Fourth Annual Old House Expo and Architectural Cake Contest Taking Place May 2

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 10, 2015

For more information, please contact:

Nancy Hiestand, Historic Preservation Program Manager, City of Bloomington Housing and Neighborhood Development Department, 812.349.3507, [hiestann@bloomington.in.gov|mailto:hiestann@bloomington.in.gov]

Nancy Hiller, President, NR Hiller Design, Inc., 812.325.0038, [nrhiller@nrhillerdesign.com|mailto:nrhiller@nrhillerdesign.com]

Fourth Annual Old House Expo and Architectural Cake Contest Taking Place May 2

Bloomington, Ind. - The Bloomington Historic Preservation Commission and the Monroe County Historic Preservation Board of Review will celebrate the Fourth Annual Old House Expo and Architectural Cake Contest on Saturday, May 2. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. and the event goes until 1 p.m. in City Hall atrium and Council Chambers, 401 N. Morton St. This event is held as part of National Preservation Month in May and is designed to raise awareness of historic preservation and help owners of old houses connect with qualified tradespersons and professionals.

The Architectural Cake Contest is open to all interested bakers with the stipulation that the cake represent a historic resource in Indiana. Interested baker-architects must fill out the form online and email the form to Nancy Hiller at nrhiller@nrhillerdesign.com or mail to Nancy by April 24 at 12 p.m. Applications and guidelines for cake construction can be found [on the website|https://cakecontest.wordpress.com/contest-rules-and-entry-form/]. The cakes will be on display all morning on the day of the event. Judges will determine the best cakes in three different categories, such as "Best Likeness of a Historic Building or Structure" and "Best Taste and Texture," while visitors will vote for the winner in the "People's Choice" category. The cake judging will take place at 11:30 a.m. and will be followed by samples.

The event will include a panel for homeowners, "The Old-House Expert Panel Q&A." The panel will take place in Council Chambers from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. A panel of experts on historic homes will be present to answer questions regarding replacing original windows in old homes, finding period-appropriate cabinetry and countertops and resources for acquiring architectural salvage, reproduction hardware, copper plumbing, vintage linoleum and more.

Also during the event, the City will hold a special dedication ceremony to install the Monon Station clock. The clock, which once stood in the Bloomington Monon Passenger Station, is over 100 years old and was restored by local craftsmen with funding from the City. The rare clock was gifted to the City by the Mathers Museum of World Culture. The ceremony will occur at 11 a.m. in the southeast corner of City Hall atrium.

This event is part of several events held throughout the month of May in honor of National Preservation Month. More information about National Preservation Month events may be found [on the Commission's website|/bhpc]. For more information about the Expo or Contest, contact Historic Preservation Program Manager Nancy Hiestand at 812.349.3507 or [hiestann@bloomington.in.gov|mailto:hiestann@bloomington.in.gov]. Information about the Bloomington Historic Preservation Commission and historic home designation can be found [on the Commission's website|/bhpc].

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