Private home restoration the latest Quincy Preserves effort – Herald-Whig

Posted: Jul. 2, 2017 12:01 am Updated: Jul. 3, 2017 1:55 pm

QUINCY Preserves has stepped forward to help homeowners do exterior restoration on properties in any of Quincy's seven historic districts.

A new Private Home Facade Renovation Funding Program will provide a $1,000 matching grant for exterior restoration other than roofing. It serves as an option for homeowners who previously did not have any local support programs to access.

Quincy Preserves President Vicki Ebbing hopes the restoration grants will help homeowners maintain historically significant homes. Grant applicants must have been members of Quincy Preserves for at least 12 months, and homes must have been built between 1830 and 1950.

Quincy Preserves was formed in the mid-1970s as an outgrowth of the Quincy Society of Fine Arts. The organization has encouraged owners of historically and architecturally significant structures to restore and maintain the buildings in their original condition.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Quincy Preserves first facade restoration project at the former Pix Photo building at Seventh and Maine. Other properties that have benefitted from the facade program are at 111 Jail Alley, 833 Kentucky and 117 Hampshire.

A donation program also has helped nonprofit organizations maintain the History Museum at 332 Maine, the Quincy Museum at 1601 Maine and Villa Kathrine at 532 Gardner Expressway. Other restoration work has helped the Washington Theater, Woodland Cemetery and the Dr. Richard Eells House.

In addition, the Quincy Preserves Plaquing Program has presented bronze plaques to the owners of more than 100 homes, churches and other significant structures.

Clearly, Quincy is blessed with many historic sites and architectural treasurers, and Quincy Preserves has played a significant role in helping to safeguard those resources.

Moreover, the grant program for private homes will expand the group's outreach into historic neighborhoods. It also will boost the local economy by matching owner investments in exterior restoration projects -- doubling the work that might be possible for property owners with a tight budget.

Quincy Preserves continues to seek out new ways to help preserve architectural gems. This latest partnership with residential owners should pay dividends for years to come.

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Private home restoration the latest Quincy Preserves effort - Herald-Whig