Historic Properties Receive Funding
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowTwo southern Indiana properties are included in the second year of funding from the Historic Renovation Grant Program. Speakman House in Aurora and the Sam Gilbert House/Reitz Apartments in Evansville received a combined total of $163,000.
The Office of Community and Rural Affairs awarded Mark Banschbach a $100,000 grant to preserve the 7,000 square foot Greek Revival residence Speakman House. The 1846-built home has 17 rooms on the banks of Laughery Creek, overlooking the Ohio River. Plans call for the property to host special events, tours, and possibly a bed-and-breakfast.
Spinnaker Holdings was granted $63,000 to preserve the Sam Gilbert House, which was built in 1863, and later remodeled into four apartments and named Reitz Apartments. The apartments are located in the main building and a carriage house holds a duplex. “Restoring and protecting these historic sites help these communities attract visitors, grow their local economy and preserve a piece of Indiana history,” said Jodi Golden, executive director of OCRA.
Golden says the grants cover exterior features, including roof replacement, window replacement and repair, along with masonry, facade and chimney work. For more information on eligibility and registration, click here.