For years, the back half of artist Frank Duveneck’s boyhood home in Covington, Kentucky, sat directly on the ground without a foundation. This lack of support allowed water from a neighboring lot to cause significant damage over at least a decade. The wood structure deteriorated significantly, prompting concerns about its stability.
Covington Assistant Neighborhood Services Director Walter Mace stated, “Had this been any other structure in the city, we would probably have ordered its demolition.” Structural Systems Repair Group (SSRG) project manager Casey Culhane noted that while not the worst condition he had seen, it was among the most concerning. “We’ve had buildings literally fall, whereas this building was about to fall,” Culhane said.
Efforts to stabilize and preserve the historic home are nearing completion. Last September, Kenton County Judge Kate Molloy granted conservatorship of the building to the City of Covington. This legal authority allowed them to contract with SSRG for stabilization work.
The SSRG team found several structural issues during their inspection: original wall studs were improperly modified, threatening further damage; an over-excavated basement jeopardized the north stone foundation wall; and missing stones and broken downspouts contributed to water damage at the rear foundation.
Mace described SSRG’s work as uncovering previous substandard renovations requiring correction. Crews reinforced the roof and floor while replacing foundations and repairing structural elements.
Mayor Ron Washington emphasized preserving cultural history: “Thanks to the work of SSRG and our City staff, we will be able to preserve and restore this cultural icon for the next generation.”
Frank Duveneck’s home offers insight into his creative process. Julie Aronson from Cincinnati Art Museum remarked on its significance: “The home and studio are evocative spaces that bring the artist’s practice, vision, and imagination to life.”
Duveneck was born in 1848 into a family of German immigrants in Covington. His early exposure to art came through associations with local artists at Covington Altar Building Company. Dave Schroeder from Kenton County Public Library highlighted Duveneck’s upbringing in a vibrant immigrant community centered around German Catholic institutions.
Rachael Parker from Northern Kentucky Creative Placemaking sees Duveneck’s legacy as timeless: “Frank Duveneck put our region on the map; we should persistently be working to preserve, honor, and share his legacy.”
Schroeder emphasized Duveneck’s connection to his hometown: “To think that one of this country’s most talented painters not only lived and worked in Covington but also that his home still stands well over a century after his death.”
