SAXTONS RIVER-The Preservation Trust of Vermont has awarded a Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization grant of $100,000 to 24 Main Street Ltd. for the rehabilitation of the 24 Main Street community building.
The 24 Main Street Community Building, built in 1840 as a Baptist church, now serves as a community center, housing a preschool, food pantry, and meeting rooms, and offers year-round public programming. The Bruhn grant will support restoration of the building's main facade, including removal of deteriorating vinyl siding, repair and painting of original wood elements, and storm window replacement.
"24 Main Community Building is at the heart of the historic village of Saxtons River," said Main Street Arts contact Margo Ghia in a news release. "As community members, we value the history that this former church has played in the community, both as a distinguishing building on Main Street but also as a place of community gatherings. We aim to carry on both of those values."
Ghia went on to say that the grant "is allowing us to be the caretakers of this beautiful building in a lasting way that will make sure that it remains a real asset to our community for the long term."
The 24 Main Street facade restoration project and the Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grant program are supported by the Historic Preservation Fund administered by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior.
The program supports the preservation and restoration of buildings and community gathering spaces of economic and social significance in rural communities with fewer than 7,500 residents. The grants range from $50,000 to $100,000 and are used toward structural repairs, roof replacement, window restoration, masonry repairs, exterior work, restoration of significant interior finishes, as well as code and energy efficiency improvements.
This Town and Village item was submitted to The Commons.