Scriver Building to undergo major upgrade
The Historical Society's Scriver Building is about to undergo significant change, inside and out. The peaked roof will disappear, the tin ceiling will be removed and exhibit spaces and lighting will receive major upgrades.
Built in 1868, The Scriver Building was Northfield's first stone building and stands today as the literal cornerstone of our historic downtown. Historical Society founders purchased the building in 1975 and two years later restored the historic bank site. In 1991 they restored the Division Street exterior.
The current Board of Directors is pleased to pick up the charge towards fulfilling their vision of restoring the building's exterior to its 1876 appearance, when the James-Younger Gang made their ill-fated attempt to rob the First National Bank.
Today's action is imperative to stabilize the building. Existing cornices are separating from the building, creating access points for birds and other pests; the gutters and roof edge need major repairs to stop water infiltration.
As luck would have it, the original flat roof still exists under the peaked one and appears to be in relatively good shape. To our surpise, we've discovered that the tin ceiling is not the original. A plaster ceiling covered in wallpaper exists a few feet above the tin. SMSQ Architects are advising us throughout this project and will be analyzing materials as they come to light for as authentic of a restoration as can be achieved. Northfield Construction has been hired to do the work.
Dynamic new display cases and state-of-the-art, museum-quality lighting will highlight an exanded and improved Jesse James exhibit and brand new and extensive Northfield exhibit.
Roof restoration should be completed by July 1 (in time for our 4th of July celebration and interior restoration by Sept. 1 (in time for Defeat of Jesse James Days).
Funding for the projected $131,000 project comes from existing capital, bank loan and $75,000 loan from the Northfield Economic Development Authority's Downtown Revolving Loan Funds.
The Society continues look ahead towards full exterior restoration of the building to its 1876 appearance and eventual exhibit and program expansion into the rest of the building. There are currently 6 apartments on the second floor and a rented storefront space on Bridge Square, currently housing By All Means Graphics and the Northfield Sesquicentennial office. A capital campaign is underway to make this vision a reality.