The Sarnia Heritage Committee is seeking community support to complete restoration and preventative maintenance of the Lawrence House.
In addition to regular maintenance work, $100,000 has been spent this year to repair the slate roof, stained glass windows, interior water damage, exterior bargeboard walls and most noticeably the restoration of the classic Victorian front steps.
Chair Wayne Wager says unfortunately 2016 funds ran out before Victorian style eaves troughs and downspouts, to divert storm water away from the building exterior, could be installed.
"We've been able to find a Mennonite crew that has done this sort of work before and they are going to put up victorian style brackets to hold the eavestroughs on it," says Wager.
He says the work will prevent moisture from deteriorating the exterior walls, foundations and interior.
The heritage committee has launched a fundraising campaign for the final $10,000 needed and kindly asks for donations to be made by the end of October.
Cheques can be mailed to or dropped off at city hall. You can also donate online at www.sarnia.ca/online-services The Lawrence House is a well used art centre in Sarnia's downtown that holds children's programming, small concerts and other exhibitions.
Built in 1892, the building was donated to the city in 1977.
