The owners of one of Chatham-Kent’s most historic buildings is asking council for its historical designation be repealed.
However, Chatham-Kent administration is advising council to say no when the issue comes up tonight at Chatham-Kent’s online council meeting.
Gentry Manor, located on Park Street in Chatham, was constructed as a school in 1871 and later became a horse buggy repair shop, a social club, and a Masonic Lodge. Currently, the building houses a salon, restaurant and shops.
The owner asked for the historical designation be repealed, as they view that it will be a hurdle for a possible future sale of the building.
Administration is recommending council refuse the application for the repeal of the designation by-law because they said the property continues to contain a well preserved building that is an integral part of the cultural heritage value of Chatham-Kent, and that it should continue to be protected under the Ontario Heritage Act.
Chatham-Kent’s municipal heritage committee also recommended that council deny the request to remove the historical designation for Gentry Manor.
As a historical designated building, Gentry Manor receives approximately $4,000 a year in property tax relief.