Several historic buildings around the Homer Square are receiving new roofs and other improvements through a preservation initiative led by Main Street Homer.
Nanapuddins Antique Mall became the first downtown property to receive a new roof through the Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grant, which is supported in part by the National Park Service’s Historic Preservation Fund.
According to Main Street Homer, grant funding covered a significant portion of the project costs, helping make the preservation work more attainable for the building owners.
Work has also recently been completed on a new roof at Gray’s Jewelry. Additional improvements are planned for other properties around the Square, with Michaels Sporting Goods slated to receive grant assistance for its upper windows.
The Herbert S. Ford Memorial Museum and Corner Cup Coffee, a business expected to open on the Square, are next in line to receive new roofs through the program.
While roofing improvements may be less noticeable than other downtown renovations, Main Street Homer emphasized their importance in protecting historic structures. Preventing water intrusion helps preserve the architecture as well as the businesses, museums and organizations occupying the buildings.
Main Street Homer said pursuing grants and outside investment is an important part of its efforts to revitalize downtown, allowing property owners to undertake preservation projects while protecting the historic character of the Homer Square.
“One step at a time, we’re preserving Homer’s past and investing in its future,” the organization stated.