The Hunt Memorial Building at 6 Main St. will be renovated using a $485,000 federal grant from the Save America’s Treasures program. Courtesy photo/Cram & Ferguson Architects

NASHUA – The city recently received a $485,000 federal grant from the Save America’s Treasures program to fund repair work at the Hunt Memorial Building on Main Street.

Specifically, the funds will be used to repair leaking windows and water damage throughout the building, which has been on the National Registry of Historic Places since 1971.

“This is a great win for the city and I thank our staff who pursued and secured this grant,” said Mayor James Donchess. “This is one of Nashua’s iconic pieces of history. Since 1903, it’s been a part of life here in Nashua for many generations of residents – first as a library and now as a creative space and event center. These needed repairs will allow us all to enjoy the Hunt Building for many years to come.”

The project itself will be completed by Cram & Ferguson Architects, which has worked on the building in various capacities since 2002.

At 121 years old, the building was home to the city’s library until 1971. It is now used as a venue for concerts and wedding receptions.

“As we build, expand and develop Nashua, it’s important to protect and preserve our historic past,” said Economic Development Director Elizabeth Hannum. “We’re pleased that Cram & Ferguson will retain the integrity of the original design and features as the necessary repairs are completed – including faithfully replicating the original gothic wooden tracery around the windows. This grant will also enable us to protect the integrity and longevity of the interior renovations done in 2011-12, an investment of $1.2 million in the building.”

Funded by the National Park Service, the Save America’s Treasures program was established in 1998 as a way to celebrate the country’s “premier cultural resources in the new millennium.”

Since then, more than 1,300 grants have been awarded totalling more than $300 million.