Chelsea L. McGowan
cmcgowan@weatherforddemocrat.com
With the purchase of former mayor and Speaker of the House Jim Wright, the City of Weatherford was able to save money and preserve a piece of history.
The sale of Wright’s former home, located at 202 W. Oak St., was finalized last week.
From 1947 to 1949, Wright was a member of the Texas State House of Representatives. Wright was Weatherford Mayor from 1950 to 1954, before he was elected to the U.S. Congress.
The historic home will soon house administrative offices of the Weatherford Fire Department, as well as an office for Dennis Clayton, director of the Weatherford Economic Development Authority.
According to City Manager Jerry Blaisdell, the property is perfectly suited to the city’s needs.
“With the Jim Wright home, we can get more space for the money we’re spending and also preserve that home and its significance to the community,” Blaisdell said. “This space is more attractive and larger than what we would otherwise be working with. Also, its location right next to the fire station is very beneficial. I think this property will easily lend itself to conducting the business of the city.”
Blaisdell said the purchase will not alter the city’s budget, as funds were already set aside for a $200,000 fire station expansion and a $30,000 lease for WEDA office space.
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