The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has awarded Reynolda House a grant to restore its tile roof. NEH is an independent grant-making agency of the United States government dedicated to supporting research, education, preservation, and public programs in the humanities. This public notice is issued as part of NEH’s responsibilities under 36 C.F.R. Part 800, the regulations which implement Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966, as amended, 16 U.S.C. § 470. NEH, a funding agency, is required by regulation to identify and assess the effects of any proposed actions on historic properties. If any proposed action will have an adverse effect on historic resources, NEHworks with the appropriate parties to seek ways to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any adverse effects. Additionally, the Section 106 regulations require NEH to consider the views of the public on preservation issues when making final decisions that affect historic properties.
In its grant application, Reynolda House plans to restore its 100-year old tile roof, located at 2250 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem NC 27106. Reynolda House has been identified as a historic property subject to Section 106 regulations. The grant application proposes to implement the following:
· Replacement of roof tile with reproduction tile that matches the characteristics of the existing historic tile, including size, color, weight, and glaze, using copper or stainless-steel tile fasteners.
· Removal of current tar paper underlayment, and replacement with new underlayment that is asphalt-saturated felt, synthetic underlayment, or rubberized asphalt underlayment, to create a waterproof barrier under the roof tiles.
· Inspection of wooden roof decking upon removal of tile. Removal and replacement of compromised decking with same grade lumber as original decking material.
· Gutters, flashing and flat copper: Replacement of gutters with custom-made gutters, to be attached prior to the installation of the roof tiles. Sections will be formed in custom 10’ sections and will employ flat locked seams or rivets. Supporting hangers will be made of solid stainless-steel roof bars and copper European-style bar stock. New copper strainers will be installed at all downspouts. Flashing and flat copper will be reconstructed using 20 oz copper and will be increased in size to help prevent water intrusion and joint failure. All miters, end caps, seams, and outlets will be hand-soldered to ensure lasting water tightness. Miters will be hand cut to provide a clean finish.
· Chimneys will be photo documented and dismantled. Stones will be cleaned. Stainless steel wall ties and copper base flashing will be installed on the chimney flue. Stones will be relaid, using matching mortar.
Reynolda House was built in 1917 by R.J. and Katherine Reynolds and is now the Reynolda House Museum of Art. The house has been preserved as an archetypal example of the American Country House Movement. New York landscape engineer Louis Miller of the firm Buckenham & Miller drew up the estate’s master plan in 1911, and Philadelphia architect Charles Barton Keen created the plans for the house. Reynolda House is located within the Reynolda Historic District, which was listed in 1980 on the National Register of Historic Places.
In a letter dated July 1, 2019, North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office administrator Ramona Bartos advised that the proposed undertaking will have no adverse effect upon historic properties, as defined by Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
As required by Section 106, NEH is providing the public with information about this project, as well as an opportunity to comment on any knowledge of, or concerns with, historic properties in the proposed project area, and issues relating to the project’s potential effects on historic properties. Comments may be submitted to the NEH by e-mail to FPO@neh.gov. The deadline for submitting comments is August 16, 2019.