Restoration Projects at Willistead Manor

Willistead Manor, exterior, Winter 2022

The City of Windsor oversees restoration projects at the historic Willistead Manor Complex, which includes the main Manor House, the Coach House, the Gatehouse, and the surrounding Willistead Park. The goal of all restoration work and projects is to protect, preserve and restore Willistead Manor.

Current restoration projects include:

  • Phased enhancements for the Coach House Historical Exhibition (2022 to 2024)
  • Restoration of the perimeter fence (2025 for some initial work; future dates to be determined)

Upcoming restoration projects include:

  • Exterior painting (2024-2025, and ongoing)
  • Repaving the parking lot (to be determined)
  • Restoration of the basement and associated infrastructure (to be determined)

Past restoration projects include:

  • Full restoration of the Main Courtyard to its original layout (2024)
  • Installation of a new Main Courtyard accessibility ramp (2024)
  • Painting of the new cooling tower (2024)
  • Completion of the restoration of the Paul Martin Gardens Terrace (2024)
  • Completion of the restoration of the North Terrace (2024)
  • Completion of foundation waterproofing in the gardens and select exterior areas (2024)
  • Completion of restoration work on the exterior window-well grates (2024)
  • Completion of restoration of the sidewalk to the sunken gardens (2024)
  • Completion of the regrading of the south lawn (2024)
  • Completion and installation of a new portrait of Mary Walker in the Great Hall (2024)
  • Completion of the restoration of the original terrazzo floor in the Coach House Historical Exhibition room (2023-2024)
  • Repainting of Mary Walker’s Dressing Room (2024)
  • Foundation waterproofing in the Paul Martin Gardens (2023)
  • Resurfacing the terrace in the Paul Martin Gardens (2023)
  • Resurfacing the north terrace (2023)
  • Replacement of the cooling system (2022)
  • Removal of carpeting and complete restoration of wood flooring in the Saltmarche Gallery (2020 to 2021)
  • Upgrading and modernizing security systems (2019 to 2020)
  • Major restoration project involving window restorations, roof repairs, and work on stucco, wood and masonry as part of the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (2017 to 2018)
  • Exterior painting (2017 to 2018)

Willistead Manor Inc. Board of Directors

The Willistead Manor Inc. Board of Directors acts in a policy-advisory capacity to City Council on the operation of Willistead Manor Inc. In partnership with the City of Windsor, the board looks after acquisitions, community relations, education, event planning, fundraising, and historical items related to Willistead Manor. The current directorate includes:

  • Douglas Sanborn, Chair
  • Robert Gauthier, Treasurer
  • Colleen Gaudette, Secretary
  • Jim Evans, Past Chairperson
  • Mary Jane Dettinger
  • Art Jahns
  • Robert Jasey
  • David Langstone
  • Andalieb Abu-Zahra
  • Erica Morasset

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The Friends of Willistead

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