The future of Fosters Homestead in Rolleston is even more uncertain after a potential tenant said it is considering other options.
The fast-growing Rolleston RSA considered setting up its headquarters in the 40-year-old brick building in Foster Park and paying the building’s owner, the council, a peppercorn rent. The RSA would also renovate and maintain the damaged building.
RSA Secretary-Treasurer Richard Hurt said that while the building was still a favorite spot for some committee members, the reality is that the renovation will come at a high cost.
The main goal of the organization, which has about 220 members, is still to get a personalized headquarters for the RSA.
Negotiations are underway with other organizations that may be able to come on board at a joint location in the future.
At the same time, the district has put some options on the table next to Fosters Homestead.
The county council postponed discussion of the future of Fosters Homestead earlier this year because the former owners demanded that the building not demolish the building, but instead consult with the public and consider community use for the building.
District council spokesman Murray Washington said a report will be sent to councilors in November on options for the future of the building.