Architect Unveils Revised Heritage House Plans
Chardon’s Heritage House project, in the works for five years, has been downsized by about $80,000, according to new plans unveiled to Chardon City Council members Thursday.
Chardon’s Heritage House project, in the works for five years, has been downsized by about $80,000, according to new plans unveiled to Chardon City Council members Thursday.
The new design, by local architect Henry Penttila, eliminates a second story and a section that would have included a large meeting room.
The new structure will replace the 50-year-old log cabin on Chardon Square, but will continue to serve as a community-gathering place and tourist attraction during maple season, Penttila said.
“Eliminating that portion of the building will save us about $80,000,” he told council.
The project will begin with the demolition of the old cabin, which Penttila said would be done in an environmentally friendly way.
The stones from the old fireplace will be salvaged and used in the new structure.
The 2,340-square-foot Heritage House will be in a traditional style reminiscent of turn-of-the-20th century public buildings in Central Park, N.Y, Penttila explained, adding materials used will be waterproof, mildew proof and bug proof.
“The exterior walls will be super insulated, cement and sawdust clapboard siding,” Penttila said. “It’s a sustainable material impervious to moisture, mildew and bugs. It will be virtually maintenance free.”
The building will be 22 feet tall with a cupola featuring a blue metal roof. The cupola will have 10 windows that can be opened to vent steam from the maple sap evaporation process, but the building will also have mechanical vents for that purpose, the architect said.
The exterior will include stone and frame in traditional colors. The interior will be constructed from recycled materials, he said, adding a 14-foot entryway will lead to a meeting room that will accommodate 60 people and will have a raised hearth fireplace at one end.
A display area will show visitors about the maple industry and demonstrate sap boiling, Penttila said.
The building will include a concession area and restroom facilities, and will be ADA compliant, the architect said.
“It will be virtually maintenance free,” he told council. “All you’ll have to do is sweep out the building.”
Pentilla said if construction begins by May 1, the project will take six to 10 months to complete, weather permitting.
Heritage House Committee Chairman John Elzroth told council $308,000 has been raised so far, including a $25,000 grant from the Lake-Geauga Fund sponsored by the Cleveland Foundation.
The committee needs to raise another $17,000 to qualify for additional matching funds.
“That will put us $2,000 over our goal, so we should be in good shape,” Elzroth said.
The next step will be an informal meeting with the planning and zoning commission on Nov. 15, followed by a council review on Dec. 12 and a February meeting with potential trades and contractors to solicit in-kind donations.
Advertising for bids will begin Feb. 25, with openings on March 1 and a target date of March 14 for a bid award. Construction should begin May 1, he told council.
Elzroth said the committee needs to raise the matching funds by the end of the year and hopes to sell pavers as a holiday gift idea.
“It would be great to buy one for someone who has everything,” Elzroth said.
Council President Phil King added, “It’s amazing that it’s come this far, compared to three or four years ago. This is very well done. The building looks wonderful and the design is excellent.”
