The much-needed repairs to the historic Triangle Cultural Center have yet again appeared to be at a standstill. But The Herald has confirmed that work continues behind the scenes with construction drawings currently being reviewed.
Although construction was expected to begin last May, the construction drawings from Belinda Stewart Architects arrived at the Mississippi Department of Archives last week. Stephanie Stewart, with Belinda Stewart Architects, appeared before the Board of Mayor and Aldermen in July with those preliminary drawings of the repairs slated for one of the historic building’s exterior walls.
The Herald spoke with Barry White, director of MDAH’s historic preservation division, who confirmed MDAH received those documents last week.
“We received the documents earlier this week and are currently reviewing them to ensure they meet the Secretary of Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties,” White said, in an email from last week. “We anticipate having a response to the applicant next week. I know we're all ready for this project to move forward.”
During last July’s meeting, Stewart told city leaders that the MDAH approval on the construction drawings would give the architectural firm a permit to release those drawings for bidding.
There have been concerns from city leaders regarding the extensive nature of the repair project, adding that most of Stewart’s work has been dedicated to the historic building’s exterior wall and not the other issues internally that could have arisen over the last five years.
During July’s board meeting, Alderwoman Elizabeth Thomas asked Stewart whether the preliminary drawings covered any other work beyond the center’s exterior wall.
“This project has been going on for over five years,” Thomas said. “Deterioration has been going on for those five years. The ceiling and things are falling in. Will this just be the exterior?”
Stewart said the presented plans only cover the exterior elements and masonry.
“It does not cover the interior restoration,” Stewart added.
Repairs to the historic Triangle Cultural Center have remained in limbo since 2020 with past and current city administrations expressing frustration in the matter.
