City seeks private donations to help pay for renovating historic Natchez golf clubhouse

NATCHEZ, Miss. – Private donors are being sought to help fund the renovation of the city-owned Duncan Park Golf Clubhouse.

Construction costs have soared above the $500,000 originally earmarked in 2021 by the Natchez Board of Aldermen for the historic structure’s refurbishment.

Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson is asking people to contribute money to match $50,000 that an anonymous local donor has committed as city officials aim at a final $100,000 needed to get the project started. 

“Even if you are not a golfer, this is a much-needed economic driver that will help attract residents, businesses and conventions,” states an e-mailed solicitation from the mayor.

Interested donors can go to a website that’s been set up for contributions: https://givebutter.com/I6AB3s

Natchez aldermen have had to turn down contractors’ bids twice for the project in recent months because their costs busted the budget. New construction bids are being presented for the mayor and aldermen to review next month.

The board agreed in November to increase the amount of money budgeted to renovate the clubhouse. The amount allocated includes money the board borrowed in 2021 through bonds and the additional private donations.

Plans for the deteriorating structure have called for it to be outfitted with country club-like accommodations and fixtures at a cost of more than $1 million. The city has contracted north Mississippi architect Belinda Stewart, a historic preservation specialist, as project designer.

Built in 1948 as a U.S. Navy Reserve facility, the Duncan Park building is a state-designated historic Mississippi Landmark.  It became a branch of the University of Southern Mississippi and eventually was converted into the golf facility that’s now in disrepair.