Architect Stan Hernley shared a bit of Lawrence history and the story of the restoration of a complex of structures left to ruin at 1106 Rhode Island. Rhody Delahunty , an Irish immigrant, acquired two city lots in 1871 and established a transfer and storage business on the site that operated well into the 1930’s. Delahunty built a residence, a barn and eventually a truck shed on the property, which the family occupied until 1964. The location was later used as an auto salvage business for a few years. The structures fell into disrepair and the city condemned the site in 2013 with the goal of finding someone to restore the site.
Six partners, including Hernley, formed an LLC and a plan was developed for acquiring and restoring the property. The LLC paid the city $90,000 in 2014 for the property and has invested an additional $800,000 on the project. A development grant and a tax rebate were part of the agreement with the city and work had to be approved by the Historical Society Review Board. The restoration was challenging as new foundations were required and there was a considerable amount of wood rot to deal with. Unique features were saved and some repurposed as the structures were provided with modern wiring, plumbing and heating and air systems. The restored site has two residential rentals, a modern conference room, and office space for Hernley and Associates. Images of the structures show a remarkable transformation. An open house is planned for late spring when the project is completed.
