LCRA awards $39,208 grant for renovations to Trickham Community Center

Project will modernize historic building while keeping its early 20th-century charm

May 1, 2026

Key Takeaways

• LCRA awards a $39,208 grant to upgrade the Trickham Community Center, a historic landmark that once housed the community’s schoolhouse.
• The improvements will make the center a more attractive and functional facility for meetings.
• 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.

COLEMAN COUNTY, Texas – The Trickham Cemetery Association soon will renovate the historic Trickham Community Center, thanks to a $39,208 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority.

The LCRA Community Grant, along with $13,652 in matching funds from the cemetery association, will enable the association to renovate the historic building with modern amenities while preserving its character.

Upgrades will include replacing outdated single-pane windows, adding insulation, installing energy-efficient mini-split HVAC systems, upgrading restroom fixtures with water-conserving toilets and constructing an improved wheelchair ramp and sidewalk to enhance accessibility. The improvements will preserve the building’s historic character while modernizing it into a more energy-efficient, safe and comfortable meeting spot for members of the community.

“Receiving this grant allows us to preserve a historic entity while transforming it into a more functional, comfortable space for the entire community,” said Paul Martin, president of the Trickham Cemetery Association. “The Trickham Community Center is the only facility of its kind in our area capable of accommodating both public and private events. From church meals and quilting activities to providing a place for families to gather for reunions, holidays and during funerals, the building will continue to serve as a welcoming gathering place for generations to come.”

Martin said the building, which once served as the community’s schoolhouse, has been well maintained over the years but needs to be modernized to continue meeting the needs of the community. The renovations will preserve the building’s architecture and look.

“The upkeep, renovations and ongoing maintenance for the community center are entirely funded through donations from community members, and there is simply no way we would be able to complete renovations at this level without the support from this grant,” Martin said. “This investment will make a lasting difference in preserving and improving the community center.”

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.

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.

Contact Info