Three opulent main floor rooms at the historic Reddick Mansion in Ottawa look better today than in many decades. And Saturday evening members of the public are welcome to see for themselves.

The Italianate mansion commissioned in 1855 by Ottawa businessman and politician William Reddick has been open on reduced hours since January while careful, painstaking restoration of the rooms was carried out.

A highlight to the project is the addition of "new" period furniture with an Ottawa connection.

The three linked rooms on the east side of the building overlooking Columbus Street now glow after the application of new paint and a thorough cleaning of all the window treatments, furniture and other appointments.

"So, it's kind of the new 'old look,' " said Diane Sanders, president of the Reddick Mansion Association Board of Directors.

There also are parlors across the central hallway on the west side of the building that have been redecorated and are available for special event rentals.

"The other side is equally as historic," said Sanders. "But these three rooms on the east side are representative of 1855 in every respect."

A considerable amount of plaster work was done on the east side front parlor.

"That was just a mess," she said, gesturing to a now-smooth wall. "The whole wall had to be scraped and replastered. When they got all the plaster off they showed be where the original chalk lines had been snapped."

The accumulated paint in the room was very thick.

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Reddick Mansion Restoration: Renovations, refreshments Saturday evening

The Dover Board of Selectmen presented an update on the estimated $94,000 project to restore the Rev. Benjamin Caryl House. The house, built in 1777, was home to Caryl and his family.

The restoration work would include repairs to the exterior woodwork, plaster finish and wood sash and frames, as well as interior and exterior paint jobs.

According to Chairwoman Carol Lisbon, the process to fix the property, which Dover Town Historian Dick Vara called one of the finest examples of early rural Georgian architecture in the area, began with a Town Meeting vote in 2009 to use $10,000 to pursue a study on the Caryl House.

At last years Town Meeting, $150,000 was approved to start construction on the project and to preserve this wonderful asset to Dover, said Lisbon.

There are currently six competing bids to do the project, and once a contractor is selected, work will begin.

She added, The next step will be for Richard Smith, who is our architect, to review all these bidders.

Board member James P. Dawley Jr. made a motion to accept the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for the contract, which was seconded by Joseph Melican.

Lisbon noted that less work needed to be done than previously thought and the cost came in lower than expected. She thanked Assistant Town Administrator Greer Pugatch for her incredible efforts in working on the project.

The board also reviewed the ballot questions for the Dover Town Warrant. The first nine, Lisbon said, are standard, while articles 10 through 23 are new items.

Article 4 concerns the operating budget items. These items include the appropriation of $10,436 from debt services for septic repairs.

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Caryl House restoration project draws 6 bids

27-03-2012 15:29 http://www.cleanflood.com 718 951 0047 Welcome to CleanFlood.com, your local 24-hour rapid response team for mold removal, inspection and water damage restoration. We handle any situation anytime anywhere within 30 minutes. Our services also include water damage restoration and anything having to do with flood or sewage clean-up. We are PMII-certified for residential and commercial mold inspection and remediation, and we provide free telephone consultations with no cost or obligation whatsoever. We will even visit your home -- for free -- just to fully ascertain your situation! We will restore your home or business in record time and even help you deal with your insurance company. With twenty years in the industry, CleanFlood.com has the know-how to quickly and safely have you fully recovered from any water-related disaster our experts not only repair structural damage, but can also reupholster your furniture! No job is too small or too big to handle, including small overflows, pipe ruptures, debris extraction, mold remediation, sewage clean-up, and odor removal. We also replace walls, ceiling, carpets, tiles, hardwood, and all other types of flooring. Your courteous CleanFlood.com technicians will do it all with a high degree of professionalism and craftsmanship. And don't forget that your CleanFlood.com rapid response team even includes an adjuster who will take care of all your insurance billing for you! Because we know how traumatic these situations can be, we do everything ...

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Best New York Mold Removal

WASHINGTON -- Los Angeles County, Calif., leads the nation in total county remodeling expenditures per year at $8.4 billion, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Meanwhile, regarding remodeling dollars spent per household, Nantucket County, Mass., ranks highest with a yearly average of $8,520.

"Residential remodeling is one of the housing industry's bright spots, and in some parts of the country this is more true now than ever," said NAHB Remodelers Chairman George "Geep" Moore Jr., GMB, CAPS, GMR and owner/president of Moore-Built Construction & Restoration Inc. in Elm Grove, La. "The level of remodeling activity varies by region and town, but home owners throughout the country are increasingly choosing to renovate their homes or build additions to meet their changing lifestyles."

While the average value across all counties nationwide for total remodeling expenditures per year is $66 million, the following is a breakdown of top counties by region:

West: Los Angeles County, Calif., $8.4 billion Midwest: Cook County, Ill., $4 billion Northeast: Nassau County, N.Y., $1.9 billion South: Miami-Dade County, Fla., $1.7 billion

The average amount spent on remodeling projects per household nationwide is $1,907. The top counties by region for remodeling spending per home are as follows:

"Nationally, we're forecasting a continued increase in the demand for residential repairs and improvements," said NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe. "Based on our analysis of the remodeling spending numbers, we are able to identify areas of the country where our members can take advantage of this growing opportunity. The county estimates also include useful information on the local conditions that influence remodeling spending--particularly the number, age and value of owner-occupied homes."

