Welliver recognized for preservation work on Cornell fraternity house

ITHACA, N.Y. — Welliver, a construction firm based in Montour Falls, announced that it was recently recognized for its work in the reconstruction and preservation of the Delta Kappa Epsilon (DKE) house on the campus of Cornell University. 

Historic Ithaca Inc. presented the 2020 Preservation Award in front of the fraternity house in Ithaca, Welliver announced on Oct. 7.

Welliver, located at 250 North Genesee St. in Montour Falls, is a provider of construction services in New York state and northern Pennsylvania. Welliver describes itself as a fifth-generation, family-owned company, supported by a team of construction professionals, project managers, and subcontractors.

Historic Ithaca annually presents awards for restoration and preservation projects within Tompkins County. Nominations are reviewed by a panel of preservation professionals, and awards are made based on criteria such as the long-term preservation of the building; adherence to basic preservation principles; and the project’s impact on the surrounding community.

“Welliver has been constructing communities for about as long as the Delta Kappa Epsilon House has been around,” Anne Welliver-Hartsing, company president, said in a release. “We applaud Historic Ithaca for being champions in preserving buildings and maintaining their historical significance in the community. It’s an honor for Welliver to be part of this project and help to preserve the County’s history and heritage.”

The Delta Kappa Epsilon house was built in 1893 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. It was designed by William Henry Miller to serve as a fraternity house, with plans to originally house 16 students. 

Two sides of the exterior were clad with marble from the St. Lawrence Marble Company of Gouverneur in northern New York.

Together with Lacey Thaler Reilly Wilson Architecture & Preservation, LLP of Albany, Welliver reconstructed the deteriorated granite stairway, entrance, and front porch of the DKE house. The reconstruction included removing and labeling all existing granite stones and stair treads and storing off site while all back-up walls and existing drainage were demolished and reconstructed. After pouring new backup walls, crews reset all stones and treads, and fabricated and installed new wood and bronze handrails.

“Leading the construction team and witnessing the revival of this historic structure was a very rewarding experience,” Jake Perno, project manager at Welliver, said. “Preserving historic buildings and structures like the Delta Kappa Epsilon house is what gives Ithaca its character and sense of community. Our skilled tradespeople are trusted experts in performing preservation work. We are proud to be recognized for this initiative.”