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The City of Covington, Kentucky, has taken steps to preserve the childhood home of renowned painter and sculptor Frank Duveneck. The Covington Board of Commissioners has approved hiring SSRG Midwest Operations, a Cincinnati-based contractor with expertise in historic preservation, to stabilize the deteriorating building located at 1226 Greenup Street.
Walt Mace, assistant director of Covington’s Neighborhood Services Department, stated that work on the property would commence once a contract is finalized and utilities are connected. "We’re not letting grass grow under our feet on this project," Mace said. "SSRG officials said they can start pretty much right away, and the work itself will take only about a month."
The stabilization project involves repairing or reinforcing roof rafters, exterior walls, floors, and the foundation. The contract for these repairs amounts to just under $135,000. According to Mace, "The building is not going to look much different from the outside, but it will be stabilized and weatherized."
Currently vacant and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Duveneck's former home faces potential collapse due to years of neglect. A significant hole in its foundation has led to further deterioration by allowing water and animals inside.
In September, a Kenton Circuit judge granted temporary control of the building to the City under Kentucky's Abandoned and Blighted Property Conservatorship Act. Since then, Covington has secured plans for stabilization through Advantage Group Engineers and identified SSRG as the contractor for this task.
Frank Duveneck was an influential artist known for his Realism style paintings. His works are displayed in museums across major cities including New York City and Washington DC.
