Union Trust building upgraded after estate planning donation

A North Huntingdon woman who died in 2016 left $75,000 to the Westmoreland Cultural Trust in her will, one of the first major donations left to the nonprofit organization from estate planning.

Funds donated by Linda Whitehead, who died Jan. 14, 2016, were used to upgrade to Union Trust building that was built in 1921. Now used by Cultural Trust administrative staff and for the Incubator for the Arts program — which offers short leases, internet and unlimited hours to artists — the building has new carpeting and paint.

A picture hanging system also was installed in a hallway to display artwork from program participants.

“Yes, we are a nonprofit in need of money, but we should not appear destitute, which is the first impression created when visitors climb the stairs to threadbare carpeting, crumbled linoleum and holes in the walls,” interim CEO Nancy Anderson said in a release. “My intention is to bring us to ‘good enough’ with these minor upgrades.”

At the request of Whitehead and her late husband S. Wayne Whitehead, Cultural Trust staff members also are looking into other physical upgrades at the Stark/James Block and the Greensburg Garden and Civic Center, as well as enhanced security measures at The Palace Theatre.

A specific cost for those upcoming projects has not yet been decided, said Jennifer Benford, marketing manager at the trust. The Westmoreland Cultural Trust has an operating budget of $2.6 million this year.

According to the Cultural Trust’s website, the Stark/James Block started in 1889 when the Stark Hotel was built. The Greensburg Garden and Civic Center was donated to the city in 1969 and The Palace Theater was built in 1926.

The trust invites others to consider similar gifts in their estate planning adding, “In your will there’s a way.” The trust fosters cultural and economic development in the county and region.