Communitywide effort 'ices' the town hall cupola project
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By Tim Norman/ThisWeek
Ryan Builders LTD owner Keith Ryan and carpenter Johnny Keim work on the cupola at the top of the town hall Thursday, May 6.
Weather permitting, the finishing touches of the town hall's cupola, including a copper base, was
scheduled to be completed by Friday following a year-long fundraising effort.
"For me, to do a project like this, it's pretty special," said Keith Ryan, of Ryan Builders LTD. "As a builder, I'm thrilled to do a project that sits on top of such an important building in Johnstown. That's an icing-topper for me. It's rewarding to do a project like that. We're excited to get it complete."
Carol Van Deest, secretary of Downtown Johnstown, Inc., said the design committee members did a tremendous job of using their skills to design and construct the cupola that makes the building appear as it was when it was built in the 1800s.
Downtown Johnstown, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to the restoration and revitalization of the downtown district of Johnstown, sponsored the cupola project. The group formed three years ago as part of a process that will allow the village to seek grant money for downtown infrastructure improvements.
"Keith has been working many hours to finish the cupola," Van Deest said. "He has seen it through the whole process including fundraising. The design committee said they would see it through and they have. It has come together."
Many members of Downtown Johnstown have donated time, labor and materials to the project, including Johnstown's Ryan Builders; Susan Straub, who designed the cupola; Johnstown's Mike Woods, who lifted the cupola with a crane; K-Ceps, painting; and Andrea and Scott Kisner, who housed the structure in their barn.
Major monetary contributors include the Babcock Foundation, $8,000; Johnstown Village Council, $5,000; Monroe Township, $5,000; and Ohio Fresh Eggs, $5,000. Johnstown village manager Judy Edwards also donated her $4,000 in moving expenses back to council to give it to the cupola project. Many other individuals also contributed monetarily.
Fundraisers have included the Cupola Classic Cruise-In that will be held as a fundraiser again for Downtown Johnstown. It has been scheduled for Sept. 10 at the town square.
"The car show raised a lot of money, thanks to Jim Downey, Bill Smith and Ray Speck," Ryan said. "The Wildcat Sanctuary event also raised $2,000 to $3,000. There has been a lot of help."
"We faced a brick wall and even looked at taking out a loan," he said.
"Labor-wise, the Monroe Township trustees, village of Johnstown, past and present directors of Downtown Johnstown were the biggest contributors to getting it complete."
"For me, to do a project like this, it's pretty special," said Keith Ryan, of Ryan Builders LTD. "As a builder, I'm thrilled to do a project that sits on top of such an important building in Johnstown. That's an icing-topper for me. It's rewarding to do a project like that. We're excited to get it complete."
Carol Van Deest, secretary of Downtown Johnstown, Inc., said the design committee members did a tremendous job of using their skills to design and construct the cupola that makes the building appear as it was when it was built in the 1800s.
Downtown Johnstown, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to the restoration and revitalization of the downtown district of Johnstown, sponsored the cupola project. The group formed three years ago as part of a process that will allow the village to seek grant money for downtown infrastructure improvements.
"Keith has been working many hours to finish the cupola," Van Deest said. "He has seen it through the whole process including fundraising. The design committee said they would see it through and they have. It has come together."
Many members of Downtown Johnstown have donated time, labor and materials to the project, including Johnstown's Ryan Builders; Susan Straub, who designed the cupola; Johnstown's Mike Woods, who lifted the cupola with a crane; K-Ceps, painting; and Andrea and Scott Kisner, who housed the structure in their barn.
Major monetary contributors include the Babcock Foundation, $8,000; Johnstown Village Council, $5,000; Monroe Township, $5,000; and Ohio Fresh Eggs, $5,000. Johnstown village manager Judy Edwards also donated her $4,000 in moving expenses back to council to give it to the cupola project. Many other individuals also contributed monetarily.
Fundraisers have included the Cupola Classic Cruise-In that will be held as a fundraiser again for Downtown Johnstown. It has been scheduled for Sept. 10 at the town square.
"The car show raised a lot of money, thanks to Jim Downey, Bill Smith and Ray Speck," Ryan said. "The Wildcat Sanctuary event also raised $2,000 to $3,000. There has been a lot of help."
"We faced a brick wall and even looked at taking out a loan," he said.
"Labor-wise, the Monroe Township trustees, village of Johnstown, past and present directors of Downtown Johnstown were the biggest contributors to getting it complete."
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