You'd think an offer of $200,000 to stabilize the "Fragile 15" Eugenia Williams mansion owned by the cash-strapped university would be welcomed. But, uh, apparently not.
Wednesday afternoon, just after we had printed the current issue, we received word that UT Interim President Jan Simek had declined Knox Heritage's offer to help stabilize the Eugenia Williams house. Simek's letter to Knox Heritage director Kim Trent stated:
"In the next few weeks, the University will begin some additional stabilization repairs to the residence with designated private gift funds. Although your offer of short-term financial assistance is sincerely appreciated, funds are available for the short-term needs. In addition, we are evaluating all options for the property and do not want to limit any of the options by considering your proposal at this time."
Trent responds, "We're happy that they did decide to at least begin stabilizing the property. But that doesn't provide a long-term solution for saving the property. We hope we can work with them to find a solution that preserves the house and benefits the university."
Wednesday afternoon, just after we had printed the current issue, we received word that UT Interim President Jan Simek had declined Knox Heritage's offer to help stabilize the Eugenia Williams house. Simek's letter to Knox Heritage director Kim Trent stated:
"In the next few weeks, the University will begin some additional stabilization repairs to the residence with designated private gift funds. Although your offer of short-term financial assistance is sincerely appreciated, funds are available for the short-term needs. In addition, we are evaluating all options for the property and do not want to limit any of the options by considering your proposal at this time."
Trent responds, "We're happy that they did decide to at least begin stabilizing the property. But that doesn't provide a long-term solution for saving the property. We hope we can work with them to find a solution that preserves the house and benefits the university."
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