Matching grant offered for final portion of Newark's Sullivan building restoration

The Licking County Foundation continues their efforts to raise funds for completion of the historic Louis Sullivan building restoration in Newark.

Last week, the organization announced a $1.1 million matching challenge grant from the Wisconsin-based Jeffris Family Foundation, which would support the final stage of the restoration project.

Jennie Dawes, Licking County Foundation communications and donor services associate, said their organization seeks to match the donation to raise $3.1 million total.

More:Sullivan Building exterior restoration expected to be finished in May

In their announcement of the challenge, Licking County Foundation governing committee chairman Noble Snow described the Jeffris Foundation as a vital partner and generous supporter of the project. He expressed gratitude toward the organization, along with the plethora of other donors.

Licking County Foundation Director Connie Hawk also expressed gratitude toward the Jeffris Family Foundation, noting their understanding of the building's role as a treasure in the community.

"Their support means it will also be a treasure in our community's future," Hawk said.

According to Hawk, the organization has raised $260,000 of the needed amount as of Wednesday afternoon.

The Licking County Foundation received the building as a donation in 2013 and announced in 2019 a plan to restore the building to as if it were 1915. The building, located at 1 N. Third St., was built in 1914 and opened in 1915 as the Home Building Association Company. It was one of eight banks, known as the jewel boxes, designed by famous architect Louis Sullivan.

It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

More:Restoration begins on historic Sullivan Building in downtown Newark

The exterior renovation began in 2019 with the cleaning of a lower section of the exterior and aimed at restoring the facade, which included intricate terra cotta, art-glass windows and mosaics, and the installation of new doors, lower-level windows, roof and facade illumination.

The renovations were expected to be completed in 2021, however, Hawk said COVID-19 caused their organization to suspend work.

"...The renovation of the Sullivan building's interior and the LeFevre Foundation Annex is expected to be completed in one year or less beginning in 2022," she said. "The goal is to celebrate the grand opening in 2023."

Interior renovations include restoring the building's banking hall with murals, marble, mahogany, original safe, lighting, check counters and wood benches.

Once completed, the Louis Sullivan building will become home to Explore Licking County, which promotes tourism in the county. Their offices will be housed there, along with a retail gift shop, exhibits, public restrooms, an elevator and stairs.

According to Dawes, donations can be made online at TheLCFoundation.org and selecting "On the Old Home Stretch Fund" or by forwarding the donation to Licking County Foundation at PO Box 4212 in Newark.