An historic building in downtown Benton will soon get some needed love, thanks to a big grant.
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Saline County has been awarded a $24,333.33 grant from the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program (AHPP) through the Option 2 Grant Program to fund the replacement of the roof on the historic Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) Building in Benton. The county will provide a matching contribution of $12,166.67, bringing the total project budget to $36,500.
“It is vitally important that we preserve this building as it is tremendously significant to our historic downtown,” said Matt Brumley, Saline County Judge.”This will help in ensuring that Saline County History & Heritage Society may continue their incredible mission of securing Saline County’s rich history through, exhibits and archives.”
This investment will help preserve one of Benton’s most iconic landmarks, which now serves as the home of the Saline County History & Heritage Society. Located at 123 N. Market Street in the heart of downtown Benton, the two-story brick structure was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 26, 2004. Saline County has owned the building since 2002 and currently leases the ground floor to the Saline County History & Heritage Society for community use.
Built in 1913, the IOOF Building was once a bustling hub of fraternal and civic life. Originally constructed for Benton Lodge No. 34 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the building also housed various professional offices over the years. Its second-floor lodge hall and distinctive early 20th-century commercial architecture make it a standout example of Benton’s historic downtown core.
“Preserving historic places like the Odd Fellows Building helps communities stay connected to their roots while creating opportunities for education, tourism, and civic engagement,” said Scott D. Kaufman, director of the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program. “This project is a great example of how local and state partnerships can ensure that important landmarks remain a part of the landscape for generations to come.”
The upcoming roof replacement will help prevent water intrusion and further deterioration of the structure, ensuring that future generations can continue to engage with Saline County’s rich past through exhibits, programs, and archives.
Saline County remains committed to the preservation of its historic assets and continues to work with local and state partners to invest in projects that celebrate the county’s heritage.
See MySaline’s list of all the events in Saline County, at www.mysaline.com/events
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