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KENBRIDGE – Following several delays, an exterior painting and repair project to the Kenbridge Town Hall is set to begin this month.

“The project has been backlogged due to paint supply issues with the contractor’s paint supplier and weather delays due to rain.” said Commonwealth Regional Council (CRC)  Regional Planner Lauren Jones.

What is the project?

The Town of Kenbridge was awarded a $100,000 grant from the Department of Historical Resources (DHR) Emergency Supplemental Historic Preservation Fund (ESHPF) to help restore and repair the historic building that sustained damage from Hurricane Michael in 2018.

The DHR grant request for funding includes exterior painting, as well as window glazing and caulking.

According to Kenbridge Town Manager Tony Matthews, problems include interior and exterior water damage during Hurricane Michael. 

Matthews said that the interior repairs have been completed, and the building still remains very active with daily use, and there are still several rooms that are available as rental spaces.

According to the CRC who is assisting the Town with grant administration of the funded project, Harris and Sons signed a Contract of Service in June and is hoping to begin work on the project later this month. 

History of the Kenbridge town hall

The Kenbridge Town Hall built in 1922, a historic site that was formerly Kenbridge High School contains an auditorium, classroom spaces, and currently serves as the site for the Kenbridge Community Center, the Kenbridge Police Department and the town hall, where monthly council meetings are held.

The National Park Service (NPS) awarded Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) $4.7 million in funding to provide recovery assistance to historic resources damaged by hurricanes Florence and/or Michael in September and October 2018 that are listed or are eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

The award from the Emergency Supplemental Historic Preservation Fund (ESHPF) administered by the NPS enables DHR to make sub-awards to historic resources.

The property is on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register as Kenbridge High School.