The War Memorial Building will undergo extensive work on its roof and electrical wiring, with funding raised over the next few months. Tabitha Johnston

SHEPHERDSTOWN — A year ago, the Shepherdstown Community Club (SCC) hired a building inspector to take a look at one of its historic properties, the War Memorial Building.

According to SCC President Jennifer Wabnitz, the inspection results identified two areas needing attention.

“The building inspector determined that we really did need a replacement roof,” Wabnitz said. “We’re also doing a couple of electrical repairs that were pointed out by the inspector. In an old building like that, each decade we seem to have added different electrical elements, so we’re just adding more GFI switches and more things that can help to keep the building as safe and sound as possible.”

To ensure the building remains in a safe condition for many years to come, the SCC will also be installing a carbon monoxide detector and upgrading its fire alarm systems.

“Right now, we have your regulatory smoke detectors, but the problem is that if a smoke detector goes off in the building and nobody’s there, nobody will call 911. Now, the system we will be putting in will indeed alert 911 that there’s a fire in the building, without a phone call,” Wabnitz said. “We never had a carbon monoxide detector, but we have an oil burning furnace, so it makes sense for us to also install a carbon monoxide detector.”

A thermometer has been placed on the side of the War Memorial Building, to show how much funds have been raised toward its revitalization. Tabitha Johnston

A matching historic preservation development grant was awarded for the project by the State Historic Preservation Office of the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History.

“They gave us $50,000 and said, ‘Find the matching grant, and you’re all set!'” Wabnitz said. “So we’re trying to raise $50,000. We’re at about $25,000 right now.”

According to Wabnitz, hitting the halfway mark for the fundraising was all thanks to a number of local residents, whose generosity will be recognized once the fundraising campaign has been completed.

“In the lobby of the War Memorial Building, we’re going to put up a really nice sign with the names of everyone who gave a donation to the campaign,” Wabnitz said, noting she “can’t believe” the generosity of some of these donors. “It blows my mind. People are so, so generous!”

While the estimate for how much the building revitalization will cost is currently around $87,000, Wabnitz said that amount could easily increase.

“Our estimate is huge. And the roof has been up there so long, that there is no doubt going to be some rotten boards that need replacing,” Wabnitz said, mentioning the project manager is SCC board treasurer Karen Kinnett. “You can only pay for those as you go along — they couldn’t be included in the bid. So if there are 10 rotten boards we’ll have to pay for 10 rotten boards, or if there are 100 rotten boards we will end up also having to pay for the replacement of 100 rotten boards! There are certain things that may increase the cost of the project, as it moves along.”

Individual donations to the Raise the Roof Capital Campaign will continue to be accepted at https://sites.google.com/shepherdstowncc.org/scc/raise-the-roof.

Beginning this month, the second phase of fundraising will be held, in the form of various events open to the public. On the evening of March 9, a Casino Night will be held in the War Memorial Building, featuring a chateaubriand dinner, casino-style games and dancing. Then on the afternoon of April 27, the first annual Shepherdstown Earth Day Celebration will be held at the SCC’s other property, Morgan’s Grove Park. News of the Shepherdstown Earth Day Celebration — an event featuring live music, interactive demonstrations, craft vendors, a plant/seed swap, a beer garden and food vendors — has already drawn a great amount of attention, leading the club to decide to make it an annual fundraising event for further property maintenance needs.

To buy tickets to the Casino Night or learn more about the Shepherdstown Earth Day Celebration and its youth art contest, visit https://sites.google.com/shepherdstowncc.org/scc/home.

Work on the War Memorial Building will begin after the Back Alley Garden Tour & Tea is held on May 18-19. Since the floor of the building’s ballroom is cement, its first floor will still be safe for use, as the revitalization project is completed over the summer, according to Wabnitz.

Those wishing to donate time, rather than funds, to the SCC are encouraged to do so, by participating in the Morgan’s Grove Park Clean Up Day on March 23, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Community members are encouraged to show up and donate however much time they have available, at any time throughout the day.