Closed: Pound House undergoes restoration after mold damage

The Dr. Pound Farmstead has temporarily closed its public tours for building remediation and restoration repairs. An undetected roof leak caused mold to develop inside the historic building. Collections have been safely relocated to storage as repairs begin.

“As a historic site, we must ensure we meet the standards of historic preservation protocols,” The Pound House wrote in its newsletter announcing the closure. “All changes will be submitted through proper channels for approval prior to implementation.”

Roof repairs are estimated to cost between $18,000- $25,000 and remediation is approximately $14,000. Estimates for postremediation repairs will be gathered when that stage is reached. The historical farmstead faces a loss of income due to closure and event cancellations. They are estimating that loss at $50,000-$70,000.

“We have experienced event cancellations due to inclement weather, ceased operations during Covid-19, and now we face serious repair needs,” Executive Director Jenny Pack wrote. “However, one of my favorite things about history is the recurrent theme of resilience. All who call this land of Texas home has faced adversity at one time or another. Settlers like the Pound family teach us that we can adapt and walk bravely toward new horizons. It is our hope that this challenge will provide us an opportunity to continue to preserve the history of Dripping Springs, while serving the needs of present generations. We hope to unveil exciting new things at a grand reopening.”

No timeline has been released for the repairs or grand re-opening. Residents can follow along with the progress by subscribing to the newsletter at drpoundfarmstead.org/.

Those who wish to donate to the repairs, can do so here: drpoundfarmstead. org/donate?blm_ aid=140328. 100 percent of donations from August 1-October 1, 2021 will go toward structural repairs and remediation.

The Friends of the Pound House Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax deductible to fullest allowance. If you wish to donate by check, please make it out to FPHF and mail to: P.O. Box 1150, Dripping Springs, Texas 78620.