The Preservation Plan
During the summer of 2016, the Friends of the Gingerbread House hosted a public meeting to present the recently created Preservation Plan for the rehabilitation of the Gingerbread House. This photo shows Pat Shearman (left) and Margaret Gaertner (right) at the meeting held at the Norway Historical Society. Gaertner, an architect with the Portland firm, Barba and Wheelock, developed the plan and presented it at the meeting.
Gaertner’s work included research on the history of the building and an extensive examination of the interior and exterior condition of the building. The report proposed a three-phase, sequenced plan for the preservation and repair of this landmark building. It provided the committee and public with a road map for the work that will need to be done over the next few years.
Phase 1: Secure the exterior envelope to include roof replacement, window restoration, and exterior painting.
Phase 2: Structural repairs, such as rotted sills, and basement framing (including weight bearing posts).
Phase 3: Porch restorations, and entrance repairs.
At this point (2022), Phases 1&2 are complete and work is currently focused upon the long porch. We anticipate Phase 4 will focus on interior cosmetic restoration.
Gaertner’s work included research on the history of the building and an extensive examination of the interior and exterior condition of the building. The report proposed a three-phase, sequenced plan for the preservation and repair of this landmark building. It provided the committee and public with a road map for the work that will need to be done over the next few years.
Phase 1: Secure the exterior envelope to include roof replacement, window restoration, and exterior painting.
Phase 2: Structural repairs, such as rotted sills, and basement framing (including weight bearing posts).
Phase 3: Porch restorations, and entrance repairs.
At this point (2022), Phases 1&2 are complete and work is currently focused upon the long porch. We anticipate Phase 4 will focus on interior cosmetic restoration.