Low-Martin House owner may get $50K from council for repairs

The public will soon be able to take a look at improvements made to a historic house in Windsor's Walkerville neighbourhood.

The owner of the Low-Martin House at the intersection of Ontario Street and Devonshire Road has nearly completed restoration work on the heritage building.

Vern Myslichuk, who owns BetterMade Cabinets, won't say how much he's spent on renovations, but the businessman jokes he may have to take on another job.

"It was an undertaking. [Cut] I would do it all over again," he said. "I've loved the house for 15 years, and I was so glad I was able to have the opportunity to actually do it."

The mansion cost $130,000 to build in 1928.

Rum runner Harry Low lost the home during the Great Depression.

Longtime Liberal MP Paul Martin Sr. and his wife, Nell, took ownership in 1961.

Myslichuk bought it two years ago, saying it was his dream home.

The city's heritage committee is recommending council approve a $50,000 grant to help with some of the cost of restorations.

Coun. Fulvio Valentinis is willing to approve it.

"It's a very significant building  in the history of this community. It's prominent in terms of its visual appearance, in terms of its location in the town of Walkerville," he said. "It's a building that's unique for our area. It also has a colurful history."

Myslichuk plans to hold an open house in June, before he and his family move into the historic home.