North Kentucky News

The City of Covington, Kentucky, has decided to entrust the stabilization of the childhood home of renowned painter and sculptor Frank Duveneck to SSRG Midwest Operations. This Cincinnati-based contractor specializes in stabilization, foundation, façade work, and historic preservation. The decision was made by the Covington Board of Commissioners on Tuesday night.

Walt Mace, assistant director of Covington’s Neighborhood Services Department, indicated that work would commence as soon as contractual agreements are finalized and utilities are established at the site located at 1226 Greenup Street. “We’re not letting grass grow under our feet on this project,” Mace stated. He further noted that "SSRG officials said they can start pretty much right away, and the work itself will take only about a month."

The scope of the project involves extensive repairs including roof rafters, exterior wall studs and sheathing, floors, and foundation. The contract for this endeavor is valued at just under $135,000. Mace explained that while there might not be significant changes visible from outside, “the building is not going to look much different from the outside, but it will be stabilized and weatherized.”

Currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building has been vacant and deemed dangerous due to years of neglect. Problems such as a widening hole in the foundation have allowed water and other elements inside. Under a law called the Abandoned and Blighted Property Conservatorship Act, temporary control was granted to the City by a Kenton Circuit judge.

While future plans for the building remain undecided after its stabilization, Mace emphasized their immediate priority: “Our only goal at this point is to save history and keep the building from falling.”

Frank Duveneck (1848-1919) remains celebrated for his contributions to Realism in art. His works are displayed in museums across major cities like New York City and Washington DC.