Posted Thursday, October 19, 2023.
Hawley Heights Neighborhood Raises Funds for Historic Pillars’ Reconstruction
HUNTINGTON – Huntington’s Historic Review Board will oversee the reconstruction of the historic pillars that mark the entrances to the Hawley Heights neighborhood, allowing a significant piece of local history dating to 1914 to be saved.
Seven of the original 14 pillars survived when Hawley Heights was listed in the National Register of Historic Places 20 years ago.
To date, three pillars have been reconstructed through grants and neighborhood efforts. As a joint effort of Hawley Heights residents, the Historic Review Board and the City, seven more are set to be reconstructed next year so that pairs of pillars will again mark the Hawley Heights district’s entrances.
“The iconic pillars are unique to the Hawley Heights neighborhood and recognizable to most Huntington citizens,” said Director of Community Development and Redevelopment Bryn Keplinger. “They add to the integrity and charm of this National Register Historical District, and the City and the Historic Review Board are pleased to see this project come to fruition thanks in large part to the fundraising by the neighborhood and its residents.”
Neighborhood funds raised through community events, garage sales and donations will go toward the pillars’ reconstruction. Hawley Heights residents raised more than $12,000 – or 42 percent of the project total – through such efforts, with the funds held in trust at the Community Foundation of Huntington County.
The joint project has a total cost of $28,618.10.
Custom Cast Stone of Westfield, Ind., has been selected to recreate the pillars’ terra cotta tops in cast stone. Masonry construction will be undertaken by Linker Masonry of Warren, Ind.
The cast stones are in production now, and they are scheduled to be delivered this spring. Construction is scheduled for next summer.
