Suport for Restoration of Ham House
Donation protected
Bonnie Crook is an art educator and I am an engineer, both with an interest in history and our built heritage.
Ham House is a timber frame building constructed 1816 in the Village of Bath, Ontario. Though designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act, the building was under threat of demolition with the municipality moving in 2010 to remove its heritage-designation. This strategy came out of frustration with the poor condition of the building and the odd belief that heritage-designation was somehow preventing the owner from maintaining the property. We bought Ham House, opposed de-designation and restored it to its original glory. With the help of extremely dedicated community volunteers, Bonnie and I did all the work ourselves. Most notable was the heavy foundation work and restoration of the east facade that had been stripped off in 1896. An added bonus was that the interior was largely intact from 1816, containing both a store and a residence. You can read the story of the building, the many finds and of the restoration itself at www.hamhousebath.com. For more pictures see our facebook page: www.facebook.com/hamhousebath.
Bath is located on Lake Ontario half way between Kingston and picturesque Prince Edward County. Situated prominently at the main intersection, our objective was to demonstrate the cultural and economic value of early buildings by establishing Ham House as a regional destination and dynamic business.
We have identified a pub/restaurant as an ideal re-purposing of this historic building, offering the public a unique opportunity to experience both the dramatic exterior and spectacular surviving store and residence within.
Change-of-use municipal fees are are almost prohibitive, especially when combined with the cost of the core restoration. This funding drive is to help pay the municipal fees so we can move forward on our business plan and complete restoration of the entire site. Even very small contributions are greatly appreciated.
The end result will be a proclamation of the value of built heritage and will likely have a catalyzing affect on revitalization of the entire village. Its success will hopefully encourage the restoration of other War of 1812-era buildings, dilapidated, but still standing in Bath. This unique building will educate and enrich generations to come.
Ham House is a timber frame building constructed 1816 in the Village of Bath, Ontario. Though designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act, the building was under threat of demolition with the municipality moving in 2010 to remove its heritage-designation. This strategy came out of frustration with the poor condition of the building and the odd belief that heritage-designation was somehow preventing the owner from maintaining the property. We bought Ham House, opposed de-designation and restored it to its original glory. With the help of extremely dedicated community volunteers, Bonnie and I did all the work ourselves. Most notable was the heavy foundation work and restoration of the east facade that had been stripped off in 1896. An added bonus was that the interior was largely intact from 1816, containing both a store and a residence. You can read the story of the building, the many finds and of the restoration itself at www.hamhousebath.com. For more pictures see our facebook page: www.facebook.com/hamhousebath.
Bath is located on Lake Ontario half way between Kingston and picturesque Prince Edward County. Situated prominently at the main intersection, our objective was to demonstrate the cultural and economic value of early buildings by establishing Ham House as a regional destination and dynamic business.
We have identified a pub/restaurant as an ideal re-purposing of this historic building, offering the public a unique opportunity to experience both the dramatic exterior and spectacular surviving store and residence within.
Change-of-use municipal fees are are almost prohibitive, especially when combined with the cost of the core restoration. This funding drive is to help pay the municipal fees so we can move forward on our business plan and complete restoration of the entire site. Even very small contributions are greatly appreciated.
The end result will be a proclamation of the value of built heritage and will likely have a catalyzing affect on revitalization of the entire village. Its success will hopefully encourage the restoration of other War of 1812-era buildings, dilapidated, but still standing in Bath. This unique building will educate and enrich generations to come.
Organizer
Ron Tasker
Organizer
Kingston, ON