Preservation workshop to advise on restoration projects

Whether you live in the city’s historic district or simply want to pick up restoration tips, the Boulder City Historic Preservation Committee will hold a restoration workshop Sept. 14.

Registration for the free public event begins at 9 a.m. at the Elaine Smith Center, 700 Wyoming St. Two workshops will be held every 45 minutes beginning at 10 a.m. and ending at 4 p.m. Topics include desert landscaping, challenges of and resources for restoration, pest control solutions, lighting and hardware, asbestos and fungal issues and more.

The idea for the workshops came from committee member Chris Frausto, who had participated in many successful restoration events in Pomona, Calif. She felt many Boulder City residents are unaware of the committee’s existence and purpose, and the day-long restoration workshop would increase visibility.

The purpose of the workshop, Frausto said, “Is to educate the community that we exist and what purpose do we serve in the community” as well as “to instill pride in the community and the importance of historic preservation.”

Workshops will include power-point presentations, informal talks and everything in between. Richard Sevigny, Clark County rehabilitation specialist, is scheduled to share information on asbestos removal and fungal issues clad in protective garb and equipped with his “tools of the trade,” Frausto said.

Victor and Gloria Aceves will discuss the restoration of their own historic Boulder City home and how Victor Aceves “found sources to replace almost everything that needed replacing in his home,” Frausto said. Horticulturalist Cheryl Waites will present examples of desert plantings in the parking area below the building.

At noon, Courtney Mooney, preservation officer for the City of Las Vegas, will discuss the challenges and issues surrounding restoration. At 2:30 p.m., city building official Ron Nybo will discuss regulations and inspections as well as answer questions from residents. Informational materials also will be available, and historic plaques will be on sale.

Local preservationist, John O’Keefe, who has a vast supply of original historic items in storage, will be present to answer questions. His collection consists of doors, windows, roofing tiles and other historic items residents might be in seeking. Back in Thyme owner Glena Dunn will provide two free antique appraisals to individuals bringing items to the workshop.

Frausto pointed out that historic preservation in Boulder City is not mandatory as it is in many other communities. The committee works at educating residents so that they want to “honor historic features” in town. When a resident in a historic home wants to make changes to the outside of their residence, Frausto said the committee does not “dictate” but makes suggestions regarding changes to a building in the historic area. The committee exists to “educate and guide” in the area of preservation, Frausto said.

To prove her point, Frausto told a story of a couple who purchased a historic home and wanted to make some changes that did not fit in with the character of the neighborhood. Their local realtor spoke to them about what they could do, and the power of suggestion persuaded the couple to recreate the historic 1930s features.

Having a historic district draws tourists, Frausto said, by serving as a destination point and ultimately helping communities economically. Even if you live in a condo or never intend to move to a historic property, Frausto said attending the workshop will give attendees an idea of what is taking place in the area of restoration and historic preservation.

Frausto explained that most historic preservation committees are independent entities, separate from and not a part of the city government. The fact that the Historic Preservation Committee is a committee of the City of Boulder City shows how committed the city is to historic preservation.

The restoration workshop is free and open to the public. For further information, contact Frausto at christina.frausto@gmail.com.