A down payment was made and a contract written which gave Alderson Main Street two years to raise the rest of the money. Money came from many sources including a $10.000 grant from the Daywood Foundation which had to be matched dollar for dollar. It was done with many small individual contributions and that was a big accomplishment! The property was paid for and deeded to the Town of Alderson.

The next challenge was the renovation and a concept emerged of a fully restored 1950’s era Gulf Station with period enhancements such as the gas pumps, a Coke machine, and other bits and pieces appropriate to the time. Landscaping the area and providing additional parking was also important. Creating multipurpose space inside the service bays and a display on the ecology of the river were also envisioned.  A new title emerged as the concept solidified and the project became the “Greenbrier River Interpretative Center”  (GRIC). 

 A Transportation Enhancement Grant (TE) was applied for but was not granted.  We tried again.  This time we were successful and needed to raise the 20%.  Again we worked hard.  We got money from the Hollowell Foundation, the Greenbrier County Commission Arts and Recreation Fund, Daywood Foundation, our legislators, and individual donors.  That gave us $95,000 to start with.  We advertised for an architect and were fortunate to obtain the services of Dan Hart, Architect, and Mike Gioulis, Historic Preservationist.  They developed overall plans for the GRIC and broke the renovation into phases.   

Meanwhile, we applied for another Transportation Enhancement Grant and received $192,000 which, when matched, would be $240,000.  We had already been working to generate the match and finally achieved it the Fall of 2007.  Again we were supported by individual donors, the Greenbrier County Commission’s Arts and Recreation Fund. the Hollowell and Daywood Foundations, our Legislators, the Governor, and many others.