Cary Grants $10K for Restoration of Historic Apartment Building

A significant restoration project is set to breathe new life into a historic apartment building in downtown Cary. The village has approved a $10,000 grant to support the restoration of the Cary Street Apartment building, which dates back to circa 1865. The building, located at 109 Cary St., has a rich history, having originally served as the Freeman Boarding House during the early 1900s, providing accommodation for workers involved in the construction of local railroad lines and gravel mines.

The new owner, Nick Prager, aims to restore the building’s exterior to reflect its original state. His plans include the addition of a wrap-around porch, along with necessary repairs to the stucco and paint. The total estimated cost for these renovations is approximately $57,500, based on the lowest proposals received.

Prager sought financial assistance from the village through the Facade Improvement and Interior Buildout Grant Program, which typically supports commercial and mixed-use properties. While the program is not intended for residential buildings, the Village Board granted an exception, acknowledging the historical significance of the proposed improvements.

“Although the building is utilized for multifamily residential use, due to the significant nature of the proposed improvement and the property owner’s desire to restore the historical facade of the building, the request warranted further review,” village staff stated in the meeting documents.

The apartment building is situated within the downtown tax-increment financing district, an area designated for business development. The village allocates $40,000 annually for grants within this district. During discussions, trustees expressed concerns about using funds designated for businesses for a residential restoration. Nevertheless, they ultimately decided to proceed with the grant as a variance, noting that no other businesses had requested funding at that time.

Trustee Rick Dudek suggested the possibility of establishing a historic preservation fund to support the restoration of older residential buildings in the area. “Shame on us that we don’t have that,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for better investment in Cary’s historic properties.

Prager, a resident of Cary and passionate about restoring old buildings, views this project as a personal commitment to revitalizing the community. “It’s just an obsession of mine,” he said, expressing his hope that his efforts will inspire other property owners to invest in their buildings.

Since acquiring the Cary Street Apartment building earlier this year, Prager has maintained its seven rental units at full occupancy. Following the completion of renovations, he intends to pursue landmark status for the property. The proposed addition of the porch would bring the building within 8 feet of the road, necessitating a future zoning variance approval from the Zoning, Planning, and Appeals Board, followed by the Village Board.

“This is something that we can be proud of,” said Mayor Mark Kownick. He emphasized the importance of investing in the community’s historical assets, stating, “This is a part of our community that we really want to start investing in, and it starts with us.”

With the village’s support and Prager’s dedication, the Cary Street Apartment building is poised to become a shining example of historic preservation and community reinvestment.