Old North Receives Support for Community Preservation Act Application for Capital Improvements

Rev. Stephen Ayres gained unanimous support (7-0) from the North End / Waterfront Neighborhood Council (NEWNC) to apply for Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding for capital improvements to the Old North campus.

Old North is applying for a CPA grant to remodel and open up the North Side courtyard and gardens. They would also like to make it an outdoor classroom space, to educate students on the poem “Paul Revere’s Ride.” Teachers from the Eliot School as well as other community members and abutters have participated in community meetings about the renovations.

Other improvements that go along with this are replacing the pavers to bring it up to code. The project is estimated to cost $1 million. Old North has raised about half of the funds and are planning to apply for CPA funding for the other half.

One of the items to go in the courtyard will be a fountain shaped like an oversized guitar pick. The fountain was designed through a Browne Fund grant. The poem “Paul Revere’s Ride” will be etched on the side with the church reflected in the fountain. There will also be a moveable planter with more interpretative plaques about Longfellow.

Rev. Ayres also gave few additional updates for the community to be aware of at the Old North campus. All the windows will be repainted some time this fall, through a grant from the National Parks Service. In early November, the roof on the gift shop will be replaced.

CPA grants provide support for historic preservation projects, as well as affordable housing and parks and open spaces. The fall application deadline is September 27, 2019. Last year Old North applied for CPA funds for restoration of the crypt. They did not receive a grant, as CPA funds went to Langone Park and Puopolo Field. The National Parks Service ended up being able to provide support for the crypt project, which will begin in late December.