The Preservation League of New York State has announced targeted grants to projects in the Adirondack communities of Whallonsburg, Saranac Lake and Blue Mountain Lake. The grants will play a role in the restoration and reuse of historic buildings in areas affected by the downward trend in the forest products industry.

The funds are made possible by an award granted to the Preservation League of New York State, the Preservation Trust of Vermont, Maine Preservation, and the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance from the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC). This 4-state coalition has evenly split the $1 million award to fund 15 projects called the Northeast Heritage Economy Program. Here are the projects that have been funded in New York state:

The Whallonsburg Grange Hall is receiving $35,000 in order to renovate and repurpose a vacant building and riverfront greenspace across the street from the Whallonsburg Grange Hall, a performing arts and community center in Essex. The restored Whitcomb’s Garage will host a pottery and ceramics studio with space for classes, a retail store, and a café.

Historic Saranac Lake is receiving $75,000 for rehabilitation of the Former Trudeau home and medical office at 118 Main Street in Saranac Lake, resulting in a larger museum campus. The new space will host exhibits, collections storage, a resource room, public space for events, and a rentable office space.

The Adirondack Experience (ADKX) will receive $68,000 for restoration of the Log Hotel, a structure originally made in 1876, as well as two adjoined cottages.

To view more information about the Northeast Heritage Economy Grant Program, go to: https://www.preservenys.org/nhep

Photo of Whitcomb’s Garage in Whallonsburg, courtesy of the Grange Hall.