Community Initiatives
BANDSTAND INITIATIVE
Once upon a time, there was a Bandstand on the Hays County Courthouse square. Built in 1909 as a Neo-Classical octagonal pavilion, it served the public by providing a venue for musical performances, speeches, sermons, political rallies, and other events, enhancing the cultural life of the young community.
Due to reasons unknown, it was demolished in 1939. Later in the 20th century, Dr. Gwen Smith (now deceased, but who served as President of the Heritage Association) commissioned Jeffrey H. Kester, architect, to design a new Bandstand identical to the original. In 1993 Jeff and his staff completed the design and construction documents and it was subsequently permitted by the Texas Historical Commission. A builder was on board to construct the Bandstand – and then the project was shelved by Dr. Smith (again, for reasons unknown).
Recently the original plans were rediscovered, and the Heritage Board was approached to see if they wanted to support a Bandstand reconstruction initiative on the Courthouse square, to serve many of the same purposes as the original Bandstand. The board was excited about this initiative and is onboard as a partner. Other stakeholders in this effort include the Hays County Commissioners court, The Hays County Historical Commission and the city’s Main Street Program.
County Judge Becerra lends his enthusiastic support, which interestingly dovetails into a county project underway – the restoration of the courthouse square. The planning for the courthouse square restoration envisioned replacement of the Bandstand, but no plans were available. It was during the planning of the square restoration that a meeting was set up with the Judge’s office to see if the Judge would lend his support to the Bandstand initiative brought forward by the Heritage Association. Coincidence? Maybe . . . .
The next step in moving this initiative forward is a meeting of all stakeholders with Texas Historical Commission (THC) architect Dan Valenzuela (Project Reviewer, Courthouse Preservation Program). The meeting’s purpose is to familiarize the THC with the project, to consider the most appropriate site for the Bandstand, and better understand other THC requirements for the project. If THC approves and subsequently permits the project, funds will need to be procured and/or raised to make the project a reality, and that’s a project in and of itself!
Once upon a time, there was a Bandstand on the Hays County Courthouse square. Built in 1909 as a Neo-Classical octagonal pavilion, it served the public by providing a venue for musical performances, speeches, sermons, political rallies, and other events, enhancing the cultural life of the young community.
Due to reasons unknown, it was demolished in 1939. Later in the 20th century, Dr. Gwen Smith (now deceased, but who served as President of the Heritage Association) commissioned Jeffrey H. Kester, architect, to design a new Bandstand identical to the original. In 1993 Jeff and his staff completed the design and construction documents and it was subsequently permitted by the Texas Historical Commission. A builder was on board to construct the Bandstand – and then the project was shelved by Dr. Smith (again, for reasons unknown).
Recently the original plans were rediscovered, and the Heritage Board was approached to see if they wanted to support a Bandstand reconstruction initiative on the Courthouse square, to serve many of the same purposes as the original Bandstand. The board was excited about this initiative and is onboard as a partner. Other stakeholders in this effort include the Hays County Commissioners court, The Hays County Historical Commission and the city’s Main Street Program.
County Judge Becerra lends his enthusiastic support, which interestingly dovetails into a county project underway – the restoration of the courthouse square. The planning for the courthouse square restoration envisioned replacement of the Bandstand, but no plans were available. It was during the planning of the square restoration that a meeting was set up with the Judge’s office to see if the Judge would lend his support to the Bandstand initiative brought forward by the Heritage Association. Coincidence? Maybe . . . .
The next step in moving this initiative forward is a meeting of all stakeholders with Texas Historical Commission (THC) architect Dan Valenzuela (Project Reviewer, Courthouse Preservation Program). The meeting’s purpose is to familiarize the THC with the project, to consider the most appropriate site for the Bandstand, and better understand other THC requirements for the project. If THC approves and subsequently permits the project, funds will need to be procured and/or raised to make the project a reality, and that’s a project in and of itself!
Bandstand construction renderings by Jeff Kester
