Properties wrapped in a new yellow coat in Waynesboro

October 10, 2006|by JENNIFER FITCH

Editor's note: This is the second story in an occasional series following the facade improvement efforts at 8/10 and 12 N. Potomac St. in Waynesboro, Pa. Work began in early August. The buildings are being restored with grant money obtained through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.

WAYNESBORO, Pa. - When he set out to repair the facades of two downtown Waynesboro buildings this summer, Harry Morningstar compared the early stages of the work - removing railings, awnings and spouting - to opening a present.

Now, he's rewrapping the house at 12 N. Potomac St. with a fresh coat of buttery yellow paint and white composite trim.

"We've got the surprises repaired," Morningstar said.

Both North Potomac Street projects have been delayed by several factors, including weather, sidewalk repair and street closures, Morningstar said. Contractor Brad Royer of Waynesboro's Royer Construction found rotten timber and masonry in need of repair at the 12 N. Potomac St. house.

Royer said he expects to finish work on that house by the end of the week, then start the double house at 8/10 N. Potomac St. later in October.

Matching grants for the projects were obtained through a facade improvement program administered by the Borough of Waynesboro on behalf of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.

Morningstar, who has completed several other projects through the program, is especially excited about using composite replications of wood for the houses. He described the selected trim as the "perfect application for plastics."

"These are made to look like old-time wooden parts, but they're all composite. They'll last forever," he said.

Royer has also adapted a porch roof at 12 N. Potomac St., which required him to pull brick from another job site to fill a gap. The porch roof now hugs the building tighter.

Most of the house is coated with yellow primer in preparation for this week's painting. The neighboring house will remain a clay color, Morningstar said.

"The two buildings will be done similarly with the trim," he said.

Several people from the nearby Owls Club have commented favorably about the project, Royer said.

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