By: Lindsay Barcomb, LEED AP

A multitude of injuries have pulled star athletes out of the game. Benched, people soon forget about the star that was once their hero. But some fans never falter, urging their hero to push on and return to the game. Following weeks and months of intensive rehabilitation, the athlete makes his return. Although he looks the same, he is now stronger, more agile. Like the injured hero described above, Simmons' Stable, once the commanding star of the Saddlebred Horse industry, needed loyal devotees and loving therapy to bring it back to its former glory. The Simmons' Stable Preservation Fund was such a loyal fan, championing through numerous challenges and naysayers to save the Simmons' Stable and give it new life.

After careful examination of the project and work to ensue, it became clear that restoring the 252 foot stable to its former glory would be a multi-phased process, focusing on each injury the stable incurred over time. The complete preservation and restoration process required that early on, we gather the teams involved and prioritize the process of rehabilitation. Most critical to the health of the stable was the stabilization and protection of the structure, as previously detailed by John Miller. In this entry, I'll detail the processes of protecting the revitalized structure, while preserving its historic integrity.

The first item to be restored was the roofing. Layer-after-layer of asphalt roofing shingles were stripped from the tired structure. A new shingled roof, matching that from the beginning of Arthur Simmons' reign over the horse world, soon protected that restored structure from the rain and snow which ravaged the wounded structure throughout the years. Once the roof and structure were reconditioned, the remainder of the building's exterior was to be restored.

Although budget constraints dictated that the stall windows be restored at a later date, custom-fabricated dormer windows were installed to replace the originals which had been damaged beyond repair, twisted apart by the failed structure and years of harsh weathering. At the south gable end of the structure, the unique combination of shingles and shakes were restored, resulting in assorted rows of square, diamond and fish-scale shingles. At the east and west facades, plywood that was first installed in the 1970s was removed and replaced with horizontal siding. The new horizontal siding and watertable replicated what was captured in photographs from the 1960s and earlier. Vertical siding, twisted and bent by time, was carefully removed and salvaged to allow correction of the structure. After the structure was realigned, the once warped siding was reinstalled and repainted. The stable soon began to look like its former self, the star of the Saddlebred Horse industry.

As Mexico and its residents began to take notice of the new construction; the began to pay attention to the once forgotten derelict stable. Curious residents would wander up to the stable, asking questions or merely staring in wonder as the stable transformed before them. Throughout our many visits to the stable, John and I met several such characters, kind strangers who offered prayers, cool beverages on hot summer days, or a bucket so we could rest our legs after a long day.

Nearly complete with the initial phase of restoration and with the addition of a few simple block letters painted in black, the stable embodied a minor renaissance. From Boulevard Street, passers-by could now clearly read the words: SIMMONS'S STABLE, a victory for the town and those who had worked so hard to save a forgotten star of the horse world, an era passed and a world apart.

By: Lindsay Barcomb, LEED AP

Simmons' Stables is interlaced in the rich fabric of many great pasts. It's a critical piece of local, state and national history, contributing significantly to the development of Saddlebred history as well as the early history of the African American horseman, Tom Bass.  The great legacy makes it a perfect candidate for a public-private partnership to fund the restoration and conservation of the structure.

Project Funding

In 2002, the Simmons' Stable Preservation Fund was established to protect the Simmons' Stable. Within two years, the Fund secured Neighborhood Assistance Program tax credits from the Missouri Department of Economic Development. These tax credits helped spur donations from local, state and national contributors totaling $500,000. Late in 2004, the stable was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Listed as the Arthur Simmons' Stable Historic District, the site was awarded a Save America's Treasures matching grant of $250,000 in 2005.

Implications of Public and Private Funding

Multiple funding sources are a dream for those trying to make the impossible possible, however, they create a unique challenge for the design team. Before a project can begin it's necessary for the project team to understand the heightened level of coordination, analysis and documentation. It's also vital for the project team to develop an acute awareness and sensitivity to expectations.

