HERITAGE LONDON FOUNDATION

January, 2010

The new year brings new energy to our determination to save the Red Antiquities Building. November saw the launch of a fundraising campaign which brought heartfelt support from members of the SoHo community, heritage advocates, and the public in general. However, we are still far from our immediate goal of raising the purchase price of $110,000. Thus our campaign continues as we inch forward toward purchase, stabilization, and renovation to municipal property standards of this treasured but sadly neglected heritage building.

We have in place an offer to purchase the building from the two owners, descendants of the original Winder family that built it in 1872 as a modest home and place of business.

The closing date for purchase has been extended to March 16, 2010. We are actively seeking new donors large and small who recognize the importance of built heritage to our city’s future. Please keep in mind that we cannot begin to restore the building until we have raised sufficient money to purchase it.

If you know of anyone who may be able to help our campaign to save the Red Antiquities Building from demolition, please spread the word and let us know. A pledge form can be found below, or available at www.acolondon.ca.

The building has now achieved heritage designation, but this alone will not save it, as we know from numerous examples of demolished heritage in London and elsewhere.

We are resolved that this building must be saved. It is one of the oldest surviving wooden buildings in London and a rare example of a commercial-residential structure in continuous use in Southwestern Ontario. It is a simple wooden structure but well designed with elegant Italianate details that demonstrate the imagination of its original owners. This rare architectural gem may be of provincial significance and is certainly worth preserving, according to the Ontario Heritage Trust.

Please note that the beautiful painting of the Red Antiquities Building, donated for fundraising purposes by artist Peter Karas (www.dickandjaneart.ca), was won by Eila Milne. It will be presented to her at the Heritage Awards gala (February 17, 7:30, Elsie Perrin Williams Estate).

If you would like to help us save the Red ‘Antiquities’ Building, please complete the attached donation form and return your special gift as soon as possible. No gift is too small and a tax receipt will be sent for any gift of $10 or more.

Download the SRAB Donation form here.

Find out more information on the project here.

Thank you again for your interest and support.

Committee Members: Julia Beck, Alice Gibb, Genet Hodder, Janet Hunten, John Manness, Kelley McKeating, Anne McKillop