This building located at 3255 Sandwich Street was built in 1912, and designed by local architects C. Howard Crane and J.C. Pennington. It was dedicated on March 17, 1912. In addition to use as the town hall, it was also home to the Sandwich Police Station, library, courtroom and auditorium. After Sandwich was amalgamated into Windsor in 1935, the building became the Essex County administrative offices, which was its use until 1963. At that time the building was converted into apartments, which is still its use today.
The building was designated in 2005. [UPDATE] – In speaking with John Calhoun the heritage planner, it seems the building was never designated. There was a report done, the owners were looking into it, but never moved forward. However, if the owners so desired, it certainly could be designated…
I have always wanted to see what is inside that building and how it looks. Great reuse before adaptation was cool.
How about some pictures of MacKenzie Hall inside and out? That building is quite fascinating.
Neat stuff Andrew.
It never amazes me how stupid I am sometimes. I’ve driven by that place about 100,000 times and never noticed it at all.
Andrew
Here is an link I found that shows some interior shots of the former town hall. I’m not sure if there are any other pictures out there.
http://www.campusup.com/page2060.htm
It is nice to see adaptive reuse of the building, But the interior mostly reflects the era the building was renovated. You can see some of the original wood work inside, but it appears that much of interior this building has changed. I guess that most of this building must have been gutted to turn it into apartments back in the 60’s
you are stupid chet… I’m pretty sure mom and/or dad rented an apartment in that building at one time and either/or have talked about it on numerous occasions.
Additionally, didn’t you ever deliver pizza there? I did once….
It’s a surprisingly non-descript place, despite the size of it. Nice to see that it’s been kept up…and since we’re on the subject of Sandwich Town, the Friends of Mackenzie Hall will be holding their Annual General Meeting next Tuesday, November 15, starting at 5:15 at the hall. From what I understand, it’s open to the public.
Had a friend yjat lived there in the 80s and I seem to remember it being pretty dumpy inside.