McConnell Mansion Restoration

 

Built in 1886, the McConnell Mansion has been a Moscow staple for many years. It was a private residence until it was gifted to Latah County in 1966. Delayed maintenance and weather have taken their toll on the wood surrounding the windows, and as such, the windows are in rough shape. To ensure their protection from further deterioration, we have begun the work to preserve and protect them. Phases 1 and 2 of the project is complete and we are planning for the last bay of windows (Phase 3). 

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Historic structures like this are vital to our communities, not just as museums, but as gathering places and reminders of our shared past. The Mansion’s continued existence would not be possible without the strong dedication of those committed to ensuring its future. Please join me in continuing that work and reaffirming your support of the work the Historical Society does to keep the McConnell Mansion open.

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The Mansion has 41 windows, most with their original panes of glass. As you can see in the photos, the paint around the glass is weathered and exposing the underlying wood. Without addressing these issues, the wood will continue to deteriorate, compromising the surrounding structure. Animal activity has damaged some of the eaves on the second floor, which would also be repaired. These problems require skilled woodwork to salvage existing materials, replace rotted wood, paint, structurally repair the areas around the windows and interior window sills, and install permanent storm windows .

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To learn more about why it is important to restore historic wood windows, visit this site from the Idaho Heritage Trust, featuring the McConnell Mansion. ​​

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The original front porch entryway has also seen better days and we are working on rehabilitating the stairs and plinths, using restoration best practices.