Historic Preservation Trades Fair has something for all property owners
By JIM BROOKS
Nelson County Gazette / WBRT Radio
Sunday, March 19, 2017, 3 p.m. — If you own a home, you probably have a home repair or upgrade project that’s either being planned or awaiting completion. If you are interested in either doing it yourself or getting a professional’s input on your project, you don’t want to miss the Historic Preservation Trades Fair, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday March 25 at 219 E. Muir (the former Old Kentucky Home school building).
The free event is organized by the Bardstown Historic Preservation Coordinator RaShae Jennings and funded by grants that are bringing skill craftsmen and experts together for an event that promises to be a “one-stop shop” for those interested in home repairs and upgrades, regardless of a structure’s age.
While the event is geared toward historic preservation, there’s plenty of great information that owners of non-historic properties will benefit from.
The trades fair will feature a series of hour-long presentations on topics that include lead safety and lead-safe practices, window repair and restoration, and information on tax credits available to the owners of historic properties (See the workshop schedule below).
In addition to the workshops, more than two dozen vendors will be on hand to talk about your home repair or upgrade project.
The vendors include both local businesses and those from around the region, including Frank Welch of Welch Glass Repair Service; Joe Buckman Flooring; TLC Landscaping; Patron’s Home Center; H&M Roofing; Gartland’s Art Sales; Howard’s Metal Sales and more.
“That’s why I hope people will come out to support their community. Stop by and see your local businesses at work and see what they have to offer, you might find something there that surprises you.”
The vendors will be on the first floor, while the hourly workshops will be located in the second floor conference room at the end of the hallway.
While the topics are generally geared toward the maintenance and repair of historic properties, Jennings said the fair will have something for all homeowners because they were selected based on feedback from the community.
“I’ve structured the workshops based on what people have requested information about,” she said. “The workshops are geared to teach people who want to do things themselves, and the presenters will be able to tell you how to do it right.”
The list includes local experts as well as those from the region.
“As much as we encourage you to do it yourself, there are instances when you really can’t, and we’ll have experts on hand to give you one-on-one advice,” Jennings said. “It’s like one-stop shopping for finding out to repair your home.”
Jennings will also be available throughout the day to answer guest questions about the city’s historic district.
Trades Fair Workshop Schedule
click here to download the schedule
Please note: All workshops are located in the COBEC building’s second floor conference room at the end of the hallway.
9-10 a.m.: House Function Reuse, presented by Duffy Hoffman. Learn how to take care of an older home with preservation specialist Duffy Hoffman. Hoffman will explain the nature and purpose of materials used in vintage structures, how to repair them without affecting the architect’s original intent, and how to reverse flawed restorations and repairs. After this class, you will understand how to properly repair your historic home yourself and how to estimate the accurate scope of work in order to hire a professional contractor.
10-11 a.m.: Restore or Replace Your Windows, presented by Tom Francis and Duffy Hoffman. Learn about keeping windows in top shape. You will learn about the function of your windows and how to estimate the performance of new windows in a home. You will also learn all the facts about old windows, how and why it’s important to retain, restore, and preserve historic widows, and simple ways to upgrade them, as well as weatherization; window tune ups; ropes and chains; glazing; maintenance and more.
11 a.m.- Noon: State and federal tax credits, presented by Mike Radeke. If you are considering work on your historic structure, you may qualify for an up to 30 percent state tax credit for homeowners or an up to 20 percent tax credit for income producing properties. Mike Radeke from the Kentucky Heritage Council will discuss these credits and walk you through the application process. He will also discuss some of the myths of “new window replacements” and simple and inexpensive ways to make buildings more energy efficient.
Noon-1 p.m.: Lead safety and lead-safe practices for homeowners and contractors, presented by Duffy Hoffman. Lead safety is an increasingly important issue in many areas across the country. In this workshop you will learn how to identify and protect yourself, your family, and your clients from lead hazards.
1-2 p.m.: The Loveable Mr. Muddle, presented by Mike Radeke. Ubiquitous, mixed-use commercial buildings are key to creating a sense of place in our historic downtowns. Join Mike Radeke, Kentucky Heritage Council Restoration Project Manager, for a demonstration of Mr. Muddle, a hands-on, visual tool that demonstrates common building design issues and options for improvement.
For more information about the Trades Fair or how to become a vendor, contact RaShae Jennings at Bardstown City Hall, (502) 348-5947.
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