Situated just behind the Welder Center at 103-109 E. Goodwin Avenue is the Virginia Callan Welder Performance Annex. Leading up to Hurricane Harvey in 2017, the Annex had been used for multiple purposes including prop storage and changing rooms. Sadly, Hurricane Harvey destroyed the roof, damaged parts of the interior, and rendered the building vulnerable to ongoing structural problems like water penetration. The building is in need of exterior improvements, interior infrastructural work, interior build-out, and interior finishing that will prepare it for public occupancy once again.
Rehabilitating the Annex will bring critical revitalization to downtown Victoria by opening up possibilities for use as an overflow venue for performances and as a stand-alone venue that can be rented out for events downtown. The 9,100-square-foot renovated space will include a performance/event space that can seat 130-200 depending on setup, as well as a catering kitchen, rehearsal hall, offices, covered porch, restrooms, and storage. 5/2020 designs
The Annex rehabilitation is a component of Victoria College’s 2016-2025 Facilities Master Plan. This means the project was identified as a top priority for the College and community. The Annex was formerly the Bernhard Electric Company that opened in 1930. It is currently undergoing the process for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, which makes it an indelible asset to the downtown area. Work being completed through this project is complying with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
*COMPONENT 1: Re-roof and mold remediation
*COMPONENT 2: Professional surveys and plans
**COMPONENT 3: Exterior improvements and interior infrastructure (waterproofing, paint, windows, electrical, fire, air, etc.)
***COMPONENT 4: Production technology (lighting, sound, cabling, etc.)
**COMPONENT 5: Interior build-out (renovating office and warehouse spaces)
***COMPONENT 6: Interior final staging (furniture, stage & ADA ramp, fans, etc.)
*Work is complete. **Work is underway. ***Pending funding.
TIMELINE: All of VC’s Facilities Master Plan work, including this Annex rehabilitation project, is scheduled for completion by 2025.
This project is partially funded by the Emergency Supplemental Historic Preservation Fund, National Park Service, Department of the Interior. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material do not constitute endorsement or necessarily reflect the views of the Department of the Interior or U.S. Government.