$6.265M providing new life to Ruby Fuller Building/First United Methodist at LSCPA

Published 12:19 am Friday, October 4, 2019

After 100 years, the Ruby Fuller Building is going to find new life in Port Arthur.

The State legislature appropriated $6.265 million to help renovate the historic structure at Lamar State College Port Arthur that is anchored by the First United Methodist Church, which celebrated its 100th year of existence in 2015.

The building fell victim to the area’s recent hurricanes, including the devastating flooding from Hurricane Harvey in 2017.

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The past few hurricanes have been rough on the building but none more than Harvey in 2017. The flooding resulting from Harvey made the building unusable for classrooms and staff facilities.

The 86th Texas legislative session through SB 500 provided special appropriations of $6.32 million to LSCPA for property damage related to Hurricane Harvey.

The funding will provide for a modern interior space and major repairs to the exterior of the building.

The current classroom addition will be removed, allowing for a grand secondary entrance to the building. Once the renovations are completed, plans include locating classes, faculty and student support services into the building.