The NAHB model uses data from the American Housing Survey--which is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau--to estimate local remodeling based on home and home owner characteristics. It is then applied to the information on every county's homes and home owners that the Census Bureau released late last year from its American Community Survey.

A list of the top five counties for remodeling spending and average remodeling spending per home in the Northeast, Midwest, South and West regions is available http://www.nahb.org/topremodelingcounties. To search all counties, visit http://www.nahb.org/countydata.

For more information about remodeling, visit nahb.org/remodel.

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NAHB Identifies Top Counties for Residential Remodeling

Corsicana County Commissioners got an update Monday on the status of the Texas Historical Commissions grant offer to restore the Navarro County Courthouse.

Navarro County was at the top of this years grant request list based on a scoring method for restoration applications, said Sharon Fleming, who helps oversee the Courthouse Restoration program for the Texas Historical Commission.

Navarro County has been offered a grant of about $4.5 million to proceed with the project thats about half of what will be needed based on latest estimates.

On a practical level, youll receive a building with all new systems, Fleming said, noting that electrical, plumbing, mechanical and data systems will be brought up to modern standards as a part of the restoration.

The historical integrity of the building is maintained, she said.

Fleming and Susan Gammage, who will serve as Navarro Countys project reviewer, also said the local community will likely see some benefits from the renovation in the form of the creation of local jobs, and construction and payroll dollars spent in the local economy.

(Contractors) will be using local people as much as they can, said County Judge H.M. Davenport Jr.

Fleming said the county chooses and hires the contractor for the restoration work.

Gammage also told commissioners that after the restoration project, what she called Heritage tourists would bring new tourism dollars to the area.

In addition to deciding how to proceed with the restoration, the county still needs to consider an alternate facility to serve as courthouse during the work, and identify which county offices may not be returning to the courthouse after the restoration work has been completed. It is likely a few offices will have new homes at an annex or other location after the proposed project.

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County hears restoration update

JENNIFER HUFFMAN Napa Valley Register | Posted: Tuesday, March 27, 2012 7:00 pm |

More than a year and a half since the City Council approved the remodel of the former Fagianis bar in downtown Napa, owner Steve Hasty has started construction on the historic structure.

Were back to work, Hasty said Monday. Were going to push hard to try to open in July.

Hasty is remodeling the building and adding a third story to the structure, formerly home to Fagianis Cocktail lounge. Fagianis operated as a bar at 813 Main St. from the 1940s until the mid-70s. It closed soon after its co-owner, Anita Andrews, was found dead inside.

In September, Hasty announced that AvroKO, a New York restaurant design firm, had signed a lease to convert the long-defunct tavern into an eatery.

Hasty estimated that he will spend $800,000 to $1 million on the remodel, including the seismic upgrade. AvroKO is responsible for the build-out of the restaurant, he said.

They will spend probably what I have put into it and then some, Hasty said.

This past week, construction workers removed the old tan tile from above the first floor to reveal the framework of the building.

To Hastys delight, there is enough framework left to be able to accurately recreate the old clerestory row of windows along the ceiling of the first floor.

I was very happy with what was left, Hasty said. I can replicate the old windows back to 1909 when it was originally built.

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Restoration of the former Fagiani’s bar underway

Published on Mar 27, 2012

A file picture taken on March 20, 2012 shows a statue of Britain's Queen Victoria outside Kensington Palace in central London during a photocall to showcase a 12 million GBP (14.4m euros/19m USD) restoration of the historic palace. Kensington Palace, the former home of Princess Diana and the future abode of her son Prince William and his wife Catherine, reopened to the public on Monday after two years of renovation. -- PHOTO: AFP

LONDON (AFP) - Kensington Palace, the former home of Princess Diana and the future abode of her son Prince William and his wife Catherine, reopened to the public on Monday after two years of renovation.

Officials said new exhibitions, including a display of the late Princess Diana's dresses, had seen ticket sales far exceed those expected on opening day at the 407-year-old red-brick palace.

'We're expecting a thousand visitors a day, but today we had that many just in the first two hours,' a spokesman for Historic Royal Palaces, the charity which manages the building, told AFP.

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Princess Diana's home Kensington Palace reopens to public

MIAMI SPRINGS, Fla., March 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --City of Miami Springs and Curtiss Mansion, Inc. announce a "Sneak Preview" of the restored historic South Florida home of famed aviator, inventor and visionary Glenn Hammond Curtiss originally built in 1925. Curtiss, the "Father of Naval Aviation," moved to South Florida from Hammondsport, New York during the land boom of the 1920s. From 1920-1930, Curtiss developed the cities of Miami Springs, Hialeah and Opa-locka, Florida before his death in the 1930 at age 52. Before his untimely passing, Curtiss made a significant impact in the South Florida landscape. His vision of creating three different geographic areas among the cities allowed him to partner with James Bright creating landmarks such as Hialeah Race Track. On Sunday, April 1st, 2012 the community will have the opportunity to gain a "Sneak Preview" of Curtiss' home, now a center for education, preservation and inspiration.

