Journal & Topics Media Group

Heritage Center Clears Hurdle For Restoring Facade


The Iannelli Studio on Northwest Highway, previously home to Audrey’s Calico ‘n Old Lace. (Journal file photo)

The Kalo Foundation is planning some repair and renovation work on its headquarters, the Iannelli Studios Heritage Center, 255-57 N. Northwest Hwy.

At the Historic Preservation Commission’s Nov. 4 meeting, veteran commission member Barb Christopher chaired the section of the discussion considering Kalo’s request. Judy Barclay, commission chairman, made the presentation as Kalo’s co-president.

The Heritage Center, rescued from demolition by Kalo, is actually composed of several wings dating originally to the blacksmith shop which was part of the 1850s Penny & Meacham brickyard and the frame house next door. Alfonso and Margaret Iannelli hired their friend, architect Barry Byrne, to connect the building in 1919 with a common entrance and office.

After their deaths, the studio complex was sold to Audrey’s flower and gift shop. During the next 40 years several additions along the eastern alley side extended the complex parallel to Elm Street. During that time, the white frame outer walls were s covered with brick siding.

Barclay said that, while Kalo has made repairs on parts of the building, the fake brick siding is deteriorating. There is very little basement in the complex except under the house where the original bricks had needed bolstering. The rest of the building is located on a slab, so Kalo would like to stabilize that.

The plan is to restore the look of the white frame exterior with a white vinyl siding which will better protect the walls and keep them dry. The windows, replaced several years ago, will be removed temporarily by the contractor, who had also installed them.

There will be new fencing installed around the property to resolve several issues. The gates along the Elm Street yard are too narrow for modern landscapers’ mowers. Wider gates will be added to prevent damage. There is an area along the eastern edge of that yard, next to the Elm Street neighbors, which has to comply with one set of codes and a segment of fence on the alley to enclose garbage carts.

The remaining split rail fence around the corner of the house at Northwest Highway and Elm Street will be replaced by similar rails but stronger materials.

Barclay said the intent is to secure the property better, to discourage people from trying to wander in and out of the property, and to restore the look of the Iannelli era with stable materials.

The request passed unanimously with Barclay abstaining.

She said that Kalo would be raising funds to supplement a recent grant, and pointed out that Kalo has not received any city funds in raising money to purchase the paper or to maintain it.

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