Family buys former Chatham jail and historic courthouse
Left in limbo for the past several years, there could be new life for the former Chatham jail and courthouse property. However, what that possible role could be in the future is yet to be determined.
The Warrener family recently purchased the Stanley Avenue facility, which housed inmates for more than 160 years.
The 1849 section consists of the original courthouse and jail. The jail was officially closed in 2014 with operations transferred to the South West Detention Centre in Windsor.
Court services were moved to the Grand Avenue West location in 2003.
Speaking at the site on Thursday, Carson Warrener said he and his father, Dan, hope to preserve the structure, adding they are open to ideas and community partnerships.
“We honestly don’t really have any main ideas,” he said, adding the structure would need to be reengineered depending on the use. Infrastructure Ontario, a province-owned Crown corporation that deals with government properties that are deemed surplus, confirmed the purchase was for approximately $1 million. Warrener said there have been public concerns, as well as rumours, as to what might happen to the property.
He admitted it’s a “pretty overwhelming” feeling to now be responsible for such a historic site. Warrener said there would be various challenges, given zoning restrictions and the quiet neighbourhood.
He added there are issues with the building that need to be addressed, such as the HVAC system.
“There’s work that needs to be done to kind of get it back to being a place that you want,” he said. “Upgrades and maintenance, plaster repairs and cosmetic things.”
It will likely be sometime next year before there is a more firm direction in plans for the property, he said.
“There’s probably some good community events that could happen,” Warrener said. “But as far as a true use, that is the challenge.” Presentations and tours with local historical experts are other possibilities.
“There’s definitely some demand,” he said. “I definitely won’t rule that out.”
Chatham Coun. Doug Sulman, a longtime proponent of preserving the jail and courthouse, was pleased with the announcement. He noted the Warreners’ involvement with other properties throughout the municipality, calling them a positive influence. “I think it’s wonderful,” he said. “You know how long I’ve been working on this.… The important part was to preserve the 1800s building, and get somebody who acquired it who has a respect for heritage.
“I couldn’t be happier with the end result here.”