OBMSA Receives Preservation Grant

National Trust for Historic Preservation Awards the 

Oyster Bay Main Street Association a Preservation Grant 

To Procure Historic Architectural Services for 49 Audrey Avenue

Media Contacts: 

NTHP Public Affairs, 202.588.6141, PR@SavingPlaces.org

OBMSA, Meredith Maus, 516.922.6982, mamaus@oysterbaymainstreet.org

Oyster Bay, New York (August 20, 2015) - The Oyster Bay Main Street Association was awarded a $4,718.75 grant by the National Trust for Historic Preservation from the Johanna Favrot Fund for Historic Preservation. These grant funds will be used to secure the services of Historic Architect John Collins during the initial planning phases of an intended larger renovation of 49 Audrey Avenue by the owner.

49 Audrey Avenue, April 2015
Photos by Meredith Maus

Project Description

Mr. Collins will produce detailed drawings and plans on 49 Audrey Avenue, which will provide a complete overview of the project and will be vital during every phase of the intended renovation.  Record drawings will be completed to the standards of the Historic American Building Survey and will serve to provide a deeper understanding of existing conditions within the building, highlighting important historic features and fabrics.  Should later investigations reveal greater historical importance related to the building, these drawings will serve as a record of the original building prior to renovation.  Preliminary and final design drawings; construction drawings; and code compliance oversight will also be provided and supported through this grant.

49 Audrey Avenue is a large, high-visibility building on the main thoroughfare of Oyster Bay.  The five apartments on the second and third floors have been vacant and out of compliance for over ten years and the commercial spaces have been vacant since the former tenant, The Chocolate Lady, relocated in 2012.  The renovation of this high profile building will help two-fold by combating blight in the downtown, as well as, increasing the number of residential units available in the downtown - giving a boost to the base available to better support local commerce.  "Beyond that," said Meredith Maus, Executive Director of the Main Street Association, "we hope this renovation will also serve as an example of how the proper renovation of an historic building will help attract and sustain appropriate businesses in our downtown."

Grant Information

"Organizations like the Oyster Bay Main Street Association, help to ensure that communities and towns all across America retain their unique sense of place," said Stephanie Meeks, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. "We are honored to provide a grant to the Oyster Bay Main Street Association, which will use the funds to help preserve an important piece of our shared national heritage."

Grants from the National Trust Preservation Funds range from $2,500 to $5,000 and have provided over $15 million since 2003. These matching grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations and public agencies across the country to support wide-ranging activities including consultant services for rehabilitating buildings, technical assistance for tourism that promotes historic resources, and the development of materials for education and outreach campaigns.

For more information on National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Preservation Fund grants, visit: www.PreservationNation.org/funding

About the National Trust for Historic Preservation

The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a privately-funded nonprofit organization that works to save America’s historic places to enrich our future. The National Trust for Historic Preservation is committed to protecting America’s rich cultural legacy and helping build vibrant, sustainable communities that reflect our nation’s diversity. Follow us on Twitter @presnation.

About the Oyster Bay Main Street Association

Oyster Bay Main Street Association (OBMSA) is dedicated to enhancing and promoting an attractive and thriving downtown, while maintaining its historic integrity. We are a 501 (c) 3 Non-Profit using the National Main Street Approach® to downtown revitalization.  To learn more or to become a member, please visit: www.oysterbaymainstreet.org.