1993 Restoration

The first phase of restoration and seismic retrofit began in 1993 after a seven year fundraising effort by the Town Hall Trustees.  Funding sources included Community Development Block Grants, PLDO Funds, and private donations.  The first phase included a new roof, seismic reinforcement to the front half of the building, finish restoration of the west wing, and complete restoration of the façade to it’s 1894 appearance, which was completed in time to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Town Hall in February 1994.  The above photo shows the Town Hall in 1994, just after completion of the first phase of restoration. 

1995 Arson Fire

After the completion of the work done in 1993 and 1994, there was sufficient funds to complete the finish work in the east wing. Then, on the evening of January 28th, 1995, just days before the work on the east wing was to commence, an arson set fire to the Town Hall, destroying the finish work that had been completed in the west wing, nearly the entire second floor, and the roof over the front portion of the building.  A brick fire wall original to the building, separating the front section from the main hall, saved it from total destruction, but set back the restoration effort. 

1998 Fire Repair

It wasn’t until November 1998 that the claim was finally settled out of court, and that work to replace what was lost in the fire, and the finish work on the east wing that should have been completed in 1995, could commence.  While the finish work on the east wing was completed in 1999,  escalating costs did not cover the costs to completely repair the fire damaged west wing and second floor.  During the lost time, the building codes changed, and a fire sprinkler system was mandated for the entire building.  Further compounding the problems facing the Town Hall was an five fold increase in insurance costs.  With all funds exhausted, the Trustees were forced to close the Town Hall in 2002.   

Current Effort

A renewed interest in re-opening the Town Hall is currently underway, new committees are being formed, and plans are being made.  What truly promises to be a community project that every citizen of Ramona can take pride in is taking shape.  YOUR HELP IS NEEDED.   First, we are seeking cash donations to bring the approximately $4000 in back taxes owed since 2002 current.  Second, we are seeking donations to cover the approximate cost of $8000 for one year of insurance to allow the re-opening of the east wing, and completion of the finish work required to open the west wing.  The current estimate to complete the entire front portion of the Town Hall is approximately $250k for materials and labor.  (Qualified Volunteer labor could greatly reduce this estimate.) 

Until a fire destroyed a portion of the front section in 1995, the Town Hall served as a community focal point, provided by and for the people of Ramona.  It is the goal of the Ramona Town Hall Board of Trustees, and Friends of the Town Hall, to make this historic landmark available again to the people of our community.  Send us an e-mail, or call the Ramona Chamber of Commerce at 789-1311 to have your name placed on our volunteer contact list.

Donations Can Be Sent To:
 

Ramona Town Hall, Inc.

PO Box 1954

Ramona, CA 92065