Latest news with #historicpreservation
BBC News
a day ago
- General
- BBC News
Students use summer school to repair 1750s Lancaster church roof
Heritage craft trainees have helped with repairs to the roof and masonry of a Grade II* church that dates back to the works to the Church of St John the Evangelist on North Road in Lancaster formed part of a summer school run by Historic England (HE) for 17 awarded the church a grant of £574,000 to carry out the repairs to the roof and the structure underneath, which have now been completed after it was damaged during Storm Desmond in from Lancaster and Morecambe College learned skills including hot lime mortar mixing, slate roofing, stonemasonry, plastering, joinery and mud masonry on site from master craftspeople. Florence Salberter, HE's heritage projects manager in the North West, said: "Bringing different skills together gives a very rich learning environment"."To actually work on the building with experienced people and learn from them is not something you can learn from college," she said. "You have to be doing it, you have to see it on site."It gave the trainees an "amazing experience", she church, in the heart of the city's conservation area, was once used for concerts, community events and home to a fair-trade café. However, this came to an end in 2015 following severe flooding during Storm Desmond, which led to deterioration in the condition of the building, including dry and wet rot is now hoped the church can become a community hub. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Albuquerque officials discuss moving historic diner to Route 66 Visitor Center
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – For some it's a childhood memory, 'I grew up there. I remember that diner like I mean growing up, we walked by it, we ate at it, we did everything because it was part of our community,' said one member during a Route 66 Visitor Center Commission meeting. Story continues below Education: APS Board members respond after vulgar text messages sent during board meeting Trending: Working group offers recommendations for AI use in schools to NM lawmakers News: Metropolitan Detention Center reports 6th inmate death this year And for others, it's about family legacy, 'My aunt and uncle were promised those things, I just think that their vision was to see it somewhere in the city,' said a Hernandez family member. The traveling Valentine Diner, known as the Little House Diner, has moved around the city from places like Downtown to Nob Hill. And now, the city will decide its future with this goal in mind, 'To fulfill the original intent of the donation by the Hernandez family, which was to preserve it and celebrate its individual history,' said Shelle Sanchez, Director of Arts and Culture with CABQ. The proposal is to move the diner from Nob Hill, where it's being repurposed as a police substation, to the Route 66 Visitors Center, where it will be restored as a functioning diner. 'To me, what has happened with the diner is a disgrace,' said one member of the commission about the adjustment made to its original design. 'Their vision was for it to be in a prominent place, and I don't feel like out here is in a prominent place,' said one Hernandez family member. Members of the Hernandez family questioned the newly formed Route 66 Visitor Center Commission about whether people would actually go to the location on the outskirts of town. 'We kind of want it to be used the way they wanted it to be used, and I don't get that impression from, you know, putting it out here,' said one Hernandez family member. A Larry Barker investigation revealed that the city spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to furnish the building without proper oversight. Three years after its ribbon-cutting, the building still isn't open to the public. The city said this could change by the end of the summer, as they are in the process of hiring staff for the center. They believe that with a sign park coming this fall, the center will pick up traction. 'We actually are very optimistic about the number of people that will come here,' said Sanchez. Nob Hill's Neighborhood Association said they will be disappointed if the diner is relocated, saying, 'The little diner is dear to our hearts. It's been there 28 years.' Members with Nob Hill Main Street expressed support for the project, saying, 'If there's a place where this Valentine diner can be properly showcased, then that should be what happens.' 'I do believe this is the right location for it. And I do think you will see that,' said Sanchez to members of the public at the meeting. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Fast Company
6 days ago
- General
- Fast Company
The Eames House in L.A. is open again after closing during the fires
