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 completing the seismic retrofit and restoration of the Ramona 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.
 

July 21, 2010

Phase One:
Ring out electrical and complete electrical, phone, computer wiring in west wing and upstairs under supervision of electrician. DONE
Frame out soffits in west wing to accept HVAC vents. DONE
Frame fire stops in staircase chase.  DONE
Organize volunteer crews to install insulation upstairs in closets and prepare for sheetrock.  DONE
Frame door and platform over vault for interior heating units.   DONE
Under the supervision of Doug Reigner, cut in vents and install ducting pipes.  DONE
Inspect all plumbing systems and install gas pipes and drains for AC.

Purchase 5/8" drywall, tape, mud, nails, screws, etc. and stock west wing and upstairs. DONE
At this point we will need to get a crew to install drywall in west wing, west office, men’s restroom and stairwell.  DONE
When drywall in finished we will need to complete finish including doors, jambs and trim.   DONE
Next we must enlist a volunteer crew and paint the rooms with the paint that was donated.  DONE
We will need to seek donations to purchase finish material including flooring, doors, and trim, hardware, and electrical finish, and bath room trim, light fixtures and miscellaneous.  DONE
We presently have most of the plumbing fixtures necessary to finish the men’s restroom and upstairs restroom that were donated previously.  DONE

Phase two: We must enlist volunteer crews to finish the insulation in the attic areas. DONE
We will need to enlist a volunteer crew to drywall the attic, including the central room that will be the town hall office. DONE
Next we will need to get donations for finish material, doors, jambs, hardware, flooring and any other materials necessary to finish the attic storage and office.

Phase three: The first order of business is to seek about $150,000 in funding to hire Architect Mark Lyon to develop a plan for the main hall. Next we need $2 million in funding for construction. The construction process will depend on the scope of work outlined by the architect.

Donations Can Be Sent To:
 

Ramona Town Hall, Inc.

PO Box 1954

Ramona, CA 92065