The City of Wall Lake and Wall Lake Historical Society are exploring a joint effort to complete much-needed restorations to the childhood home of famous singer, Andy Williams. Clerk, Chris Rodman, says the home, which sits at the intersection of Center and 1st Streets on the southern edge of town, was built 140 years ago and is definitely showing its age.
The initial cost estimate for the foundation repairs is just under $11,000. According to Rodman, they are applying for funds from the Gill and Barbara Renze Charitable Trust and a Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) grant from the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA). Any remaining amount not covered by grant funds will be paid by the Wall Lake Historical Society. Rodman says the site draws a surprising number of visitors town, even after Williams death in 2012.
Williams was born inside the home in Wall Lake on Dec. 3, 1927. He went on to become one of the most well-known singers in the industry. Over the course of his 70-year career, Williams sold more than 100 million records worldwide, was featured on television and in films and hosted the Andy Williams Show from 1962 to 1971.
