Epworth Hall has been awarded a New York State CFA Grant of $234,281 to address water infiltration issues and restore the ground floor. We are currently completing Phase I, which includes a new French drain system and gutter repairs. We look forward to starting Phase II, focusing on reinforcing the building's masonry and concrete for long-term stability.

Fall 2024 Update:

The first phase of the multi-year grant project is complete. The new French Drain, professionally installed by WYCO on the east lawn, will capture groundwater and redirect it around the north side, reducing flooding in the basement. The next step will be to replace the undersized 4” inch gutters with 6” gutters which will capture and direct rainwater to the same new drain pipes. When this is complete, the basement should stay dry.

Winter 2024 Update: Lake Country Gutters has replaced the undersized gutters with new six-inch K-Style galvalume gutters. These will provide sufficient capacity to collect all the roof runoff, preventing water from entering the basement classroom areas. This will complete Phase I of the project.

This project (Epworth Hall, EPF 236680) is funded in part by an Environmental Protection Fund grant from the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation through Title 9 of the Environmental Protection Act of 1993. This project will pave the way for Epworth Hall to continue serving as a vibrant hub for arts, culture, and community engagement for decades to come.