Green Gables at Historic Riverview Village, Inc. awarded 2022 Nonprofit of the Year by Palm Bay Area Chamber of Commerce

 

From Sue Fallon, Advisory Board – Green Gables at Historic Riverview Village, Inc.

sue.greengables@gmail.com

 

During this year’s Palm Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Year in Review and Board Installation December 7th, Green Gables at Historic Riverview Village, Inc. was selected by the Chamber as the 2022 Nonprofit of the Year. In addition, Green Gables was presented with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for “their outstanding and invaluable leadership in the business community”, by the office of Congressman Bill Posey.

In July of 2022 Green Gables was awarded a Special Category Matching Grant by the State of Florida Division of Historical Resources. The grant is for the acquisition of the 1896 Queen Anne style home, known as Green Gables, and the over one acre of river front property on which it is located.  The grant required Green Gables to raise $482,500 to qualify for the matching funds.  Thanks to the Wells family descendants, local and state government representatives, local businesses, and a community of supporters the matching funds were raised and the completion of the purchase of the property is expected by year end.

The plan is to restore Green Gables to her original Queen Anne grandeur from the turn of the 20th century.  Green Gables is listed on the National Historic Register; therefore, the refurbishment of the house will be per the Department of Interior’s rules for preservation of historic homes.  To accomplish Green Gables’ mission statement to “preserve and restore the historical landmark and surrounding green space, which represent the legacy of the early developers of South Brevard County and to create a living history museum and center for community engagement”, the support from the community will be vital as we go forward

Sue Fallon