The legendary Curtiss Mansion, damaged by multiple fires, has taken thirteen years of perseverance and a true community effort to rebuild to its original grandeur. Curtiss Mansion, Inc. (CMI), a Florida not-for-profit organization, was established to take the leadership role in restoring the home. "I fell in love with the story of Glenn H. Curtiss, and felt it was my duty to be involved in its restoration and share the stories of all unsung heroes," says JoEllen Morgan, President of CMI. "We are also excited by our partnership with Captain Barrington Irving's STEM academy to be located at the Mansion in Miami Springs."

"The City of Miami Springs is proud to partner with CMI; they have done an outstanding job in the restoration of the Mansion," says Mayor Zavier Garcia. "Our community can only benefit from restoring this national treasure by our Founder and we want to share it with the world," says City Manager Ron Gorland.

The "Sneak Preview" of the Glenn Curtiss Mansion located at 500 Deer Run in Miami Springs is scheduled Sunday, April 1st, 2012 from 1 p.m.-5:00 p.m. The focus of the event is to share the mission of the restored Curtiss Mansion as a center for education and a venue of historic significance and beauty. Be one of the first in the country to tour the home of Glenn H. Curtiss and enjoy afternoon music, food and the outdoors with your family, friends and neighbors.

For more information and detailed directions to the venue and parking, visit http://www.curtissmansion.org.

CONTACT:

Lily Saborit Contact Number: (305) 710-1219 Email: tpgmami@aol.com

This press release was issued through eReleases(R). For more information, visit eReleases Press Release Distribution at http://www.ereleases.com.

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Historic Florida Estate of Inventor, Developer and 'Father of Naval Aviation' Glenn H. Curtiss Restored After Thirteen ...

When designing a home, we must take every detail into consideration from large the furnishings down to the small things like wastebaskets. Think of it: you spend $50K, $60K or $100K on your new bathroom and you've invested in granite tile installed by the finest tile expert in the city will you be using a cheap $10 plastic wastebasket, or will you want something that matches the look and style you've spent time and money achieving?

Whether it's for a bathroom, home office or bedroom the wastebasket is usually right out in the open. After all, they are functional items that are used all the time and it makes sense to have them right at hand when needed. There are some astonishingly beautiful wastebaskets available that will live up to the most luxurious surroundings. Here are eight that caught my eye:

Smokador Executive Wastebasket by Knoll: The Smokador Wastebasket comes from Knoll, one of the icons of mid-century modern furniture manufacturers. The simple rectangle wastebasket comes in a matte black oxide coated satin brass that is pre-plated and lacquered for a rust-proof finish, making it a great choice for a sleek bathroom as well as an office. $218

Newbury Wastebasket from Restoration Hardware: The Newbury wastebasket is a luxuriously glamorous piece made of zinc and stainless steel with a hand-polished finish. Finish options include polished chrome or nickel, or a satin nickel. $99

Raffia Square Wastebasket from Waterworks: The Raffia wastebasket has the perfect combination of modern sleekness with the warm texture of a natural raffia exterior. Made by Waterworks, one of the most luxe bathroom brands in the marketplace, this small wastebasket would work not only in bathroom settings, but also home offices or bedrooms. $120

The Etoile Round Waste Can: The Etoile Round Waste Can is one of the most luxurious products in the field. The gorgeous design, which features a lid operated by a pedal, is European inspired and classic. The piece is cast brass and is nickel plated. It is a substantial size and weight and will stay put when operated hands-free. $3,154

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Luxury Garbage Cans?

Penn will once again be represented at the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphias Preservation Achievement Awards Luncheon.

The George A. Weiss Pavilion will be receiving the Grand Jury Award on May 8, along with 16 other restored historic buildings in the Philadelphia area. The restoration and construction of the Music Building also won the award in 2010.

The Preservation Achievement Awards are given out every year to projects that demonstrate the best practices in historical preservation in the Philadelphia area, said Ben Leech, the Alliances advocacy director.

The Weiss Pavilion took home the award for Penn because it demonstrated the importance of really studying a buildings history, Leech said.

During the restoration, the architects realized that the level of the street adjacent to the building had been raised years ago, according to University Architect David Hollenberg. They then discovered that the structures foundation was lower to the ground than they thought, allowing for additional space at the bottom of the building.

After determining the base was still stable and the extra room could be incorporated into the design of the restoration, the architects built a new level using the extra space, Hollenberg said.

Hollenberg oversaw the restoration project in collaboration with Crawford Architects.

For Penn, this award is very gratifying, added Hollenberg, who has also been teaching at the School of Design for 24 years in the Historic Preservation Department.

Its wonderful to have one of the leading preservation organizations in the United States recognize the quality of your work, he said. It validates the care and respect that Penn takes with its historic buildings.

This year will be the award luncheons 19th year, where 600 like-minded people can get together and celebrate Philadelphia architecture, Leech said.

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Weiss Pavillion to receive award for restoration by preservation group