Falls Church seeking grant to aid restoration of historic farmhouse

Restoration of the historic Cherry Hill Farmhouse was Falls Church’s gift to future generations during the American Bicentennial of 1976.

And now, city officials hope to use the nation’s upcoming 250th birthday to secure vital infrastructure improvements for the 180-year-old structure.

Members of the city’s Historical Commission have voted to support a staff plan seeking about $200,000 in state funds to aid in roof replacement and installation of a modern HVAC system at the farmhouse, located on Park Avenue.

If funding for the project is approved by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources through a competitive-grant program , the city would kick in another $100,000 in support of the effort.

“We are furiously working away” at the application, said Laura Arseneau, a principal planner and deputy zoning administrator for the city government. The deadline is Oct. 18, and “we’re hoping that we have a pretty good shot,” she said.

The funding would come from a pool of about $20 million from the state government, designed to boost projects in connection with the nation’s “semiquincentennial” — the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

Historical Commission members tasked the body’s chairman, Ronald Anzelone, to pen a formal letter of support. Anzelone said it would be good, if timing allows, to have non-profit groups with an historical bent cosign.

The farmhouse will need ongoing work beyond what is being sought through the grant; there currently are cracks in the walls and the foundation needs help, Arseneau said. But a new roof and modern climate-control system will aid in stabilizing its condition and preservation of interior items.

The farmhouse, a popular spot for weddings and community events, is open to the public for guided tours on Saturday mornings and at select other times.