The oldest buildings at the Historic Odessa Foundation – the Collins Sharp House, has a rich history, some of which can be seen on its very walls and structure. “It’s just a wonderful study in architectural evolution,” said Debbie Buckson, director of the foundation. The house was originally a wealthy farmer’s house built around Collins Beach along the Delaware Bay in Townsend in 1700 and expanded in 1730. Building conservationist H. Rodney Sharp moved the house to Odessa in the 1960s after talk of plans to build an oil refinery in the area put the house in danger. “He basically saved the house,” Buckson said. Now the house is in danger again, this time from moisture damage. Buckson said the foundation has hired restoration contractor Restore ‘N More to fix the cedar roof, as well as investigate and repair other pieces of the house. Buckson said the Historic Odessa Foundation has a small operating budget and the preservation work is expected to cost $125,000. However, construction has already begun despite the lack of funds. “The roof couldn’t wait,” she said. Dennis Nissley, projects supervisor and safety administrator for Restore ‘N More, said cedar wood roofs, such as the one on the Collins-Sharp House, absorb moisture. They can dry out again if there is air circulation, but to allow for it the builder needs to put in a waterproof membrane, or “cedar breather.” “They age and deteriorate a lot faste ...
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The oldest buildings at the Historic Odessa Foundation – the Collins Sharp House, has a rich history, some of which can be seen on its very walls and structure. “It’s just a wonderful study in architectural evolution,” said Debbie Buckson, director of the foundation. The house was originally a wealthy farmer’s house built around Collins Beach along the Delaware Bay in Townsend in 1700 and expanded in 1730. Building conservationist H. Rodney Sharp moved the house to Odessa in the 1960s after talk of plans to build an oil refinery in the area put the house in danger. “He basically saved the house,” Buckson said. Now the house is in danger again, this time from moisture damage. Buckson said the foundation has hired restoration contractor Restore ‘N More to fix the cedar roof, as well as investigate and repair other pieces of the house. Buckson said the Historic Odessa Foundation has a small operating budget and the preservation work is expected to cost $125,000. However, construction has already begun despite the lack of funds. “The roof couldn’t wait,” she said. Dennis Nissley, projects supervisor and safety administrator for Restore ‘N More, said cedar wood roofs, such as the one on the Collins-Sharp House, absorb moisture. They can dry out again if there is air circulation, but to allow for it the builder needs to put in a waterproof membrane, or “cedar breather.” “They age and deteriorate a lot faste ...