L'Ecole Museum's Past is in Kinnelon's Future

The Kinnelon Historical Commission reported Tuesday that L’Ecole Museum is one step closer to getting on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Chairman Tom Kline said, “We’re on track, we filed and have the certificate of eligibility. [We have] completed the rough draft of the grant application that needs to be submitted by June. Hopefully we’ll get the project together in 2013.”

According to Kline, getting on the register is a three-year process. The first year involves the application for a grant for the preservation plan. The second year involves applying for a grant for a historic preservation architect to do an assessment of the building, make recommendations and prepare drawings and building documents. The third year is when the actual application for grant money to have the work done is prepared. Kline said the cost of restorations and repairs to make the building historically correct can range from $200,000 to $300,000. 

A survey was done for the national and county register that showed the museum property to be about 1.5 acres, or 61,000 square feet, Kline said. Council liaison Gary Moleta said the borough did not do a survey when they first purchased the property. 

Also on Tuesday's meeting agenda was the scheduling of the annual garage sale to raise funds for the museum on Saturday, June 11. The Commission is looking for donations of furniture, household items, paintings, rugs, toys and books. Items can be dropped off at museum at 25 Kiel Avenue on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Donations will be accepted through May 28.