Chatham homeowners win award from Historic Preservation group
The Chatham Borough Historic Preservation Commission recently presented the 2009 Jan Westfall Preservation flag award to the Nall family, shown outside their home at 152 Fairmount Ave. The award was for restoring the original character of their home. (Photo courtesy the Nall family)
The Chatham Borough Historic Preservation Commission recently presented the 2009 Jan Westfall Preservation flag awards to Steve and Andrea Jensen of 10 North Hillside Ave. and Rhea and Dana Nall of 152 Fairmount Ave.
The flag awards, named for the award creator and first commission chairperson, are presented annually to borough homeowners or building owners who have made outstanding efforts to preserve the historic and architectural integrity of their structures.
Winners' names also will be listed on a plaque in the Borough Hall.
The Jensen home was built around 1917 in a combination of shingle-style and late Queen Anne style. The award honors the Jensens' personal efforts to restore the home's exterior to more closely match the original character and scale of other homes in the North Hillside neighborhood, which is adjacent to the borough's Historic District. Restorations included transforming the previously enclosed front porch into a more open and visually appealing front porch, removal of aluminum siding and updated landscaping.
The Nall home was built in 1894 in a Colonial Revival style. The original home included a full front porch and port-cochere with Doric columns. In 1980, a rear sunroom was added and the port-cochere removed. Inspired by old pictures of the home, the Nalls began extensive efforts to restore the original character of the home with the professional help of Siegel Architects and contractor, Brinton Brosius. Restorations included period-appropriate double-hung windows, clay tile roof, clapboard siding, trim and balustrade, extensive interior renovations and a new 2-car attached garage. On Dec. 6, the Nalls hosted the Chatham Historical Society's annual holiday party to display the results.
The Chatham Borough Historic Preservation Commission was established in 1989 to help recognize and preserve the structures and environment which give the town its unique charm. The five-member commission is composed of borough residents who meet monthly to review any pending applications within the designated Historic District.