After closing for five months due to smoke damage from the Palisades Fire, the Eames House (Case Study House #8) in Los Angeles has reopened to visitors—now with a more determined mission to serve as a place of community. Nearly 7,000 buildings were destroyed in the Palisades Fire, and though the Eames House was spared, cleanup efforts have been intensive. A crew took about a week to wipe away flame retardant that had been dropped to slow the fire from advancing from the outside of the home. They also dug up the property's plantings beds so the soil could be replaced due to concerns about toxic materials. 'We were very fortunate,' says Lucia Atwood, the granddaughter of architects Charles and Ray Eames who built the Pacific Palisades home in 1949. The home is a model of resilience, but its stewards were also proactive. Atwood tells Fast Company interventions began in 2011 to better fire- and drought-proof the home, which is a National Historic Landmark and on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Those efforts that took on greater urgency after the Getty Fire in 2019. 'At that point it became very clear that there were going to be an increasing number of of extremely damaging fires,' says Atwood, the former executive director of the Eames Foundation. The foundation has worked to harden the landscape, a process that included clearing brush and removing some of the more than 250 trees that were on the property. Subscribe to the Design latest innovations in design brought to you every weekday SIGN UP Reopening events this month with local leaders, neighbors, and fire survivors have turned the Eames House into an Eames home for the community, as is the case for patrons of the Palisades Library, which was destroyed in the fires. After offering the library the use of the property, including the home's studio, which is open to the public for the first time, for events like book clubs and sales, the head of the library got emotional, says Adrienne Luce, who was announced the Eames Foundation's first non-family member executive director in April. 'This place is for you,' Luce recalls telling the library's head, and she says she started to choke up. 'Being so close to the devastation actually is a wonderful opportunity to serve and support the local community and long-term community rebuilding efforts.' Reopening means 'really engaging and serving the local community,' Luce says.
Telegraph
20-07-2025
- Science
- Telegraph
Bats halt research plans at ‘nationally important' Neolithic mound
Plans to cut into a 4,000-year-old mound to allow further research on its history could be stopped by the presence of bats. The Castle Mound, also known as Marlborough Mound, in Wiltshire, is the second largest Neolithic mound in Europe at 62ft high. Marlborough College has applied for planning permission to try to 'enhance its setting' by demolishing school buildings that 'cut into' the west side of it. The aim is to carry out further archaeological research when the buildings are gone – and eventually put a new curved stone-faced revetment in to support the mound. But the presence of bats, which are protected, could halt the project. History and artistic significance In documents to support the application, the college said the mound was a 'nationally important scheduled monument' with significance including its prehistoric use, artistic interest and historic links to the Seymours, the family of Henry VIII's third wife Jane, the mother of Edward VI. The mound has been carbon dated to 2,400BC, and features part of a medieval castle as well as some 17th and 18th-century garden features. Wiltshire council has not yet made a decision on the application. But the council's ecology team has raised concerns that the buildings being earmarked for removal could be a haven for bats. It said in a report: 'The buildings on site appear to have some potential for roosting bats and there are records of bats, including roosting bats, in the local area. 'A preliminary roost assessment report has been submitted. The assessment found the buildings on site to be of moderate and high potential for roosting bats and recommended further surveys are carried out to determine the roosting status of each building and the requirement for mitigation (if any). 'The ecology team should be reconsulted once the results for all the surveys are available. 'Any compensation/mitigation measures required as a result of the surveys must be incorporated into the proposals. 'In carrying out its statutory function, the LPA must be reasonably sure that the proposal will not result in significant adverse effects on protected habitats or species.' The works are intended to enhance the visitor experience of the new Mound Information Centre being completed in the college grounds. The buildings imbedded into the mound include a decommissioned plant room, disused toilet block and a carpentry workshop which all have very little or no heritage value, according to the school. 'A great opportunity for surveys' Its supporting statement to the council said: 'It is proposed to demolish these buildings which partially block the viewing of the Mound as they are either redundant or, in the case of the workshop, relocate the activities to elsewhere in the college. 'By razing these buildings the setting of the Mound will be enhanced with 360 [degree] visibility.' The application stressed that special care will be taken not to dig into the Mound's bank or pull earth away, while green foliage between to Mound and the redundant buildings will be carefully removed. The supporting statement added: 'The demolition work will provide a great opportunity for further archaeological surveys to be carried out and provide more insight into the Mound build-up and its history.' The proposed works will be carried out on behalf of the Marlborough Mound Trust – set up in 2000 with a vision to restore, conserve, preserve and maintain the structure. The Marlborough Mound has been celebrated throughout the history of the college, where former pupils include the Princess of Wales. Wiltshire council is expected to decide on the application in August.
