North Kentucky News

The Covington Academy of Heritage Trades is offering spring courses designed to help residents develop careers in restoring historic buildings. Kaitlin Bryan, Regulatory Services Manager & Historic Preservation Specialist, expressed, “We’re rapidly developing an exciting complement of courses that not only teach you valuable skills but also could lead to a rewarding career.” Bryan encourages interested individuals to sign up for the courses, which will focus on restoring interior plaster and rebuilding exterior wood trim and porches.

The majority of classes will take place at 1515 Madison Ave, a historic building that serves as a hands-on classroom for the Academy. Diane McConnell, the program director, is available for appointments and can be reached at (859) 640-4294 or Diane@BuildersNKY.com.

Before starting the plaster or exterior woodwork courses, new students are required to attend an introductory weekend or week. The spring schedule includes an Introductory Week from March 4-7, Interior Plaster Restoration from March 11 to April 25, an Introductory Weekend on April 6-7, another Introductory Week from May 6-9, and Exterior Carpentry and Porch Rebuild from May 13-30.

Looking ahead to the summer, the Academy is finalizing details for courses such as the Stone Masonry Bootcamp in June, focusing on historic masonry and stone foundation repair, and the Storm Window Weekend in July, which will concentrate on storm window repair and construction.

The Covington Academy of Heritage Trades aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to restore older homes and buildings while preserving their original features and historic significance. By working alongside experienced craftspeople in a hands-on learning environment, students gain practical experience that can lead to meaningful careers in historic restoration.

The Academy's use of a historic building on Madison Avenue in Covington as a "living lab" provides students with the opportunity to engage in real-world restoration projects. The former Colonial Inn, built in the 1880s, is being transformed into an office building while preserving its historic elements such as a veranda-roofed porch and exquisite woodwork.