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For years, the back half of Frank Duveneck's boyhood home in Covington, Kentucky, was directly on the ground without a foundation. This lack of support allowed water to damage the structure significantly over time. The house had become a "veritable house of cards," according to Walter Mace, Covington Assistant Neighborhood Services Director. He stated that if it were any other building, demolition would have been ordered due to the extensive damage.
Structural Systems Repair Group (SSRG) project manager Casey Culhane described the state of Duveneck’s historic home as among the worst he had seen. SSRG has been working for two months to stabilize the structure and is nearing completion. Culhane emphasized their goal: “When we walk away from here, we want to give the City of Covington a stabilized structure that they know has no risk of falling over and deteriorating.”
The city's efforts to preserve this piece of history began last September when Kenton County Judge Kate Molloy granted conservatorship to allow stabilization work. SSRG found several structural issues during their inspection, including compromised wall studs and missing stone in parts of the foundation.
As repairs progressed, more historical construction errors were uncovered by SSRG crews. They reinforced roofs and floors while replacing foundations to ensure stability. Mayor Ron Washington expressed gratitude for these efforts: "Preserving Covington's rich cultural history is a top priority."
Duveneck's home is considered an important cultural site akin to those associated with artists like Jackson Pollock and Claude Monet. Julie Aronson from the Cincinnati Art Museum noted its significance in understanding Duveneck’s creative process: “The home and studio are evocative spaces that bring the artist’s practice, vision, and imagination to life.”
Frank Duveneck was born in 1848 into a German immigrant family in Covington. His early exposure to art came through local churches and businesses where he learned painting techniques. Dave Schroeder from Kenton County Public Library highlighted how Duveneck's upbringing in a diverse neighborhood influenced his work.
Rachael Parker from Northern Kentucky Creative Placemaking emphasized Duveneck’s legacy: “What I identify with...is his artistic and personal story of growth and evolution.” She stressed preserving his legacy as essential for regional pride and tourism.
Schroeder added that without his early experiences at places like the Altar Building Company, Duveneck might not have achieved such success or studied abroad in Europe. He concluded that Duveneck’s childhood home remains special due to its age, historical use, and connection to one of America’s most talented painters.
