A long-time heritage advocate for the former Chatham jail and courthouse couldn’t be happier that the historic property has been sold.
Hans Van der Doe is also pleased with the new owners, believing the Warreners have the community’s best interest in mind, citing the former armoury as an example of their stewardship.
“If I was to see (the jail and courthouse) being sold to anyone here in Chatham-Kent, it would be Dan and Carson,” he said on Wednesday. “They’re well known in preservation of buildings throughout Chatham.
“I have more than confidence that the old girl is in good hands. I can see everything being safe now.”
The Warrener family recently purchased the Stanley Avenue facility, which housed inmates for over 160 years, for approximately $1 million.
The 1849 section consists of the original courthouse and jail. The jail was officially closed in 2014 with operations transferred to the South West Detention Centre in Windsor.
Court services were moved to the current Grand Avenue West location in 2003.
In a previous interview, Carson Warrener stated he and his father, Dan, hope to preserve the structure, adding they are open to ideas and community partnerships.
After several years of limbo, Van der Doe said supporters of the facility are happy with the news.
“It’s a great burden off of my back,” he said. “(The Warreners) are not out to erase or destroy our history. They put their heart and soul into these buildings.”
Warrener has said there would be various challenges, given zoning restrictions and the quiet neighbourhood.
There are also issues with the building that need to be addressed, such as the HVAC system and other upgrades.
It will likely be sometime next year before there is a more firm direction in plans for the property, Warrener said.
Presentations and tours with local historical experts are other possibilities, which Van der Doe believes would be ideal to promote the area’s history, especially to young people.
“I would love to sit down with Dan and Carson and discuss what they would like to do with the building,” he said.
Van der Doe said depending on the use, there may be heritage funding available to assist with any projects.
“There’s so much original left there,” he said.
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