Boyle Landmark Trust has embarked on an ambitious effort to establish a revolving fund for historic preservation in Boyle County, said Barbara Hulette, chairperson  of the revolving fund committee.

 The Wendy G. Lewis Revolving Fund is named in honor of long-time board member and supporter of the idea of a revolving fund in this area.

The announcement was made Sunday during the Spirit of Preservation; the annual fall meeting of the BoyleLandmark Trust at the McDowell House.

‘’The Landmark Trust board voted unanimously to name the fund for Mrs. Lewis, who was beloved by the community and the organization and donations received by Landmark Trust in memory of her will help capitalize the fund,” said Jacob Pankey, Chairman of the Boyle Landmark Trust. 

Other generous donors are contributing funds toward the first project, and Landmark Trust also will contribute a portion of the proceeds from an upcoming property sale toward the fund.

A committee was formed in 2016 and a consultant has been contracted to work on the program’s development. The fund will help preserve local historic landscapes and make a positive impact in the community by helping achieve on-the-ground preservation work that results in productive reuse of historic properties.

Goals of the fund aims to facilitate the productive reuse of historic properties, benefit the local economy, and help make historic districts desirable places to live and work.

The committee ‘‘wants to help save historic properties, with each project returning money to the revolving fund to help pay for the next project,” said Pankey.

Projects pursued by the committee will benefit the public in many ways, helping to preserve the community’s historic assets while embracing the future by facilitating a new and creative uses of historic structures.

The Revolving Fund Committee meets monthly to develop the systems, tools, procedures, and personnel needed to run the Revolving Fund program.

A selection criterion has been created, and is being used to assess potential projects. Money is being raised for the expenses of the first project, and financial systems are being established to manage the fund. The committee continues to identify and recruit expertise needed to oversee the program.

 The Boyle Landmark Trust Board of Directors is overseeing all aspects of the revolving fund, and expects to approve the first project of the Wendy G. Lewis Revolving Fund soon. 

 The committee consists of Hulette, Pat Boatwright, George Coomer, Stephanie Griffin, Kathy Milby, Yvonne Rettie, Julie Rodes, and Jim Rogan.