On August 16, 2021, the City of Sherman agreed to invest nearly $24,500 to help remodel one of the city’s historic downtown buildings and add an elevator to increase the convenience of the upstairs conference rooms.
Funding is provided through the Municipal Central Business District Historic Restoration and Improvement Grant Program, which has historically been used to assist in the repair and restoration of the front facades of many of Sherman’s historic buildings. However, this request does not relate to external improvements to the building.
The council unanimously approved an agreement with Sherman Federal Courthouse Square, LLC to fund an ADA-compliant elevator to the Old Sherman Opera House on Travis Street.
The former three-story opera house was built in 1880 as part of Sherman’s move to become a cultural epicenter in Texas and “the Athens of Texas” in the late 19th century. The opera house continued to operate until its final closure in 1918, showcasing a wide variety of acts and other attractions. Currently the building is home to Siebman Law, LLP and the True Options Pregnancy Center.
The expected cost of the current renovation project is estimated to be approximately $97,731, with the city spending $24,432.
Siebman Law, LLP is grateful to the City of Sherman and proud to be a part of its preservation.
