Grand Opening of Abilene Heritage Square.
The Texas Trails Council raised the American flag to open the ceremony accompanied by the playing of the national anthem by Abilene High School.
After the recognition of key individuals to the mission and work of the project, Abilene Mayor Weldon Hurt, described what he sees as the positive lasting impact that the Heritage Square will have on the community.
“This is more than a building, this is preserving a landmark that will be here long after we’re gone. My youngest grandson’s here today and I can’t wait to hear him tell stories to his children about stories he had here because he was here on the first day ”
This mammoth undertaking began more than 15 years ago. Once construction began—it took nearly three years — and almost 80 million dollars— to complete.
Board President Jane Beard says organizers worked passionately to build support—and ended up creating the finest public space in the Big Country.
“The renovations were all privately funded, no bond issues were passed, and no tax dollars were used. Every single brick, pane of glass, auditorium chair, drinking fountain, and inch of wiring is here because someone believed in this project and contributed to make it happen. Abilene Heritage Square is quite simply a gift from citizens to their fellow citizens.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by the Executive Board of Abilene Heritage Square, alongside leaders from The Grace Museum and Abilene Public Library, with special participation from several children in the community.
Shortly after the doors were open, volunteers then unveiled an owl sculpture by K-T Taylor titled “Inspiration Takes Flight”.
As visitors funneled into the various entrances of the main building, the excitement was electric.
Heritage Square is the new home for the main branch of the Abilene Public Library. When visitors made their way into the space many paused to look up…standing in awe of the colorful three- story glass hanging sculpture by Dallas glass artist Carlyn Ray.
During the self-guided tours Saturday guests were delighted by all the thoughtful details and elements throughout the library spaces. It’s filled to the brim with shelves of books, cozy sitting areas, hands on maker kits for children to learn new skills, puzzle sets, and totes with sets of books in them labeled “Book Club in a Box.”
The excitement of exploring the fun features of the new three-story library didn’t distract 4th grader Cece Cockrel from finding her first book to check out.
Cece may not be counting the years…but for local preservationists— counting the years is part of the reason to celebrate. This project not only creates a new home for the public library—and establishes a new science center-tied to the Grace Museum—it preserves an important architectural piece of Abilene’s history.
Famed architect David Castle began work on the late-gothic, revival style building in 1923. As visitors walk through the front doors and climb the stairs they’ll encounter exhibits telling the building’s history first as Abilene High —and later as Lincoln Middle School. They can also learn about the restoration of the Owen Hall Auditorium.
Heritage Square also provides a special connection point for parents who once learned inside these walls— to now share the newly configured space with their children. Kim Castereno attended Lincoln Middle, which closed in 2007. She described her excitement not only to walk down memory lane—but hopes to explore the options available in the new event spaces…
Deep within the children’s wing of the library, there is reading room that transports the minds of children into a fairytale forest with cozy reading spots shaped as leaves. Carolyn Santner traveled from Austria to attend the grand opening. She was impressed with the work her cousin— President of the Executive Board of the project, Jane Beard—helped to lead…
Not only does Heritage Square impress visitors— it also evokes pride in the hearts of alumni— like Stan Hamilton who attended Lincoln Middle School. He took in the changes with tears in his eyes…
“It’s really almost unbelievable that they almost tore this place down and now it’s a show place. I’m so proud of it.”
And did Stan feel nostalgic upon entering the historic building? “Oh about everything! That’s the outside walls right there. The way they’ve added onto it matches so well you would think it was built that way. It’s hard to believe. I’m not surprised by the number of people that have shown up for this."
So many people showed up that the line stretched outside of the Spark Center for the first few hours it was open. Every 45 minutes a new group of visitors was allowed in to view the immersive, educational, and hands on science exhibits that are an extension of the Grace Museum. Those tours were free-but going forward visitors will need to buy tickets to enjoy the Spark Science Center, which is open from 10:00 A-M until 5:00 P-M Tuesday through Saturday.
The Library, which is free to the public, opens at 9 A-M Monday through Saturday.
Information about rental spaces such as the auditorium, gym, classroom, or courtyard is available on the Abilene Heritage Square website.