Technical Assistance Grants - 2012
The Preservation League launched a new grantmaking partnership with the New York State Council on the Arts with the debut of the Technical Assistance Grant program (TAG). The League’s Strategic Plan identified the need for a small grants program that would offset the cost of professional services needed to get a preservation project off the ground. TAG meets that need with grants of up to $3,000.
Nonprofit groups and municipalities now have a new funding source to help them address restoration, stewardship, and reuse issues at arts and cultural facilities.
In its first year, TAG funds assisted projects undertaken by 2 municipalities and 11 nonprofit groups with grants totaling $33,833. The 13 properties receiving timely assistance from architects, engineers, and other design professionals include an urban house museum and a former mill now offering gallery spaces. The preservation challenges typify key issues faced by other institutions across the state.
Historic Cherry Hall | Albany, Albany County
Built in 1787 for Philip and Maria Van Rensselaer, Cherry Hill was continuously occupied by the same family until it became a museum in 1963. Fire is one of a house museum’s greatest threats and a risk assessment will help Historic Cherry Hill integrate best practices in fire prevention and suppression as it continues with a major restoration project.
Shaker Heritage Society | Colonie, Albany County
A structural engineering assessment for the former manure shed at this museum’s early 20th century barn complex will guide its rehabilitation and future use plans.
Gowanda’s Historic Hollywood Theater | Gowanda, Cattaraugus County
The grant supports the ongoing restoration of the 1926 downtown theater through a rehabilitation study of existng seating with the goal of meeting building code and accessibility requirements.
Hanford Mills Museum | East Meredith, Delaware County
The sources of porch failure at the former Walter J. Smith Hardware Store, a key component of the milling hamlet museum complex, were examined through a conditions survey. The results will guide rehabilitation of this building which houses this group’s archive, offices, meeting space and the community post office.
Woodchuck Lodge | Roxbury, Delaware County
An interior conditions assessment will guide restoration of this National Historic Landmark, the summer home (1910-1920) of famed naturalist and writer John Burroughs.
Historic Fort Plain | Fort Plain, Montgomery County
A handsome former Universalist Church, now vacant, holds the promise of hosting arts and community activities. The potential for reuse will be better understood thanks to the results of a building conditions survey.
Orleans Renaissance Group | Medina, Orleans County
The 1865 Bent’s Opera House typifies the multi-story, multi-purpose buildings constructed as community cultural and commercial anchors in the 19th century. Now vacant, a building code study will guide reuse options aimed at reintroducing public access to the third floor performance space.
Village of Cooperstown | Cooperstown, Otsego County
Designed by noted architect Ernest Flagg and completed in 1898, 22 Main Street houses a library, a gallery, government offices and the police station, making it the heart of Village activities. A feasibility study will examine how arts and government functions can be better accommodated in this landmark.
GARNER Arts Center | Garnerville, Rockland County
The TAG award funded a feasibility study to relocate the Arts Center’s main gallery to the former mill cafeteria, following extensive damage to the gallery building during Hurricane Irene.
Bellport-Brookhaven Historical Society | Bellport, Suffolk County
The grant supported an initial assessment of the 1833 Post-Crowell House, one of eight buildings owned by the Bellport-Brookhaven Historical Society. Findings will help the society begin long-term planning for the maintenance and capital needs of their building collection.
Newark Valley Historical Society | Newark Valley, Tioga County
A moisture-monitoring procedure will be established to address plaster and paint failure at the 1840 Bement-Billings Farmstead, the focal point of a living history museum.
Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts | Trumansburg, Tompkins County
Founded as a multi-arts center and performance space in a stately Greek Revival-style former church, the building suffers from roof, gutter and foundation damage, all due to water infiltration. The grant-supported building conditions survey establishes remedies and cost estimates to guide rehabilitation.
Village of Palmyra | Palmyra, Wayne County
The rare 1906 metal and wood Quatrefoil Bandstand remains the focal point of community activities including concerts and arts events, but required a conditions survey to guide its rehabilitation.