Dear Editor:
As the busy summer season in Elora comes to a close, I wanted to take this opportunity to provide a further update on our latest restoration project.
Originally called the Henderson Block, the building was first constructed in 1851 and through its lifetime, housed several different manufacturing operations inlcuding household furniture. It is now named the Walser Building after one of its primary owners, Joseph Walser.
We are pleased to be able to showcase the beautiful stonework of that time and to bring these ruins back to their original state. We have been working collaboratively with Heritage Centre Wellington on the Elora Mill project for over 10 years.
We are looking forward to continuing to consult with them as we proceed with this eighth and final heritage restoration on the site. We will be working with local tradespeople on this restoration project as we did with the other restoration projects.
In the spring we worked to stabilize the structure to prevent any further decay of the building. After completing additional investigation on the building, it was determined that remaining building walls are deteriorated beyond repair to be able to restore them.
Based on this finding, we have had to re-design the restoration approach and will now be dismantling the building and reconstructing it, as we did with the Potter Foundry project. Initial timelines for the project have been pushed back based on these findings. We aim to move ahead with the deconstruction in the coming weeks.
We estimate the completion of the Walser Building in the spring of 2025. While we are in the final stages of concept and design, the upper level will have hotel rooms that will serve as an extension of the Elora Mill that will boast the same design style and finishing touches. The main level is slated to be a casual dining restaurant with patio and a counter for grab-and-go selections.
We will continue to keep you informed of all progress and projects along the way.
Jocelyn Maurice,
Managing partner,
Elora Mill Hotel and Spa