Because You Asked: About Rowe House

I’m excited to launch a new feature on my social media channels called Because You Asked! This space is dedicated to providing helpful context and information about the issues that matter most to our community.

Today, I want to address some common questions and comments I’ve received regarding the recent vandalism of the historic Rowe House. I’ll share some background on the house and an update on the upcoming plans for exterior renovations.

A Brief History of Rowe House

• James Rowe House was the home of James Rowe, Whitby’s first mayor. The frame house was built in 1856 and was originally located at 1600 Charles Street.

• In the late 1990s, Rowe House was scheduled for demolition, but the community rallied together to save it.

• Former Town of Whitby councillor Shirley Scott played a key role in preserving the property. She worked with residents to form the Whitby Heritage Community Association. Together, they acquired land from the Town of Whitby and successfully relocated the house to its current site on Front Street West.

• In 2016, I had the privilege of working alongside fellow members of the Rotary Club of Whitby Sunrise to scrape and paint the house as part of a community service project.

Recent Developments and Future Plans

• In March 2023, the Town of Whitby officially assumed ownership of Rowe House from the Whitby Heritage Community Association.

• In November 2023, Whitby Town Council approved a budget of $400,000 for essential repairs to Rowe House.

• In April 2024, the Town issued an Expression of Interest, inviting proposals for a commercial adaptive reuse concept for Rowe House. The goal is to enhance Whitby’s waterfront and boost tourism.

• As a next step, the Town will issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) to seek submissions from qualified food and beverage operators. These operators would use Rowe House as a potential food and beverage destination, adding vibrancy to the area.

Exterior Renovation Plans

Exterior renovation work on Rowe House will begin soon! The tender for this project will be issued this summer.

Planned renovations include:

• Replacement of exterior siding

• Window glass replacement

• New asphalt shingles and soffit/fascia

• Refinishing of doors

• Repair and replacement of wood decking and handrails

The Town has collaborated with the Whitby Historical Advisory Committee to ensure the renovation plans align with historical preservation standards. We’ve received their endorsement of the proposed work.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to work on this exciting project to preserve and revitalize Rowe House!