FERGUS – On Thursday, May 21, doors opened to the revitalized Craighead Cottage.
The historic property has been given a new purpose; to house healthcare professionals working at Groves Memorial Hospital (GMH).
Adam Gilmore, the Township’s managing director of community services, said being host to residential services for healthcare professionals is a step forward in community care for Centre Wellington.
The estate was built around 1842 for the Black family who had moved from Scotland in 1834.
Rob Black, along with his family in attendance, is a descendant of the migrant Hugh and Elizabeth Black and is happy to see his relatives’ property once again being utilized.
Senator Rob Black shares his family’s history at the ceremony | Mik Horvath
Project manager, Mason Noble, said core historic elements were successfully preserved during the restoration.
Another historic preservation is the limestone brick walls which can be seen on the exterior of the home.
Black said it’s a standing example of craftsmanship rarely seen today.
However preserving the past is no walk in the park.
Gilmore said holding the historical elements up to modern safety standards was a tall order.
The property is located on Union Street West Fergus and overlooks the Grand River.
