Last year the library received a grant from the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program (AHPP) to have a full conservation assessment performed on the original historic Eureka Springs Carnegie Library and Library Annex buildings.
We were trying to figure out what had been causing periodic interior leaks inside the main library for the past decade, and why paint on the wooden cornice near the roof line was peeling so badly with portions rotting and falling completely away.
The assessment showed that the built-in gutter system was failing at certain points where the elastomeric coating applied to the tin gutter pan had cracked. When the gutters were clogged with leaves and it rained, water would leak through the cracks causing it to drip from the ceiling and along the windows and wooden trim inside.
When gutters filled up, rainwater would spill over the top of the cornice, damaging the paint and wood. Replacing the existing tin gutter pan and apron with a new copper one, along with gutter maintenance, was needed. Don Matt was hired as the library groundskeeper to perform ongoing gutter maintenance and other duties.
The Carnegie Library Board applied again earlier this year for an Option-2 grant from the AHPP, which provides two-thirds of the funds needed to complete restoration projects on buildings that are on the National Historic Register, the other one-third paid for by the applicant.
The library board applied for funds to complete the first step of the initial phase of a five-phase plan outlined by architect Aaron Ruby of Little Rock based Revival Architecture firm, to restore the main library and library annex, both experiencing roof-related leaks.
Step One of Phase 1 had an estimated cost of $88,000, although there were doubts about whether the AHPP would grant such a large amount. When the library received a $33,000 grant from the AHPP to repair and replace the limestone stairs in front of the building, we were told we received the largest amount awarded that year.
I was cautiously optimistic when I received a phone call from the AHPP this past spring asking if the Carnegie Library would be able to have more of the Phase 1 work completed if we were granted more funds. I was delighted when we were told this summer that the AHPP was awarding us $92,000, to be matched by $46,000 from the Carnegie Library Board, to complete all of Phase 1 at the cost of $138,000.
Since then, things have been busy behind the scenes getting bids and the official plans and drawings signed off on by the state, permit secured from the HDC, and other necessary paperwork. Scaffolding was erected, and work has begun on cleaning and re-pointing joint seals on the limestone work on the roof.
Next, roof tiles will be carefully removed so that new copper flashing can be installed at the gutters and new, larger downspouts installed. Finally, severely damaged sections of the wooden cornice will be repaired and replaced.
Additional funds from the 2023 Eureka Springs Library operating budget have been approved for scraping and repainting the wooden cornice, after the gutter repairs have been finished. All of this will be completed over the next year with an estimated project wrap up of May 2023. These repairs will not affect access to the library, its functions or operating hours.
April Griffith Library Director