What’s New at the North Star House: Projects, Progress & Preservation — July 2025

There’s never a dull moment at the North Star House — and lately, our Planning Committee, restoration crew, and garden team have been hard at work laying the foundation (literally and figuratively) for the next chapter in this historic site’s transformation. From shade structures to fire safety, and walkways to water drainage, every corner of the property is being thoughtfully considered to ensure it’s as beautiful, functional, and resilient as ever.

Restoration in Motion: A Glimpse Upstairs

The second floor of the House is buzzing with activity. The restoration crew is moving fast, carefully and sustainably. This week, old metal pipes, electrical conduit, and other materials were removed and set aside for future recycling — keeping waste low while honoring our green values.

One framed wall came down, making room for new ideas, while in another room, drywall was going up. Architects were on-site walking through layout possibilities, and while pulling up floorboards, Tom Milam uncovered more hidden structural details — proof that history always finds a way to reveal itself at the North Star House.

In Room 212, Mike French began removing the final large plaster ceiling. Once this is complete, we’ll move forward with carefully removing the cedar trim and begin creating custom brackets in the newly outfitted Workshop 206.

On the Grounds: Growth, Maintenance & Pollinators in Bloom

The Heritage Garden and hedge row are putting on a show this summer — with Shasta daisies, roses, hardy geraniums, and helianthus all in bloom. Our pear trees are full, and the grapevine is thriving, offering shade for the fence line.

We’ve started collecting wildflower seeds for next season, and thanks to a grant from the Xerces Society, we’ll be adding even more pollinator-friendly plants to the hedge row this November. Looking ahead, plans are in motion to renovate the pond, update the irrigation system, and add new perennials later this year.

Behind the scenes, Mike Frasu has been updating maintenance on all of our outdoor machines, including repairs to a newly donated mower. Jacques has completed key repairs throughout the landscape — replacing outdoor faucets, rebuilding spigots, and swapping out sprinkler heads on the West Field to improve efficiency.

Planning for the Future: Projects Taking Shape

While the second floor takes shape and the gardens flourish, the Planning Committee is preparing the grounds for a safer, more welcoming future.

A sunshade structure is currently in the design phase for our central courtyard — one of the most frequently used gathering spaces at the House. This thoughtfully planned addition will provide much-needed shade during sunny months, making the space more comfortable for guests, renters, and community events alike. The structure is planned for installation in spring 2026, pending funding, and will add comfort and usability to one of the House’s most beloved outdoor areas.

To prepare for the rainy season, drainage improvements are underway. A full system along the east side of the house has been designed, and excavation will begin soon near the Ladder Room. This work is part of a larger $80,000 courtyard concrete project — and funding is still needed to bring it to life.

Accessibility is also front of mind. Ken is finalizing the design for a new ADA-accessible walkway along the south side of the House. The planned path will feature decomposed granite bordered by bricks set in concrete — a design that reflects both function and the site’s historic character. This walkway, to be constructed by our volunteers, will serve as a prototype for future paths throughout the grounds. Thanks to a generous donation from Ken Underwood, construction is scheduled for later this year.

As these projects take shape, so does the story we’re telling — one of care, intention, and community effort. Every improvement brings us closer to a space that not only honors its history, but also welcomes more people to be part of its future.

Help Us Build the Future While Preserving the Past

We’re making incredible progress, but we can’t do it alone. Many of the projects mentioned above rely on donor support to move forward. If you believe in preserving this historic treasure for generations to come, please consider making a tax-deductible donation today.

Want to Lend a Hand? Join Us!

Whether you’re handy with tools, love gardening, or just want to be part of something meaningful, there’s a place for you here. Volunteers are the heart of everything we do — and we’d love to have you on the team.

Stay tuned for our next edition, where we’ll shine a spotlight on the interiors and thoughtful design work led by Rebekah Freeman