2011 Sucess Story Award

PND’s Success Story Award recognizes irreplaceable historic, architectural, cultural and/or archaeological resources in North Dakota that have been successfully preserved through restoration, rehabilitation or renovation within the last five years. Nominations for the annual Success Story Award are accepted throughout the year.

Meridee & Keith Danks, Jr.

In 1926 builders constructed a Tudor Revival house with stucco exterior walls and half timber trim in what is now known as the Near Southside Historic District of Grand Forks.  A thatched roof was imitated by using cedar shingles and rolling them to shape curves around the dormers and along the eaves, creating a very charming and picturesque effect.

When Keith & Meridee purchased their home, they knew it needed some work. One day, a neighbor came over to tell them he had seen a squirrell dissapear into their roof, and thus began the Danks's efforts to restore this unique feature.

Keith & Meridee credit the success of their project to the excellent guidance of Peg O'Leary, Coordinator of the Grand Forks Historic Preservation Commission, and the State Historical Society of North Dakota (especially Amy Munson, Grants and Contracts Officer). "It was initially frustrating to try to find someone who still worked on curved roofs in the Midwest," Meridee shared. "I found no one willing to take on the project in this area." They eventually found a company out of Florida called "Cedar Solutions" - a family owned and operated business that originated in Sioux Falls, SD.

Meridee & Keith Danks, Jr. - Grand Forks, ND