31 Oct 2014
Crowdfunding campaign underway to restore Walt Disney's childhood home
BY Tom Anstey
Plans to restore the childhood home of Walt Disney have been revealed with the start of a fundraising campaign running until Disney’s 113th birthday on 5 December.
Built by Flora and Elias Disney in 1893, just outside of downtown Chicago, Walt and his nephew Roy Disney both grew up in the house.
The fundraiser is designed to support costs in relation to phase one of the Walt Disney Birthplace Restoration project, which will see the home completely restored to its original condition.
The developers are seeking US$40,000 (€31,700, £25,000) to fund the first phase of development, with a startsomegood.com campaign underway and already at more than US$12,000 (€9,536, £7,512). The crowdfunding campaign offers incentives based on levels of support, meaning contributors can get anything from a digital art pack to a night’s stay in the house as a VIP.
"So much is going on right now with the project,” said Todd Regan, executive director of the Walt Disney Birthplace project, speaking to AM2.
“Victorian era custom recreation windows have been ordered and we’ve signed off on phase one of the exterior renovation plans, which will be complete by Walt Disney’s birthday on 5 December.
"In the spring, we’ll continue the exterior restoration, with a target to finish the entire exterior of the home by the end of summer 2015. When complete, the home will be an amazing landmark and remarkable tribute to Chicago's most famous resident.”
Phase two of the plans, upon completion of the restoration, include creating a museum, visitor centre, community outreach programmes and a children’s charity are to be based out of the house.
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