Even though its foundation was rotting from improper drainage and its upper level was caving in, the Knights of Pythias building has stood tall on Cortez Street for 120 years.
Now, two years after the 'Tis Foundation bought the building and started abatement, antique lighting, immaculate wood floors and mahogany-framed glass windows adorn Prescott's latest historic restoration and newest arts center.
Impressively restored to early-1900s criteria, the 'Tis building at 105 N. Cortez now has a few local artists exhibiting in the main showroom floor and the upper mezzanine gallery.
"It had to be completely redone," said local artist Willem Van Der Heyden, pointing to the ceiling.
"There are still bullet holes up there. I left them there intentionally."
Holes aside, the polished woodwork and sparkling antiquity throughout the three levels of the building make it hard to imagine that much of it lay condemned in the past few years.
The 'Tis Foundation bought the building in the fall of 2007 and started restoration about the same time.
Local contractors and craftsmen worked on the restoration project, Van Der Heyden said.
Van Der Heyden came up with the concept for 'Tis four years ago with Andrea Smith, a local artist whose mother, Ann Carson Dater, was financing a project in Galapolis, Ohio, restoring a historic building for use as a music performance hall.
Dater commissioned Van Der Heyden for a piece in the music hall, and worked with him to establish the 'Tis Foundation and restore the Knights of Pythias building.
Dater's support made the project a reality and financially assured its operation for the next seven years, he said.
The project entailed salvaging as much of the building's original facets to meet historical preservation standards - the original ceiling over the main floor, some of the woodwork from the staircases, and brick that was not exposed to the elements were incorporated in the new construction.
A 1920 cash register from the Prescott Depot serves as the till behind the gift counter next to the building's original vault.
With expansive windows overlooking the courthouse plaza, the top level opens up to an 84-capacity banquet hall with a completely furnished kitchen attached.
The 'Tis Foundation plans to rent the space for private parties and to nonprofits at a reduced price.
Though the space appears ideal for wedding banquets and other black-tie affairs, Van Der Heyden said ideally he would like it to provide a place where volunteer teachers could teach free art classes as part of a summer program for children.
"I know there's a tremendous amount of mental energy out there willing to help," Van Der Heyden said, adding that many area teachers have contacted him about the 'Tis.
'Tis, for the most part, he said, is to function as a benefit to the community in ways he mentioned, and also by offering the main gallery to help artists having a difficult time getting their work in local galleries that aren't nonprofit.
By charging a low commission to artists, artists can make their work more affordable, and possibly bring more of the local market into the gallery to buy their work, he said.
"The true gift of this building is what it can do for the artists and young people in the community," he said.
The 'Tis gallery will open for business on June 19.
Reader Comments
Posted: Wednesday, June 24, 2009
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I may also have my work in this gallery.
Posted: Saturday, June 13, 2009
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j
Hello? hello? any editors here? Gallipolis, Ohio
Posted: Friday, June 12, 2009
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