Published: November 19, 2008 10:32 am            

Dedication for community center set for Nov. 21

FORT WORTH — A historical building at the corner of Rosedale and Wesleyan streets has been given new life, following a $1.2 million renovation of the 5,000-square-foot edifice. From its roots as a commercial property to its more recent use as a scene shop, the building has served many purposes. Now it will host a community center, offices and a dining area. The formal dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, at 3021 E. Rosedale St.

The building will be named for Maxine and Edward Lawrence Baker, father of Wesleyan Trustee Louella Baker Martin. She and husband Nick Martin, Fort Worth philanthropists, have been generous supporters of the University. Ed Baker served as chairman of the Texas Wesleyan University Board of Trustees as did his father, James B. Baker. The formal name will be the Maxine and Edward L. Baker Building.

In 1927-1928, the building housed five businesses, two facing Rosedale Street and three facing Wesleyan Street. The first tenants included a dry cleaner, a grocery store, and the First State Bank of Polytechnic. Other tenants included the Polytechnic Herald. It has served as a scene shop for the Theatre Arts Department for more than 25 years.

Congresswoman Kay Granger, Congressman Michael Burgess, State Representative Marc Veasey, Tarrant County Commissioner Roy Brooks and Mayor Pro Tem Kathleen Hicks are among the elected officials scheduled to attend the event.

Renovations were made possible thanks to generous donations from the Amon Carter Foundation, Nick and Lou Martin, and other donors. Funding was also provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

        

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