LCRA, City of Bellville award $25,000 grant for renovations to American Legion hall

 

Improvements will preserve century-old meeting spot for veterans and local events

June 1, 2026

Key Takeaways

  • LCRA and the City of Bellville award American Legion Post 115 a $25,000 grant to renovate its 100-year-old meeting hall in Bellville.
  • The renovations will improve safety, accessibility and energy efficiency while preserving a historic community hub for veterans, elections, youth programs and local events.
  • The grant is one of 41 being awarded through LCRA’s Community Grants program through June. LCRA will accept applications in July for the next round of grants.

LCRA representatives present a $25,000 grant to the American Legion Post 115 for renovations to the legion hall. The grant is part of LCRA’s Community Grants program. Pictured, from left to right, are: Joseph Barnett, Barnett Construction Services vice president; Kate Ramzinski, LCRA Regional Affairs representative; John Spiess, San Bernard Electric Cooperative member service manager; Tiffany Stodder, SBEC community relations and key accounts; John Fitz-Simon, post adjutant; Gladys Grawunder, auxiliary member; Art Remmert, post member; Gary Grawunder, post commanding officer; Stephen F. Cooper, LCRA Board chair; Margaret D. “Meg” Voelter, LCRA Board member; Harold Remmert; post member; Ed Randolph, post finance officer; Tim Lapham, Austin County judge; Brandy Robinson, Austin County criminal district attorney; Mike Barnett, post member and Barnett Construction Services owner and his wife Nancy Barnett; Susan Hood, auxiliary president and hall coordinator; and Caroline and Abigail Blanding and their mother, Melissa K. Blanding, LCRA Board member.

BELLVILLE, Texas – American Legion Post 115 soon will renovate its 100-year-old hall to preserve a historic gathering place for veterans and the broader Bellville community, thanks to a $25,000 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority and the City of Bellville.

The LCRA Community Grant, along with $42,788 in matching funds from the organization, will support phased renovations to the historic American Legion hall, including new ceilings, insulation, upgraded lighting, electrical rewiring, kitchen modernization, flooring, plumbing improvements and other facility upgrades. In addition to providing a site for veterans to meet, the hall also hosts community events and serves as an official polling location during elections.

“We’re very excited about this opportunity because the American Legion hall has been an important part of the Bellville community for generations,” said Gary Grawunder, commanding officer of American Legion Post 115. “These renovations will help us update a nearly 100-year-old building and ensure it continues serving veterans and the community for years to come.”

The renovations represent an important investment in the long-term preservation and accessibility of the historic facility by improving its safety, energy efficiency and accessibility.

“There are not many places around here where people can gather for meetings, events and community programs,” Grawunder said. “This hall plays an important role in Bellville, and these improvements will help us continue hosting local events in a safe and welcoming space.”

This is one of 41 grants awarded recently through LCRA Community Grants. These grants are awarded twice a year as part of LCRA’s effort to give back to communities in its wholesale electric, water and transmission service areas.

Applications for the next round of grants will be accepted in July. More information is available at www.lcra.org/grants.

Contact Info

Clara Tuma
512-578-3292
[email protected]
After hours: 512-944-6719

About LCRA

The Lower Colorado River Authority serves communities across Texas by managing the lower Colorado River, generating and transmitting wholesale electric power, providing clean water supplies, operating telecommunications infrastructure, and owning parks for outdoor recreation. LCRA delivers power, water and infrastructure that support the region’s growth and quality of life. LCRA and its employees are committed to fulfilling our mission to enhance the quality of life of the Texans we serve through water stewardship, energy and community service. Created by the Texas Legislature in 1934, LCRA receives no state appropriations.