KERNERSVILLE, N.C. — Leaders of the historic Körner’s Folly Museum say that despite surpassing a $2.5 million fundraising goal for a new visitor center, they will need to raise more money for the project because of a pandemic-related spike in construction costs.

In a report released in September, the Associated General Contractors of America found a 1.1% increase in prices for parts and labor from July to August this year.

“We did see inflation hit us hard for this building, so we are continuing to fundraise for this building for sustainability for the functionality,” Körner’s Folly Foundation Executive Director, Suzanna Ritz Malliett said.

Körner’s Folly was built in 1880 by an interior decorator to showcase his work. The 22-room mansion features unique architecture and furniture, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Malliett says the visitor center will offer wheelchair accessibility and provide people with limited mobility a media room for virtual tours of the home section of the museum.

The new space will also be used for workshops and to showcase artifacts that can’t be displayed in the home.

“It will have a collection space in the new visiting center for folks to see things they have never seen before, mostly fragile documents, fragile textiles and fabrics clothing,” Malliett said.

The building is expected to open to the public next year and has received funding from more than 100 individuals, the state and the town of Kernersville.

To learn more about the museum or to donate, click here.