With assistance from CDBG funds, the YWCA undertook a major building preservation project this past month. The Alliance Historic Preservation Commission provided guidance and assistance, along with the State in restoring and replacing basement windows. First, four original window openings were cleaned, repaired and painted by Franco Painting. Next, Bonfert Glass will cover the window openings with a special storm glass to preserve them.  The remaining five windows that could not be restored were replaced by Bonfert in the same style and materials as the originals. The new windows increase energy savings and security, while maintaining the historic look of our 1872 building.

The window project follows last year’s preservation project. Again working with the City and Commission, the YWCA removed and replaced lintels located on the west side of the building; reinstalled brick with new mortar to match existing; reset existing exterior stone copings that were displaced, and re-caulked all the stone coping joints. Highly skilled craftsmen duplicated missing or badly damaged exterior wood brackets with new brackets to match existing, as well as replaced a missing plaster decorative hood piece on the tower.