Why is this project important?

The McCormick Arts Council at the Keturah (MACK) was established in 1984 and opened its doors at the historic site early the following year. The site was listed in the National Register on December 12, 1985.

This historic site, while housing a successful arts organization, is currently in decline with a deteriorating system of functioning utilities, a lack of fire safety service, and historical elements that require specialist craftsmanship to retain the integrity of the building. Recently, our municipalities have deeded our organization the building and so designated our cultural organization as the steward of this culturally significant site. The investment in the historic site, our cultural organization, and the surrounding public park have all been identified as action steps for our community’s investment. As the cultural center and community stakeholder for McCormick County, the McCormick Arts Council (MACK) and the historic Keturah Hotel are identified as major components of the McCormick County Economic Development plan. Collectively, we are participants in a larger preservation plan to include product development, public outreach, communication, quality of life, and downtown initiatives.