WPA Buildings Get a Clean Up

WPA Building May 2015

WPA Building May 2015

The cluster of brown sandstone WPA buildings on the south side of East Maple Street in Lamar has received a cleanup from the Prowers County Commissioners.  The grounds have been picked up of debris, some old trees surrounding the complex have been taken down and the chain link fence that fronted the buildings is gone.

Dead Trees on WPA Property, 2014

Dead Trees on WPA Property, 2014

Several months ago, the county took back the deed for the Depression Era buildings from Lamar Community College.  The county hopes to be able to maintain the historical significance of the structure, said Commissioner Henry Schnabel recently.

Tree Leaning on Roof, 2014

Tree Leaning on Roof, 2014

Bids for a roofing project will be developed, but Schnabel cautioned that the materials need to be specific, “We can’t put a metal roof on them as they will lose their historical value,” he explained.  Last year one or two larger trees began to lean against the western most building, causing a potential for future damage.  Several years ago the college had some plans for repurposing portions of the housing complex for the school’s historical construction classes, but serious funding for the project never developed.

After the Clean Up Work, 2015

After the Clean Up Work, 2015

The complex is comprised of five buildings, four dormitory type residences with a central men and women restroom and shower facility.  It was constructed from regional materials during the Roosevelt administration in the 1930s under the WPA, Works Progress Administration program, which created employment projects for out of work citizens.  The structures were once referred to as the County Farm and have seen little use over the past several decades.  Several rooms received limited renovation to accommodate the Lamar Jaycees group, but the use was short lived.

By Russ Baldwin

Filed Under: Prowers County

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