Historic Montclair Community Assoc. Inc. (HMCAI)

EXCITEMENT AT THE MOLKERY by Gail Barry, HMCAI Board Member

Oct 07, 2003

I don?’t know how many of you have noticed the recent changes at the Molkery (the historic building located on the north side of Montclair Park) but things are progressing very fast. The budget allowed for all three historic chimneys to be reestablished and they are now in place. Rocky Mountain Restoration Masonry found pallets of old bricks from a demolished building and used them for the chimneys. The result is a very close match to the original brick. After some debate it was decided to clean and wash the old masonry, including the stone, and all looks much better. The window restoration, finish carpent- ry, new electricity and plumbing are nearing 50% completion. The structural additions were put in place without having to tear apart the roof. Apparently the large beams were brought in through the windows. The interior stairwell has been opened up and will be a point of interest in the interior of the building.

The contractor hopes to have the exterior painting done before cold weather arrives. Layers of original paint have been examined and tentative paint color selections have been made. The railings and columns were originally a pale gray and will be painted that color again. The porch ceiling will most likely also be a pale gray. They have found several ochre colors that may be used somewhere. The wood trim will probably be a light gray with a hit of green and the window sashes will be painted an umber color. No decisions have been made on interior colors as yet.

The new lateral sewer connection design is ready to be passed through Waste Water. We all hope it will be passed through smoothly. Excavation for and installation of the sewer needs to occur soon so that new sod can be installed before the advent of cold weather.

There are a number of security issues still to be resolved in order to allow for four dif-ferent parties to use the building.

It is estimated that the project is about 20% finished overall. After our long wait it is exciting to see things moving along so well.