Ontario Construction News staff writer
Renovations at one of Windsor’s most famous historic landmarks got a funding boost thanks to donations totaling $129,000.
“City Council and the City of Windsor remain committed to heritage conservation and preservation at the historic Willistead Manor in Walkerville,” said Mayor Drew Dilkens. “This latest round of significant and generous donations from Rotary Club of Windsor (1918), Charleigh Charitable Trust and the Walker family descendants including Martha Henkel, the Friends of Willistead, and so many others help us to preserve the manor while enhancing public access and continuing to share this important piece of our heritage and the Walker legacy in Windsor.
“The City and Council thank our partners and supporters for their valued contributions,”
2024 highlights for restoration work and special projects at Willistead Manor included the following:
- Completion of full restoration of the Main Courtyard to its original layout
- Installation of a new Main Courtyard accessibility ramp
- Painting of the new cooling tower
- Completion of the restoration of the Paul Martin Gardens Terrace
- Completion of the restoration of the North Terrace
- Completion of foundation waterproofing in the gardens and select exterior areas
- Completion of restoration work on the exterior window-well grates
- Completion of restoration of the sidewalk to the sunken gardens
- Completion of the regrading of the south lawn
- Completion and installation of a new portrait of Mary Walker in the Great Hall
- Acquisition of the former Hiram Walker Committee Room Table
- Acquisition and installation of a new lantern chandelier for the Conservatory
- Completion of the restoration of the original terrazzo floor in the Coach House Historical Exhibition room
- Installation of additional display cases and museum lighting in the foyer of the Coach House Historical Exhibition
- Repainting of Mary Walker’s Dressing Room
In 2025, the Willistead Manor Inc. Board of Directors will work with the City to install portrait lighting above significant artworks in the manor and will explore the possibility of additional portraits, and the At the Manor series will continue with special events for Easter, Mother’s Day, Art in the Park, summer and holiday tours, Breakfast with Santa, the 5th annual High Tea and Garden Party, poetry, performances, and more.
For more details on Willistead Manor or to make a donation, visit Willistead.ca.