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Five local historic properties receive AARCH 30th Annual Preservation Awards
KEESEVILLE — This year's Adirondack Architectural Heritage Annual Awards winners have been announced. The program aims to recognize historic preservation work throughout the Adirondack Region, including examples of sensitive restoration, rehabilitation and demonstrated long-term stewardship. For the past 30 years, the awards have shone a light on the passions and work of the people who make historic preservation such an important part of the region's vitality, according to the organization's officials. 'Each year AARCH recognizes exemplary preservation and stewardship work through our Awards Program. This year's nine award winners reflect the diversity of the region's important architecture and highlight the expertise, vision, commitment, and hard work that ensure our incredible historic resource will be treasured for decades to come,' Christine Bush, preservation services director, said. The 2025 Preservation Award recipients are: Robert and Electa Waddell House: Restoration & Rehabilitation Johnsburg Historical Society, Johnsburg, Warren County Putnam Camp: Long-Term Stewardship Putnam Camp Board of Directors, Keene Valley, Essex County Putnam Camp was established as a summer retreat in the mid-1870s and has operated as a non-profit since the 1930s, hosting up to 40 seasonal visitors each year in its picturesque assemblage of farm buildings and rustic cabins. The core of the complex comprises the farmhouse and barn of the former Beede farmstead, which was established around 1850. Three prominent Boston families, the Putnams, the James and Bowditches, purchased the property in the mid-1870s, forming Putnam camp and adding structures through the end of the century. The camp features a decentralized, multi-building plan of rustic structures fabricated with local materials. The camp buildings' simple vernacular design made use of local materials, such as cedar shingles, untrimmed logs, bark and twiggy embellishments. Stowersville House: Restoration Deborah Coffin, Lewis, Essex County Stowersville House is the last remaining structure from the thriving 19th-century village centering around the Stower forge in Lewis. The community included a grist mill, general store, barber shop, school and several houses and barns in addition to the busy forge erected on Spruce Mill Brook in 1837. The village had become a ghost town by the 1970s, leading to the deterioration or demolition of its remaining structures. Stowersville House stood in a state of disrepair until Deborah Coffin bought it in 2005 and began the process of restoring it over the next 20 years. The oldest part of the house is an encased one and a half story post and beam structure, whose gable end faced the road. It was then extended on the east side, using an early balloon-framing technique, with mortised floor joists and large beams. Coffin and her team repaired the original wood siding, reconstructed the slate roof, repaired the foundation, restored the original windows, rebuilt the ell and restored the interior plasterwork. In addition, the house had no electricity or plumbing, so for many years Coffin worked with an old generator and mostly hand tools until having the building wired and plumbed. She also did extensive landscaping, incorporating stone walls and garden beds. Irish House: Restoration Patricia and John Cogswell, Loon Lake, Franklin County The Irish House was a core structure on the Loon Lake Hotel property, which opened in 1879 and flourished until 1929. Developed by Ferdinand and Mary Chase, the hotel complex was the size of a small village that could accommodate up to 1,000 visitors, situated on 3,000 acres along the Port Kent–Hopkinton Turnpike and comprising large hotel buildings, 50 individual cottages, an 18-hole golf course, and numerous supporting structures. Outside of the Ausable Club, Loon Lake is the most intact example of a hotel-based 19th-century resort community in the Adirondacks. The Irish House was constructed around 1905 as the second annex to the grand Loon Lake House and is the only surviving remnant of the hotel's core lodging. Other than a few years as a private residence, the Irish House has remained a hotel for the past 120 years. Patricia Cogswell and her husband John purchased the property in 2018 after watching it decline for several years. Since then, they have restored it, including repairing the exterior cladding, roof, entry stairs and porches. Inside, they repaired the