NEWPORT – The Preservation Society of Newport County’s planned renovation of The Breakers’ landscape received a $1,045,000 boost in the form of a grant from the van Beuren Charitable Foundation, the nonprofit society announced Tuesday.
“We are thrilled and encouraged by this gift,” said Preservation Society CEO and executive director Trudy Coxe in a statement. She added the work can begin “almost immediately.”
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The multi-year, multi-million dollar project seeks to restore the grounds surrounding The Breakers to its Renaissance-derived Beaux Arts state between 1893 and 1938, as designed by Ernest W. Bowditch. Funds from the van Beuren Charitable Foundation will be used to implement phase one of the project.
The first phase will include removal of the “clutter” lining the entrance drive including the ticket booth and vending shack, said Coxe. Changes to the front of the property will also include the addition of potted trees, lighting, removal of chains and resurfacing of sidewalks. In addition, the “welcome center grove” will be lined with additional plantings to further block its view from the street.
In her remarks she added: “This opens up the serpentine path and the grand allée for rehabilitation in the very near future.”
Emily Gowdey-Backus is a staff writer for PBN. You can follow her on Twitter @FlashGowdey or contact her via email, gowdey-backus@pbn.com.
