WPA CPC Funding Recommendation — File 207291

COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE FY19 FUNDING RECOMMENDATION FOR WORKS PROGRESS ADMINISTRATION CARVED WOOD BAS-RELIEF RESTORATION PROJECT, SOMERVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY PROJECT DESCRIPTION The Somerville Public Library will hire a conservator to restore the wood bas-relief in the Central Library carved by a local artist through the Works Progress Administration program in 1939. The Library will also hire a skilled firm to install the carving in a safer, more prominent location in the Central Library ELIGIBILITY Historic resources: The bas-relief was determined to be historically significant by the Somerville Historic Preservation Commission. RECOMMENDED FUNDING On December 11, 2018 by a vote of 6-0 the Community Preservation Committee recommended appropriating $6,055 for this project from the historic resources reserve budget to the control of the Somerville Public Library for the overall purposes summarized in this document. Project Budget Recommended funding amount: Expenses Amount Study $0 Soft costs $6,055 Construction $0 Total $6,055 Sources CPA historic resources funds- requested $6,055 Other sources $0 Total $6,055 JOSEPH A. CURTATONE MAYOR CITY OF SOMERVILLE, MASSACHUSETTS COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE

ALIGNMENT WITH FY19 COMMUNITY PRESERVATION PLAN The bas-relief is currently resting on a floor in a hallway where it is damaged by book carts and other objects. This project would both restore the carving as well as relocate it to a location with greater prominence that is also more protected. FUNDING CONDITIONS 1. The Somerville Public Library will post a permanent sign noting CPA funding for the restoration of the bas-relief. MEASURES OF SUCCESS The goal of the project is to return the bas-relief to as close as possible to its original condition. Success will be measured by the repair of all visible surface damage to the bas-relief. The full proposal is available at: https://www.somervillema.gov/departments/community- preservation-act/2019-cpa-projects