plaster, woodwork, floors and original wood windows. They also kept original features, such as the tubs, room numbers and fire hose as well as obtained furniture and mirrors that they believe were original to the hotel. The restoration carries on the legacy of the Loon Lake Hotel, sharing the site's history with visitors new and old. Bateman Hotel: Rehabilitation Gregg Firster, Lowville, Lewis County MacNaughton Cottage: Restoration Open Space Institute, Newcomb, Essex County MacNaughton Cottage is the oldest and only intact residential structure from the early mining era in the historic village of Adirondac. This two-story saltbox house with an attached one-story wing was originally constructed in 1834 to house the owners and managers of the Adirondack Iron and Steel Company. The cottage stands as an example of early vernacular architecture and industrial history in the region. Notably, the attached wing functioned as the first bank in the Adirondacks. Decades after the closure of the mining operation, the property and its structures were repurposed as the headquarters for the Tahawus Club, the first sportsmen's club in the Adirondacks. Vice President Theodore Roosevelt was staying at the Tahawus Club with his family in 1901 when he received news that President William McKinley, who had been shot days earlier, was near death. Roosevelt began his legendary 'midnight ride to the presidency' from MacNaughton Cottage. Recognized for its historical significance, the cottage was listed as a contributing feature to the Upper Works Adirondack Iron and Steel Company Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977 and the New York State Register in 1980. The restoration of MacNaughton Cottage is a central component of the Open Space Institute's long-term stewardship and preservation efforts at the 212-acre Adirondac Upper Works property in Newcomb. After sitting vacant and deteriorating for nearly 40 years, OSI prioritized stabilization of the cottage when they acquired the property in 2003. After years of planning, research and local stakeholder engagement, OSI began full-scale exterior rehabilitation of MacNaughton Cottage in 2023 as the final piece of its decades-long vision to restore the Upper Works as a recreational and heritage destination while keeping in mind security, accessibility and long-term maintenance. The project included asbestos abatement, structural stabilization, reconstructing the front porch and replacing the roof. Strand Theatre: Restoration & Long-Term Stewardship Robert Card & Helen Zyma, Old Forge, Herkimer County Northwood Cabins: Long-Term Stewardship Brian & Renee Burns, Tupper Lake, Franklin County Northwood Cabins is an iconic example of mid-20th century roadside architecture that grew popular with the advent of the automobile. As people began to travel by car, their vacation needs changed and sites like these were the perfect place to stay. The Northwood Cabins were originally placed on Wawbeek Road in Tupper Lake before Arthur and Eva LaPorte moved them to Route 30 in the mid-1930s. Situated on the way into town, they were a welcoming and accessible place to rest. The LaPortes also assembled a kit house on the site in 1940 to serve as the office. Shortly thereafter, the property closed due to World War II. It reopened in 1945 and has operated almost continuously as a motel since, welcoming visitors to the Tri-Lakes region of the Adirondacks. To celebrate the reopening, the LaPortes' son designed, constructed and installed the iconic neon sign. Brian and Renee Burns purchased the property in 2016 and have worked to preserve and update the buildings as needed. This has included replacing roofs and reconstructing floors, bathrooms and kitchens, as well as updating the plumbing and electrical systems. Lastly, they commissioned a replica of the neon sign when the original was beyond saving. Today, Northwood Cabins provides a nostalgic experience with all the modern amenities. The Burns' thoughtful stewardship of the property has preserved this iconic mid-century lodging as a charming, affordable place to stay, with easy access to recreational sites in Tupper Lake and the broader area. Trude Fitelson: Lifetime Achievement Thousand Island Park, Jefferson County If You Go WHAT: Adirondack Architectural Heritage Preservation Awards Ceremony WHEN: 4-6:30 pm. Sept. 19 WHERE: Frontier Town Gateway in North Hudson, New York ADMISSION: This event is open to the public; tickets are $45. Read more about this year's awardees and purchase tickets or by calling 518-834-9328. Solve the daily Crossword
