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Historic-landmarks commission outlines restoration plan for Weaver Gillison House; asks town for partnership and letters of support
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Summary
Historic Landmarks Commission and nonprofit partner Innovative Community Solutions reported completion of a structural assessment for the Weaver Gillison House and described fundraising and grant activity; the commission requested clearer town partnership steps and possible letters of support but said no town money has been committed.
Members of Harpers Ferry’s Historic Landmarks Commission briefed the town council on Feb. 9 about continuing work to rehabilitate the privately owned Weaver Gillison House.
Wayne, speaking for the commission, said a comprehensive structural assessment and boundary survey have been completed and that the project has proceeded with grant support and private fundraising. Pat Mack of Innovative Community Solutions (ICS), the local nonprofit development partner, told council that ICS has pursued grants from the State Historic Preservation Office, National Trust funding, African American–centered grants administered through the Park Service and other philanthropic sources.
Pat Mack said the HLC and ICS see the work as a years-long, layered project and emphasized that none of the town’s own money has been invested so far; instead, the monies were routed through Harpers Ferry Town Hall as a fiscal agent in earlier phases. "The most of the privately owned property currently being supported by a local development partner, Innovative Community Solutions," Pat Mack said, and added that future funding will be independent of the town unless the family and ICS request technical-assistance grants that would require partnership.
Council members pressed about a timeline and next steps. HLC and ICS representatives said a hard completion timeline is not yet possible; fundraising and staged milestones will determine the schedule. They asked the town to consider nonfinancial support — for example, letters of support, help with interpretive signage, and coordination on stormwater/adjacent public-works items — and offered to return with specific asks.
What happens next: HLC, ICS and the property owners will continue fundraising and due diligence; council members asked staff to consider how the town might provide technical or procedural support (letters, signage or matching grant application assistance) if requested.
