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As the June 30 completion date of exterior renovations on the 1846 Blodgett House approaches, the Downers Grove Park District is considering releasing $25,000 for the cause.
Last summer, the Downers Grove Heritage Preservation Corp. funded the relocation of the village’s historic home from 812 Randall St., across a grassy lot to 831 Maple Ave., onto the Downers Grove Park District Museum campus.
Since that time, the group has continued to raise funds and oversee the first phase — exterior renovations.
Charley Smart, member of the preservation group, said from the beginning, the Park District has held $25,000 as a security deposit in case the project failed and would then be demolished.
“It is private money raised from individuals and businesses and through other events we’ve had,” Smart said. “At this point, we are so close that $25,000 can now be spent for actual use on the house for renovation. That was written into the original agreement that the Park Board would have the authorization to release that money at a point they saw fit.”
During Thursday’s, June 18, Park Board meeting, where board President Bob Gelwicks and Commissioner Ron Smith were absent, Commissioner Kathryn Engel-Accettura was the only voice of opposition in releasing the money.
“I continue to maintain the position that it’s a wonderful project, but from the beginning I have had concerns about how the fundraising would be able to complete the project and where plan B was in regards to if they fell short,” Engel-Accettura said.
Park District Administrator Dan Cermak said he would contact Gelwicks and Smith for their opinion on releasing the money.
“If they concur, we should proceed. I would give notification to Charley’s group that they can proceed,” Cermak said. “As a matter of a formality, a generic motion will be placed on the consent agenda for (the) July (meeting.)”
Commissioners Janet Barr and Cathy Mahoney were both in favor of handing the money over to the group so the home can reach the point where it is prepared for winter.
With the funds, Smart said new siding will be put on as well as sidewalks and landscaping.
“This $25,000 will bring us within a stone’s throw of finishing the exterior renovations,” Smart said.
The group’s next fundraising opportunity is the benefit concert Friday, June 26, for Heritage Festival where Night Ranger is performing. The cover charge is $5 per person.
The exterior renovations so far completed at the home include a new roof line and period-style windows and front door.
| On the web More information about the 1846 Blodgett House is posted on the Downers Grove Heritage Preservation Corp. Web site, 1846blodgetthouse.org. |
As the June 30 completion date of exterior renovations on the 1846 Blodgett House approaches, the Downers Grove Park District is considering releasing $25,000 for the cause.
Last summer, the Downers Grove Heritage Preservation Corp. funded the relocation of the village’s historic home from 812 Randall St., across a grassy lot to 831 Maple Ave., onto the Downers Grove Park District Museum campus.
Since that time, the group has continued to raise funds and oversee the first phase — exterior renovations.
Charley Smart, member of the preservation group, said from the beginning, the Park District has held $25,000 as a security deposit in case the project failed and would then be demolished.
“It is private money raised from individuals and businesses and through other events we’ve had,” Smart said. “At this point, we are so close that $25,000 can now be spent for actual use on the house for renovation. That was written into the original agreement that the Park Board would have the authorization to release that money at a point they saw fit.”
During Thursday’s, June 18, Park Board meeting, where board President Bob Gelwicks and Commissioner Ron Smith were absent, Commissioner Kathryn Engel-Accettura was the only voice of opposition in releasing the money.
“I continue to maintain the position that it’s a wonderful project, but from the beginning I have had concerns about how the fundraising would be able to complete the project and where plan B was in regards to if they fell short,” Engel-Accettura said.
Park District Administrator Dan Cermak said he would contact Gelwicks and Smith for their opinion on releasing the money.
“If they concur, we should proceed. I would give notification to Charley’s group that they can proceed,” Cermak said. “As a matter of a formality, a generic motion will be placed on the consent agenda for (the) July (meeting.)”
Commissioners Janet Barr and Cathy Mahoney were both in favor of handing the money over to the group so the home can reach the point where it is prepared for winter.
With the funds, Smart said new siding will be put on as well as sidewalks and landscaping.
“This $25,000 will bring us within a stone’s throw of finishing the exterior renovations,” Smart said.
The group’s next fundraising opportunity is the benefit concert Friday, June 26, for Heritage Festival where Night Ranger is performing. The cover charge is $5 per person.
The exterior renovations so far completed at the home include a new roof line and period-style windows and front door.
| On the web More information about the 1846 Blodgett House is posted on the Downers Grove Heritage Preservation Corp. Web site, 1846blodgetthouse.org. |
