News

Foundation seeks $29,000 in donations

POTOSI, Wis. - If one of Potosi's most historically significant buildings is to become the tourist destination some people in the village want, then small steps must first be taken to make that happen.

Before a significant restoration can begin on the Potosi Brewery, one that could cost millions of dollars, a foundation formed last year needs to raise $28,900 for a structural analysis of the building.

According to Village President and Potosi Brewery Foundation member Frank Fiorenza, the money will be used to hire a structural engineer, an architectural historian and an architect to create a blueprint for restoration.

"This is critical to apply for other grants, from private and historic preservation to state and federal government grants," said Fiorenza.

The study will make recommendations for stabilizing the building, which was built in the mid 1800s, and for future treatment of it. It wilt also document the complete history, such as maps, legal documentation, and determine what year to bring the building back to with the restoration.

The non-profit foundation will make that decision but will be assisted by this study, which will outline the expenses of restoring to a certain age.

The study will also determine the amount of room available and how the interior should best be used.

Fiorenza said a brewery museum with local memorabilia is a definite interest of the foundation as is the possibility of expanding that to a national brewery museum.

"There would be nothing like it," said Fiorenza.

The building was turned over to the Potosi Brewery Foundation by five men in the area who purchased the property at auction more than two years ago. Any money raised, any grants received and any future income generated by the building would go back into the building. "No individual will be reaping a profit from this," said Fiorenza.

About $10,000 has been collected through sales of T-shirts, sweatshirts, candy bars with the Potosi Brewery label. A donor board will be established and the plan is to contact people personally who might be interested in this, project. All donations will be tax deductible.

"This needs vision, commitment and money. The structural analysis sharpens that vision. We have the commitment and we need the money," said Fiorenza.

The long-term intent is to bring people to Potosi, which Fiorenza believes can do wonders for the village.

"It's similar to a shopping center that has three anchor stores which bring in traffic to help others survive. The community needs anchors too and the Brewery can be one of those," said Fiorenza. "If there is traffic coming in, it is possible for main street to be viable."

© 2001 Herald Independent