preserving and restoring oviatt house
Built in 1836 by Mason Oviatt and his wife Fanny Carter Oviatt, Oviatt House is one of the oldest buildings in Richfield, Ohio. Approaching 200 years old, this house has seen its fair share of modifications over the years. Being vacant and unmaintained for many years, the house had deteriorated and Mother Nature had taken its toll. But surprisingly, the house is structurally sound which speaks volumes for the original quality of construction.
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This project is broken into Phases.
Restoration Phase I began in October 2021 and included structural repairs, the repair and restoration of the roof and original chimney, the preservation of the original siding, and the installation of custom made windows and working shutters that replicate the time period. Interior features not original to the house were removed, and the original footprint of walls, doorways, and rooms were discovered and returned to their original 1836 locations. The restoration of the sandstone foundation was also completed during this Phase.
Click HERE to view a virtual tour of the interior framework of the house highlighting historical construction techniques and restoration progress.
Restoration Phase II began in 2025 by securing an architect to prepare and submit plans to the Summit County Building Department as part of the occupancy changing process from residential to commercial. A commercial plan approval and building permit was required prior to continuing with the second phase of restoration. This phase includes installing a restroom, installing museum lighting, repairing existing plaster walls, installing drywall, repairing the stairs with new balusters and railing, painting all walls, ceilings, and trim, refinishing and painting the floors, installing an exterior ADA compliant entrance area, and building a new exterior front display step. The development of a landscaping and parking plan will also be determined.
The Museum Phases will include museum design, interpretation, fabrication, and exhibit installation. Oviatt House is currently working with Benchmark Craftsmen on the initial design concepts of the future museum. Once funding has been secured for Museum Phase 1, the fabrication and installation of the first floor exhibit panels and components and will be completed to allow for the new museum opening. As additional funding is raised, Museum Phase 2 will commence with the fabrication and installation of the second floor exhibit panels and components.
Restoration Phase I began in October 2021 and included structural repairs, the repair and restoration of the roof and original chimney, the preservation of the original siding, and the installation of custom made windows and working shutters that replicate the time period. Interior features not original to the house were removed, and the original footprint of walls, doorways, and rooms were discovered and returned to their original 1836 locations. The restoration of the sandstone foundation was also completed during this Phase.
Click HERE to view a virtual tour of the interior framework of the house highlighting historical construction techniques and restoration progress.
Restoration Phase II began in 2025 by securing an architect to prepare and submit plans to the Summit County Building Department as part of the occupancy changing process from residential to commercial. A commercial plan approval and building permit was required prior to continuing with the second phase of restoration. This phase includes installing a restroom, installing museum lighting, repairing existing plaster walls, installing drywall, repairing the stairs with new balusters and railing, painting all walls, ceilings, and trim, refinishing and painting the floors, installing an exterior ADA compliant entrance area, and building a new exterior front display step. The development of a landscaping and parking plan will also be determined.
The Museum Phases will include museum design, interpretation, fabrication, and exhibit installation. Oviatt House is currently working with Benchmark Craftsmen on the initial design concepts of the future museum. Once funding has been secured for Museum Phase 1, the fabrication and installation of the first floor exhibit panels and components and will be completed to allow for the new museum opening. As additional funding is raised, Museum Phase 2 will commence with the fabrication and installation of the second floor exhibit panels and components.
We need your support in helping us preserve and restore this special house with ties to the Underground Railroad.
To donate ONLINE, please click the button below. All major credit cards are accepted. You do not need a PayPal account.
To donate ONLINE, please click the button below. All major credit cards are accepted. You do not need a PayPal account.
