1790 Dr. Francis Wicks House Historic Structures Report & Rear Ell Restoration; Phase II Building & Historical Artwork Restoration

Location: 65 Palmer Avenue
Applicant: Falmouth Historical Society
Allocation: $125,100; $73,505
Year/Article: April 2019, A39; April 2023/A40

This project has two components. The first component is a historic structure report that documents key information on the history, significance, and existing building condition of the Dr. Francis Wicks House located at 55 Palmer Ave. The report also provides the scope, budget, and schedule for recommended historic preservation improvements. The second component of the project is restoration of the building’s rear roof including rafter repair/restoration, roof re-shingling, chimney repainting, and related interior ceiling restoration. The state of disrepair including failure of the roof rafters and leaks around the chimneys resulted in interior building damage and posed the potential for roof failure. The applicant, the Falmouth Historical Society, has indicated the likelihood of submitting future applications for historic preservation funding for the total restoration of the Wicks House.  This project allocation included a historic preservation restriction which was recorded on the deed in October 2021 to complete the project. The restoration work was required to comply with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.

April 2023 Town Meeting approved funding to:  (1) relocate the aboveground electrical service to underground to restore the original exterior and replace the 100-amp electrical panel to 200-amp to support future climate controls; (2) conduct necessary repairs to windows, install custom storm windows, and paint; (3) conserve 14 portraits and 4 paintings of local historical significance.  The total project cost is $94,540 and the Falmouth Historical Society will provide cash match as well as seek grant funds to support the project.  The work will comply with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties as required by the Community Preservation Act.

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