Renovations to older homes and buildings can be fascinating because they often merge the past with the present.
A case in point is the former Ashdown Hardware in Stonewall, a building of historic import slowly being unveiled after decades of obscurity on the town's main strip.
Built in 1882 by Alfred Ashdown, the exterior walls of the store and family suite above were constructed of rough stone cemented together with mortar.
Both building materials were accessible in Stonewall at the time as it was the sight of a bustling limestone quarry, which also produced quicklime, one of the required ingredients in masonry mortar.
Recently, the Association for Community Living Interlake (ACLI) purchased a building located at 307 Main St., which housed a Home Hardware for many years.
The ACLI's plan is to renovate the hardware store to accommodate handicapped clients and to include a retail outlet and restaurant in the 10,000-square-foot space.
The large area consists of a newer section added by Home Hardware, attached to an older building with a grotto-like basement.
As volunteers and paid professionals began to peel away interior wall coverings, they discovered a stone wall that separated one building from another. They also uncovered rough-fir boards hidden under composite sheet material, likely added in the late 1940s or early '50s.
"We knew from old photographs that there was an Ashdown Hardware in Stonewall for many decades, but it isn't common knowledge to today's residents," said Jimm Simon, an MBA graduate who lives in Stonewall and is the consultant for the renovation.
Marg Kentner, who recently moved to the town, was delightfully shocked by the discovery.
"Who knew there was an Ashdown's in Stonewall?" said the antique collector/retailer who recently opened Global Garage and Art House across the street from the soon-to-be-renovated hardware store.
Kentner has been invited to move her store into the refurbished building when it opens in the new year.
"Marg (Kentner) is under contract to ACLI, and the profits from her retail operation will be used to pay down the mortgage on the building," said Simon, adding she will be called upon to suggest colours and layouts for the retail outlet, "something she is very adept at."
The basement under the former Ashdown store is a fascinating example of how things were built near the end of the 19th century.
A trap door on the main floor opens to reveal a steep set of wood stairs that lead to a dry, dusty vault with stone walls and a mud floor.
Rough-hewn beams and ceiling joists are supported in some areas by tree trunks that sit on a limestone plate hidden under the dirt.
"The main floor is amazingly level because of this solid foundation, commonplace in many parts of Stonewall," said Simon.
A two-bedroom family suite above the old structure includes a kitchen, bathroom, dining and living room, as well as a separate entrance.
Windows in the living room allow a beautiful view of Stonewall's Main Street, which will be festooned with Christmas lights for the holiday season.
"We have already renovated the apartment, because it will generate rental income of $1,200 per month for this exciting new project," said Tara Smith, a social worker and the director of ACLI.
She said the main floor will be divided into three sections in which people enrolled in a day program for the handicapped will gain work experience in retail sales, restaurant management and performing jobs that require a high degree of motor skills.
"One of our main objectives is to prepare our clients to work in the community at full-time jobs," said Smith, adding ACLI is a non-profit organization funded by grants, fundraising and many other money-making ideas, including a courier service operated by clients within Stonewall.
"We are also contemplating building a stage on which local musicians can perform in the evening, while audience members enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and a pastry. We'd like the building to become a friendly community drop-in centre open to one and all," she said.
Simon added architect Matt Vodrey of Stantec will donate his time to the renovation as part of a plan by the company to build relationships with rural Manitoba towns.
A perfectly preserved sled of 19th-century vintage now adorns a stretch of windows on the front elevation of the building. It is part of a Christmas display that will be expanded to celebrate the season and to draw attention to the lovely new renovation, expected to be completed in February.
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