The Oyster Bay Main Street Association was awarded a $4,718.75 grant by the National Trust for Historic Preservation from the Johanna Favrot Fund for Historic Preservation. These grant funds will be used to secure the services of historic architect John Collins during the initial planning phases of an intended larger renovation of 49 Audrey Ave. by the owner.
Collins will produce detailed drawings and plans on 49 Audrey Ave., which will provide a complete overview of the project and will be vital during every phase of the intended renovation. Record drawings will be completed to the standards of the Historic American Building Survey and will serve to provide a deeper understanding of existing conditions within the building—highlighting important historic features and fabrics. Should later investigations reveal greater historical importance related to the building, these drawings will serve as a record of the original building prior to renovation. Preliminary and final design drawings; construction drawings; and code compliance oversight will also be provided and supported through this grant.
49 Audrey Ave. is a large, high-visibility building on the main thoroughfare of Oyster Bay. The five apartments on the second and third floors have been vacant and out of compliance for more than 10 years and the commercial spaces have been vacant since the former tenant, The Chocolate Lady, relocated in 2012. The renovation of this high profile building will positively impact the downtown by combating blight, as well as increasing the number of residential units available in the downtown.
“Beyond that,” said Meredith Maus, executive director of the Main Street Association, “we hope this renovation will also serve as an example of how the proper renovation of an historic building will help attract and sustain appropriate businesses in our downtown.”
“Organizations like the Oyster Bay Main Street Association help to ensure that communities and towns all across America retain their unique sense of place,” said Stephanie Meeks, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “We are honored to provide a grant to OBMSA, which will use the funds to help preserve an important piece of our shared national heritage.”
Grants from the National Trust Preservation Funds range from $2,500 to $5,000 and have provided more than $15 million since 2003. These matching grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations and public agencies across the country to support wide-ranging activities including consultant services for rehabilitating buildings, technical assistance for tourism that promotes historic resources and the development of materials for education and outreach campaigns.
