KENT — At its regular meeting Tuesday, Aug. 4, the Board of Selectmen approved the allocation of Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grant funds for continuing work on the Swift House on Maple Street. The house, one of the oldest in Kent, was constructed more than 200 years ago.
In 2008, the state awarded a $92,000 STEAP grant for repairs and renovation of the building, including repainting and exterior restoration.
At the meeting, the board awarded a new project for the Swift House to local contractor Jack Kinney. The work will include the construction of a new front stoop, a portico and a new walkway that will connect to the sidewalk in front of the building.
“I think one of the most attractive things for any place is a front door,� said architect Wesley Wyrick, who created the plans for the new features for the house. “Where you come into something is very important. What currently exists on the building right now is certainly not authentic. It was thrown up, but no one is sure when it was thrown up. It really wasn’t well done.�
When constructed, the building’s front entrance will allow for a handicapped-accessible ramp to the inside of the building.
Wyrick said constructing a new walkway will prevent flooding problems.
“One of the problems we’ve had is that the elevation of the street and the walkway is the same,� Wyrick said. “In heavy rains we would have water flood certain areas. So the plans will include picking up the elevation of the walkway slightly. It would keep away the water issue.�
The town acquired the building in 1974 and it is currently used primarily by the town’s historical society. Neither the board nor Wyrick indicated when the project would start.
