Published: October 28, 2009 09:28 pm      

Scribner House gardens to receive facelift

Preliminary plans include removing bushes, putting in a fountain, more

The gardens at the Scribner House are receiving a facelift starting this winter, thanks to a grant.

Jerry Finn, executive director of the Horseshoe Foundation of Floyd County, presented a blueprint of updates to the New Albany Bicentennial Commission Wednesday afternoon. Those plans include a fountain, brick walkway, removing the shrubs that block the view of the home and more.

Finn said the Foundation has already approved $90,000 for the project. However, preliminary drawings and estimates come in much higher than that, so he said revisions are being made to bring that within budget.

“The Scribner House is without a doubt the crown jewel of the history of this city and we want people to be able to appreciate the fact that the original home of the founding family is still in place [and in good condition],” Finn said, adding that the owners now, Daughters of the American Revolution, have done a good job keeping up with the home.

Finn said he expects work on this project to start in February and be completed in April of 2010.

“I think that corner of the street will suddenly just come alive,” he said.

Michelle England, chair member of the bicentennial group, said having the garden completed may help raise money for the restoration of the home, which is estimated to cost $500,000.

“For New Albany, for the bicentennial, for all of us, it is the utmost importance that we preserve all these historical sites,” England said, adding that she loves the plan for the garden.

The Commission plans to use the garden in their bicentennial celebrations. New Albany turns 200 in 2013.