NATCHEZ — Renovating the bandstand gazebo on the bluff has turned out to be a much bigger project than originally anticipated for local civic groups.

Rotary Club of Natchez past president Curtis Moroney said the club pledged $10,000 toward the project, but said he anticipated it costing more than that.

Moroney said he is unsure what the total cost will be, but the cost to replace just the eight columns on the gazebo will be $5,500.

The gazebo, which was originally built as a bandstand, is being renovated through the efforts of the Rotary Club, the Community Alliance, the Adams County Master Gardeners, the City of Natchez and other groups.

The Rotary Club has so far removed the shrubbery that encircled the gazebo, which Moroney said were never supposed to be planted. The shrubbery, Moroney said, has been responsible for the gazebo substructure holding moisture and thus rotting.

The columns will be replaced without removing the roof and the decking, Moroney said.

The roof and decking will hopefully be replaced at a later date, Moroney said, as well as lighting added to the structure.

One of the issues with completing the project, Moroney said, will be working around the rental schedule for the gazebo.

The structure is rented out by the city for $100 for weddings and other events.

Moroney’s father, Charles, was the original architect that designed the bandstand gazebo.

The Pilgrimage Garden Club placed the gazebo on the bluff in honor of Katherine Grafton Miller, who spearheaded the formation of Natchez Pilgrimage, Historic Natchez Foundation Executive Director Mimi Miller said.

Mimi Miller is providing guidance to the Rotary Club and the Community Alliance to ensure the renovations to the gazebo are in keeping with the structure’s historic character.

The Community Alliance is providing volunteers and possible funding through the Master Gardeners and the Natchez Trails Project Committee, City Engineer and Community Alliance Co-chair David Gardner said.

The city is providing equipment and labor through Natchez Public Works, Gardner said.

Moroney and Gardner said the gazebo restoration is important because the structure is a focal point of the bluff.

Moroney said the gazebo is an important symbol of the bluff.

“It will certainly be an absolute showpiece (after the renovation), and we want to restore it to the way it needs to be,” Moroney said.

Anyone interested in volunteering or donating funds or materials for the gazebo project should contact Moroney at 601-445-2475.