HOUSE RESTORATIONS

In response to the vulnerable state of these structures, the Cape Cod Modern House Trust (CCMHT) incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit in 2007 with the specific mission to lease, renovate, and re-purpose some of these important houses as platforms for creativity, scholarship, and public access.

The project has been an intense collaboration between CCMHT, the Cape Cod National Seashore and local stakeholders, as well as enthusiasts from all over the world. The most important financial support for the project has come through Wellfleet’s Community Preservation Act grants which must be approved by a majority of the voters at town meeting. This has happened three times.

The Massachusetts Historic Commission has played an active role in supervising compliance with State Historic Preservation Office standards. Volunteers at all skill levels have been essential to the restorations as have local, national, and international suppliers of materials and services who have, through donated or discounted goods and services, made the work possible on very limited budgets.

CCMHT has relied heavily on the families of the original owners and designers of houses who supplied photographs, descriptions, and original plans, all critical to doing faithful restorations.