The pace has accelerated for the restoration of the Saylor Cement Kilns in Coplay, held as a national treasure, with work on one of the vertical brick kilns to take place over the next three months.

Lehigh County Director of General Services Rick Molchany explained to The Press on Friday, “The one kiln will be used as a model to raise funds for the remaining kilns.”

There are nine kilns in need of restoration in the borough.

Molchany said various sources of funding will be sought. It is a project that will not occur rapidly but rather over an extended period of time.

Grants will be sought, and foundations, philanthropic sources and the present five operating cement companies in the region will be contacted to help with funding of the project, which will keep intact the more-than-a-century-old kilns.

The Borough of Coplay has lent its support to the effort but does not have the funds to pay for such an extensive project or take ownership of the kilns.

Farmer Spillman Architects, Bethlehem, commissioned earlier by Lehigh County, has completed the plans for the project. The next step is to seek bids from contractors for the work.

The restoration of one kiln, which is being funded by a federal grant, must be completed by the end of May.

The total cost of restoring the remaining kilns is estimated at approximately $1 million.