NEWBURYPORT — It was an exciting moment yesterday for the Newburyport Preservation Trust.
After six years of planning and fundraising, the first phase of the restoration project for the historic Powder House began.
While more fundraising is needed to reach the goal of $200,000 to complete the entire project, for Tom Kolterjahn, co-chairman of the Powder House Restoration Committee, and others, there's no question it will get done.
"We still need funding to finish, but this project is a go," Kolterjahn said yesterday, watching as workers tended to the Powder House.
Built in 1822, the Powder House on Low Street behind the National Guard barracks was once used to store gunpowder for the city's militia — a vital part of every town and a requirement under Colonial law.
Over time, the Powder House fell into a state of neglect, and its list of significant needs grew. Repairs will include new bricks, a new roof, repairs to the floor and ceiling beams, and a new door.
Yesterday, the first phase of the restoration got underway.
Contractor Folan Waterproofing and Construction Co. Inc. in South Easton, structural engineer John Watne of Structures North in Salem, and historical preservation consultant Finch and Rose in Beverly, gathered at the Powder House as the top eight lines of the bricks were starting to be removed and, if needed, rebuilt, or re-pointed. Rick Irons' masonry company donated 500 bricks to the project from the same time period that are the same size and almost identical in color.
Also this fall, workers will tend to the roof, replacing rotting beams and adding new modern replacements. The roof deck will also be patched, and shingles will be added, as well as cedar breather ventilation. The shingles will be hand-nailed into place, as a nail gun is prohibited, Kolterjahn said.
Yankee Environmental Services Inc. donated their services to remove and dispose of the roof, Kolterjahn said, and Oak Engineers performed the land survey work.
"Everyone's been terrific," Kolterjahn said.
This spring, phase two will progress, and the front section of the building will be taken down, restored and rebuilt. Landscaping and site work will be completed at a later point, Kolterjahn said.
Once the Powder House is restored, the Preservation Trust hopes to use it for a learning center with a park area where classes can gather. A new fence will be constructed, hopefully by next spring, and a new entrance for the Powder House will be put in, using a gravel driveway.
The Powder House committee has raised about $120,000 in fundraising, and $20,000 to $30,000 worth of services has been donated by local companies.
Donations are still needed in order to finish the entire project, Kolterjahn said.
"It's just so exciting to see actual work," Kolterjahn said. "At long last. It's been six years. It's just going to be fantastic."
Earlier this year, the state and the city agreed to a 99-year lease agreement that allows the city to take over the land, owned by the National Guard, and begin restorations to the structure.
The city has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Powder House Restoration Committee, meaning the Newburyport Preservation Trust will be responsible for overseeing the project.
Donations can be sent to NPT Powder House Fund, PO Box 184, Newburyport, MA 01950.
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