Simmons College receives $750K federal grant to update 100-year-old building

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Louisville's only Historically Black College/University is getting a grant to spruce up one of its historic buildings.

Thursday, Congressman Morgan McGarvey announced Simmons College is getting a $750,000 grant from the National Park Service's Historic Preservation Fund to renovate Stewart Hall.

“Simmons is Louisville’s only HBCU, and this funding will help them preserve their legacy and ensure that they can continue serving students in our community for generations to come,” McGarvey said in a news release.

Stewart Hall was built 100 years ago, and inscribed on the building is the name of the president at the time of its construction, Dr. Charles Parrish, Sr., who was born into enslavement in 1863.

"Stewart Hall remains as a lasting monument to the courage and determination of the black community in its historic quest for justice and opportunity," Dr. Kevin Cosby, President of Simmons College, said in a news release.