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New NPS grants worth $1 million total will help Raleigh HBCU's St. Augustine's, Shaw universities preserve historic buildings

Both Shaw University and St. Augustine's University each have received a $500-thousand dollar grant to help preserve their historic campuses.

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By
Rick Armstrong
, WRAL photojournalist

Both Shaw University and St. Augustine’s University each have received a $500,000 grant to help preserve their historic campuses.

As private institutions, St. Augustine’s and Shaw universities historically relied upon student tuition to maintain campus facilities. The National Park Service has provided additional support.

Shaw’s latest $500,000 grant will help preserve legendary Leonard Hall, the first four-year medical school in the country. The university's need is critical, according to Shaw University’s Kevin Sullivan, vice president of real estate and strategic development.

"So the HVAC system is antiquated and failing," Sullivan said. "Safety of the fire suppression system is on its last legs and the roof needs work.

"If we did not have this grant from the National Park Service, then this building might close and we wouldn’t have been able to use it."

Shaw University's medical program ended in 1918, but Leonard Hall is still a vital part of the campus in Raleigh’s downtown area.

"It’s both our Divinity School as well as our Center for Racial and Social Justice," Sullivan said. "In addition, there are numerous classrooms in this building."

Sullivan said work will begin this summer on Shaw University’s historic Estey Hall due to a previous NPS $500,000 grant.

The school's latest $500,000 grant allows work to begin early next year on Leonard Hall.

Part of the unique history of Leonard Hall is that students laid every brick of the iconic landmark.

"Literally, it’s from the ground of this place that this building rose," Sullivan said.

These grants come as Shaw University works with its neighbors to shape the school's future. Any changes will have a significant impact on downtown Raleigh since Shaw University is one of the largest landowners in the area.

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