Local resident Toby Shannan made a presentation to Perth council, proposing to restore the historic Red House and relocating it to the Tay Basin, just behind Coutts Coffee.
Arguably one of the first homes built in Perth in 1816, the house was originally painted red but received a white coat after a fire in 1865.
Over its life it served as a British army headquarters, officers’ mess, inn/tavern, church, school, meeting place, printing office and finally dwelling at 55 Craig Street.
Shannan explained the importance of the structure.
Shannan added that the restoration and reconstruction of the building would highlight heritage carpentry skills and practitioners.
Shannan proposed creating a non-profit to complete the restoration and initial operation of the building, creating uses that could financially support its maintenance before turning it over to the Town as a public asset.
He was only asking the town for infrastructure support, indicating he would back the costs of everything else.
He ended his presentation with a teaser, asking council to imagine how similar restorations could occur regularly in the future.
Council unanimously supported receiving his presentation and directing staff to come back with a full report.
Earlier this month, Shannan pitched both the town and Lanark County council his hopes to convert the Algonquin College campus, which is set to close next June.
Story by Brian Turner