The Toldo Foundation donated $100,000 to the Essex Region Conservation Foundation to help restore the John R. Park Homestead.
An architectural report identified the 200-year-old homestead buildings require more than $1.4 million of work to restore the buildings. The work includes structural repair, foundation works, roof repairs, window and door replacements, and waterproofing.
“The John R. Park Homestead is a unique site which, aligned with the Toldo Foundation values, greatly enriches our community through heritage preservation, education, tourism and more,” said Alex Toldo, Trustee. “The Toldo Foundation is proud to support the Essex Region Conservation Foundation in protecting the Homestead so it may continue to serve and improve the community for generations to come.”
To date, the ERCA Foundation has allocated $500,000 from reserve funds toward the restoration projects and nearly $100,000 has been raised through donations over and above the Toldo Foundation donation.
“The historic home is the most precious artefact in the Homestead’s collection and is the cornerstone of our education programs that engage thousands of students each year. This generous gift from the Toldo Foundation will allow us to move forward with implementing the critical structural work needed to ensure its long-term sustainability.,” said Brian Parent, vice president of the Essex Region Conservation Foundation.
Construction on the buildings is expected to start in late October.
