One of the world’s more prestigious preservation entities has given two grants within the same city for the first time in the six-year history of a program called Keeping It Modern to help two of Columbus’ most iconic Modernist buildings.
The 35-year-old Los Angeles-based Getty Foundation, which supports the visual arts worldwide and among some of the globe’s better-known structures, has given a grant of $150,000 to the Eero Saarinen-designed North Christian Church, and $170,000 to the Miller House and Garden, also by Saarinen with the garden by landscape architect Dan Kiley.
The two gifts, which will cover efforts through 2020, are the only two grants announced Wednesday for all of North America, according to a news release. The grants are part of $1.6 million in support, according to foundation officials.
Richard McCoy is executive director of Landmark Columbus, which cares for the design heritage of Columbus. He mentioned that the application for the 55-year-old North Christian, where leaders have worked to keep up with some expensive physical maintenance in recent years such as the just-replaced air conditioning system, was a four year-effort.
Landmark Columbus operates under the umbrella of The Heritage Fund — The Community Foundation of Bartholomew County.
McCoy said the grants highlight a wide-ranging, team effort.
“We’re really excited because we think it shines a bright light on all the work that so many in town are doing,” McCoy said.
For more on this story, see Thursday’s Republic.
