A historic Canton landmark is beginning a new chapter.
Canton Parks and Recreation is reopening the recently renovated Timken Gatehouse at Stadium Park on Thursday.
鈥淭hat's a building that was built in 1911 that served the Timken family,鈥� said Doug Foltz, director of Canton Parks and Recreation. 鈥淣ow, it serves the parks.鈥�
The structure originally served as the eastern entrance to the Timken mansion, according to a
鈥淚t鈥檚 something we're going to open up to the public to start renting and using for community events and private events,鈥� Foltz added.
Henry H. Timken established the mansion after relocating The Timken Company to Canton in 1901. The Timken Foundation took over the estate after his passing.
In 1950, the foundation donated the mansion and its nearly 31-acre grounds to Mercy Hospital, now Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital, according to Fred Olivieri Construction.
鈥淭hough much of the original estate has changed over time, the Gatehouse endures as a tangible link to Canton's industrial legacy,鈥� according to the construction company鈥檚 website.
The Gatehouse was home to families who cared for the estate while working for the Timken family, as well as employees of Mercy Hospital, according to the city鈥檚 release.
鈥淭oday, it has been carefully restored to honor its history while creating a welcoming space for the community to gather and connect,鈥� Canton officials said in the release. 鈥淭he Gatehouse will now serve as a unique venue for small weddings, receptions, family gatherings, wellness programs and community events.鈥�
The included a new outdoor patio that can be used for small gatherings and events, according to the construction company. They also modernized the interior with a new catering kitchenette and warming kitchen and added new restrooms.
鈥淭he stone gatehouse was thoughtfully renovated to celebrate its historic character while creating new community value,鈥� according to Fred Olivieri Construction.
Canton officials will host a dedication ceremony on April 30.
鈥淩eimagined as a place for connection, the Gatehouse will host small gatherings, celebrations, and community programming in a setting that reflects both its history and its renewed purpose,鈥� Canton officials said in the release.
