Workshop Focuses on Historic Preservation

Main Street Fairmont, in collaboration with Fairmont State's Center for Workforce Education, is sponsoring a workshop on "Maintenance -- The Key to Preserving Your Historic Building."

A main focus of the Main Street organization is to promote revitalization of the downtown community within a historic preservation framework. This workshop will enable building owners to better identify what some of the typical problem maintenance areas are, what to look for, how to look for them, how to conduct inspections, as well as some important considerations for the rehabilitation process.

"Maintenance is one of the general issues I have seen in my experience with building deterioration. Problems are often the result of deferred maintenance," said Michael Gioulis, an architect and historic preservation consultant who will be the presenter for this workshop. "Many times, a simple once-a-year work item can become a major restoration or rehabilitation project when left to its own."

"We will also discuss general topics in the historic preservation field. Building owners often want to know how and why something can be considered historic, what the implications and effects of historic designation are, and some benefits and incentives for historic buildings. We will address and dispel some of the more common myths about historic buildings and historic designation."

This free program will be held on Oct. 22, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Center for Workforce Education, located on the ground floor of the Veterans' Square building, at 320 Adams St. in downtown Fairmont. Participants for the event must enter the facility at the rear of the building on Hull Street.

"Attendance at this program is mandatory for any property owner who wishes to seek funding from Main Street Fairmont's Facade and Sign Grant program," said Vera Sansalone, Director of Main Street Fairmont.

Light refreshments will be provided. Those who wish to pre-register or need more information should call (304) 366-0468.