NEWPORT-A roadblock on Saturday will help fund the Cocke County Memorial Building's current roof replacement project. The roof was blown off of the building on Feb. 11 during a storm.
According to American Legion Post 41 Fundraising Chairman Willie Green, the metal roof had been placed on top of the old shingle roof when it was put on the building about 10 years ago. The metal roof being placed on top of the shingle roof prevented interior damage to the building when the metal roof was blown off.
"Because the old roof was left on the building, we didn't suffer interior water damage," he explained. "We were lucky the damages weren't worse."
Renovations have been underway on the Memorial Building for the last two-and-a-half years. Green said about $60,000 has been spent on renovations thus far. He explained the cost for replacing the roof is expected to be about $11,600.
"We need to raise funds for replacing the roof," Green explained. "Losing the roof was definitely an unexpected expense. This has definitely thrown us for a loop."
Work on the roof replacement has already begun and is expected to complete within the next few days.
The Memorial Building was placed on the Register of National Historic Places in 1997. According to the National Register of Historic Places Web site, the building's historic significance was event and architecture/engineering. The colonial revival style building, designed by Manley and Young, was completed in 1931.
Additional funds are needed to complete the renovation project as well, Green said.
"We appreciate the community's continued support with the Memorial Building's restoration," Green said. "We couldn't have gotten this far without the generosity of the community. We hope to continue with the renovations and preserve the building for our community."
To make a contribution to the fund, to donate your time to assist with renovations, or to donate building supplies for the project, contact Willie Green at (423) 623-3651 or Frank Strickler at (423) 623-5339.