Old church building soon to become studio gallery

By Gus Garcia

10/22/2003

The former First United Methodist Church on Pecan Street will soon be transformed into a studio gallery by local businessman Jay Johnson.

Situated across the street from the county courthouse (referred by some people as a jewel in Val Verde County’s Crown), is a decaying building that soon might become the crowing glory for the arts community.

The former First United Methodist Church on Pecan Street will soon be transformed into a studio gallery by local businessman Jay Johnson.

"I’m hoping (the studio) will attract more of the art community to Del Rio. We have a wonderful opportunity to bring more attention to downtown Del Rio," Johnson said.

He is planning to revive his career as an artist and will working with various mediums.

"I’m looking to have a place for me to work and display my work," Johnson said.

The building, originally constructed in 1883, belonged to the First United Methodist Church, and then it was a tire shack for Firestone dealers. After that, it changed hands to Robert Kusenberger, Johnson explained.

During that time, the building was falling into disrepair.

An estimated 400 pigeons lived in the building and with them, more than three tons of pigeon droppings. They were all removed from the building. The 2,000 square foot building is now empty and ready for complete cleaning.

The floors are going to be leveled. They became warped under the weight of the tires stored in there.

Inside the old church. Jay Johnson (right) issues instructions on how to restore the 120 year-old walls and original ceiling.

The original floor also had auditorium seating.

Johnson said plans include pulling up the original floor, laying a concrete foundation, and relaying the floorboards.

There were two spaces for wood burning stoves and Johnson wants to at least restore one.

There is plenty of space for more artists, hopefully, Johnson said. But he’s already "got dibs" on a spot near the front of the building.

"I’m being very selfish about this. But I’m going to have my work area near the front so that I can see the street and enjoy the neighborhood scenes," he said.

Johnson has purchased and restored or reconstructed various buildings within the community including the Cassinelli Gin House, Villa Del Rio, Pecan Street Station, Xprezzo Caffe building and a storefront building on Pafford, right on Main Street.

Johnson also has property in Brackettville, including the building where Barbara’s Table restaurant is now located as well as the old movie house in Brackettville.

The title search for the 1883 church led him to Kinney County.

"The church is 120 years old," Johnson said. "That’s four years older than the courthouse or Villa. It was there before Val Verde was known as a county."