The Rotary Club of Beaumont held its weekly meeting with a strong focus on upcoming community events and opportunities for members to support local organizations. Members were reminded of the Arc of Greater Beaumont benefit concert on October 8, the Pets for Pediatrics mini-golf tournament benefiting the Children’s Miracle Network on September 18, and the Wine Down with Rotary fundraiser on October 22. Stephanie Harris shared that more than $9,000 in sponsorships had already been secured for Wine Down and encouraged members to participate on the planning committee, sell tables, sponsorships, and tickets, and donate wine and raffle items.

The featured program highlighted the historic Gilbert Building in downtown Beaumont and the ongoing efforts to restore and rehabilitate the structure. Lee Anne Fuselier of Alliance Engineers and Projects discussed the building’s history, its construction in 1902, and the work undertaken by the Gilbert Building Partnership to preserve the property after the 2024 fire. The Richardson and Fuselier families purchased the building in August 2025 and have since made significant progress, including removing damaged materials, completing structural work, and installing a new roof deck.

Leanne also provided an update on the next phase of the rehabilitation project. Plans have received approval from the Texas Historical Commission and National Park Service, and a construction contractor has been selected. Upcoming work includes enclosing the building, reconstructing storefronts, and installing more than 100 custom windows designed to meet historic preservation requirements. The approximately $10 million project is expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter of next year and will include high-end office and retail space, with Alliance Engineers as a primary tenant and potential opportunities for co-working space.

The presentation emphasized that the Gilbert Building project represents more than the restoration of one historic property; it is part of a broader effort to encourage investment and revitalization throughout downtown Beaumont. Leanne encouraged others to learn from the project and share knowledge with those interested in renovating historic properties. The meeting concluded with a donation to the Rotary Foundation made in Leanne’s name and a preview of the following week’s program featuring Dr. Sid Valentine from Lamar Institute of Technology. President Jay also noted his upcoming attendance at the Rotary Zone Institute, with Gigi Mazzola and Stephanie Harris leading the next meeting.