As a historical landmark, the Simmons' Stable is not only a great historical structure, but also a significant component to local heritage. It is essential for the project team to consider the impact on the local community, as well as their personal ties and expectations. The community of men and women who interacted with these structures in their work, play and daily life becomes a client. While it is often difficult to balance the unique expectations of these individuals, they are a tremendous resource for the design team.

In addition to requiring a heightened sensitivity to local expectations, projects like Simmons' Stable also require a sophisticated level of coordination. Each funding source has its own unique guidelines for documentation and mangement from start to finish. While each party may share similar goals for the ultimate development of the project, each outlines its own responsibilities, means and methods. Funded through multiple entities, the Simmons' Stable had three distinct funding sources each requiring varying levels of management.

The Neighborhood Assistance Program tax credits, administered by the Missouri Department of Economic Development, required minimal documentation and coordination from the design team. The requirements of the tax credits were managed by the Simmons' Stable Preservation Trust and included quarterly reports, a final report and an audit of the project resources.

Comprised of passionate locals, the Simmons' Stable Preservation Trust represented both private and public interests. This team managed the funding resources for the project and served as a compass of local interests and concerns.

The National Parks Service, administrator of the Save America's Treasure grant, was an active participant in the process from start to finish; although, most participation occured in the initial project processes - including documentation and analysis of the Simmons' Stable.

A significant portion of funding administration is tied to the documentation and analysis of the historic structure. this intensive process is perhaps the most significant element of a historical restoration project. Next week, I'll detail the processes behind this careful analysis and documentation of the Simmons' Stable.

If you would like to know more about funding, contact Lindsay directly at lbarcomb@brpae.com or follow these links:

http://www.ded.mo.gov/

http://www.nps.gov/communities/index.htm

http://www.saveamericastreasures.org/

http://www.nps.gov/nr/ 

By: Lindsay Barcomb, LEED AP

Driving down West Boulevard, it's hard to miss the large white stable that sits just 40 yards off the road. Not far from the city square, it's nestled among quiet homes, a bustling elementary school and a scattering of civic structures. Many who reside in Mexico know of the stable's former glory; others who see it in its shambled state, worn by weather and time, must imagine a modest past. Few probable know the complex and fantastic history that surround the once proud Simmons' Stable.

Its story begins in 1887, when the Clark and Potts Combination Sales Company erected the historic structure. Early in its history the stable produced some of the world's finest Saddlebred horses, helping give Mexico its distinction as Saddlebred Horse Capital of the World. Celebrated African American horseman and trainer Tom Bass once worked at the stable, training horses whose lineage can be traced to some of today's finest show horses. Admired both at home and abroad, Tom Bass was invited to demonstrate his artistry in a command performance for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897.

Even after Tom Bass's time, the stable continued to figure prominently in the horse world. Horses auctioned from the famous stable found notable homes with both recent and past celebrated personalities, including: American Presidents, movie stars like William Shatner and W.F. "Wild Bill" Cody who featured the horses in his Wild West shows.

Today, the stable bears the name of its latest owner, Arthur Simmons. Arthur Simmons purchased the stable in 1943 following a remodel that transformed the stable to the iconic edifice we recognize today.

The Simmons' Stable Preservation Trust, comprised of a small group of passionate locals, was recently established to preserve and restore the Simmons' Stable, its six-acre site and neighboring structures; including two additional stables, a Farrier's shed, a storage shed and two grain bins, and the Arthur Simmons' Residence which sits adjacent to the property. A large component of the Trust's funding for the project came from public funding. Next week, I'll discuss the implications of public and private funding on the historic project and process involved.

For more information, visit the following:

The Simmons' Stable Preservation Fund website; www.saddlebredhalloffame.org

The Audrain Historical Society Museum website; www.audrain.org

Arthur Simmons: American Icon of the Horse World, A Daughter's Memories, Volume One by Jane E. B. Simmons