“If we don’t care about our past, we cannot hope for the future….”
​Restoration of the Historical Houston House
Home of the Marysville Art League

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Click on Logo to donate directly to the Houston House Restoration Fund Housed at the Union County Foundation. Or Print out form to right and send check to the Union County Foundation, put Houston House Restoration in the memo area of your check. 

Union County Foundation Gift Form

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​UNION COUNTY FOUNDATION, P.O. BOX 608, MARYSVILLE, OH 43040, 937-642-9618 email: info@UnionCountyFoundation.org website: www.UnionCountyFoundation.org

Tour of our needed repairs and & completed improvements

Marysville Art League
The Marysville Art League (MAL) was established in 1979, by community members with a passion for sharing their art. They held their meetings in the beginning at various homes and the Public Library. Then in 1982, President Edith Dyer approached the membership with a proposal to purchase the historical Houston House. Dyer established a fundraising campaign to raise funds for the down payment and secured a loan for the purchase of the home. To this day the Houston House remains the home of the MAL.
 
Houston House
The Historical Houston House was built in 1872 by Christopher and Hannah Houston. It is a two-story brick house which is a stunning example of Italianate architecture. With its tall, narrow arched second-floor windows, high ceilings throughout with original plaster crown molding, low-pitched roof and decorative brackets and cornices under the eaves. The home was one of the prominent showcases of Union County then and now.
 
Christopher was a prominent businessman who was a grocer and bank founder. Christopher’s grocery store occupied the southwest corner of uptown Marysville. Christopher and Hannah were both interested in the arts. Their son Frederick Houston inherited the home and after his death in 1949 his niece, Grace Houston Biamonte purchased the home. She was the daughter of Alexander Houston, granddaughter of Christopher Houston and the last family member to live in the home. Grace was born in 1885 and died in 1979.
 
Grace was a talented artist. She studied at Columbus Art School, The Ohio State University (A.B.), and Columbia University (M.A.). She taught at various schools in Pennsylvania and later became a Professor in the Art Department at Indiana (PA) State Teachers College.  Many of Grace’s paintings are on currently on display.
 
Project Information
•  Name:
Restoration of the Historical Houston House
Home of the Marysville Art League (MAL)
•  Location:
264 W. Fifth St. – Marysville, OH 43040
•  State Legislators:
Ohio State Senator David Burke, District 26
Ohio State Representative Dorothy Pelanda, Ohio House District 86
•  Amount Required:
$135,000.00
•  Organization and Primary Contacts:
Marysville Art League
www.marysvilleartleague.org
 
MAL President                                  MAL Restoration Chair
Ms. Kim Heminger                           Mrs. Carole Schwartz
937-243-6985                                     937-642-6263



PROJECT SUMMARY
 

The Historical Houston House Project consists of much needed repairs and updates to the 1872 Italianate style architecture. The Houston House is home the MAL and is located in the Marysville Uptown Historical District. This home and MAL have served our community for over 37 years. As a valuable asset to our growing community we want to preserve the history of this home and its future.
 
The home currently serves the community by offering art classes, public art shows, public rental space for small events and a gallery featuring various area artists’ works for sale.
 
Restoration of the Houston House will ensure the continued growth of arts and culture in Marysville.  Art and culture creates economic vitality and stimulates economic development.
 
Total Funding Request:   $135,000.00 *
 
• Roofing: $51,735.00
Remove existing shingle roof at lower two feet to allow for proper installation of box gutter. Remove and replace all roofing except rear addition. Correctly flash chimmeys, replace upper flat roof with a standing seam. All existing metal is coated galvanized, and coated galvanized is appropriate for replacement. Caps and additional high stress components will be color coordinated, selected by owner, and comparable to existing.
 
• Box Gutter and Downspout: $34,221.00
Remove and replace existing with 18 gauge galvanized to match original. Although the current gutters and downspouts could be repaired, it is more cost effective for complete replacement. They have been painted many times and existing metal has greatly deteriorated which compromises the lifespan.
 
• Soffit: $10,950.00
Repaint existing, remove badly damaged decorative elements and replace as necessary, up to 15, and epoxy patch remainder. Some separation will still be visible, and this does not include a full strip. I don’t believe the additional expense would be justified in this case. As gutters are repaired, and the soffits will not be taking water from above, I believe they can be stabilized. They will be sprayed with primer meant to bond peeling paint called “Peel-Bond.”
 
• Masonry: $28,000
Masonry will include brick replacement; up to 115 bricks to match existing repointing-mortar and will closely match existing color, hardness, finish and aggregate composition. Square footage will be described as 20% of the building’s exterior surface. Stone patching and replacement as necessary up to 10% of foundation surface and insert stone.
 
• Interior Plaster $6,100.00
Repair and repaint areas damaged by roof and gutter leaks - primarily ceiling work.
 
• Man Lift and Access – Company and Rental: $4,700.00
 
* See attached estimate prepared by:
Conroy Coatings & Restoration - 2280 Henderson Rd. Suite 209 - Columbus, Ohio 43220
Ph. 740-602-5020.
 
We are continuing to gather estimates. Once money is secured the MAL will proceed with selecting a contractor. We currently continue to make small improvements to the property but this project exceeds our funds. We need to use all incoming MAL dues, rental and class fees to maintain our daily cost of operation.
 
EXISTING DEBT
 
The property is currently free and clear of debt. The last estimated value of the home was $154,000. Daily operations are paid for through house rentals, class and membership fees.
 
 
NEW BEGINNINGS
 
In July 2012, MAL underwent new leadership. A new Board was established and Officers elected. The new Board set to work identifying what repairs where needed to the historical home as well as how to revive the MAL to being a self-sufficient organization. Previously, MAL was seeing a declining membership, lack of funding and community support. The house and the previous leadership were struggling resulting in the housing sitting empty and neglected.
 
Two major projects were identified by the new Board. The first and most critical is the roof, flashing, gutters, down spouts and soffits need major repairs. Due to the home being in the Historical Uptown Marysville District the historical codes apply to how repairs are to be made. This requires that the box gutters must be replaced. Due to years of neglect the soffits are in severe condition. There is a lot of water damage to the interior walls and ceilings as a result of poor gutters, flashing and down spouts. These repairs have been handled by patching and making band-aid repairs over the years. We are now at the point that proper repairs need made. If repairs are not made correctly then water will continue to damage this historical home. That is the main reason for seeking the funding for the restoration project. Another issue the Board noted the home needed to be handicap accessible. Therefore the MAL Board set out to get that project accomplished.
 
Under supervision of the new Board Officers and Members the MAL has a renewed interest among the community. The MAL is thriving again. Membership has grown from 12 members to currently over 500. The home serves the community seven days a week. All areas of the house are being utilized for art and music classes, summer camps, home rentals and a gallery featuring local artists. The Houston House is open for tours and hosts various community events.
 
MAL and the Houston House have served the community for over 37 years. It has been met with many challenges and survived. This has proven its value to the community.
 
 
IMPROVEMENTS SINCE 2012
 
The homes two furnaces had to be replaced in November of 2012. In 2010 the gas had been shut off to the home for nonpayment of the bills. This resulted in having no gas service for two years and deterioration of the furnaces. Bunsold Plumbing and Heating installed the new furnaces at a discounted rate to help support the MAL.
 
The driveway was repaired and expanded in July 2013 and 2014 by MAL member Terry Giles. Terry generously donated his time and MAL only had to cover cost of the equipment rental and materials. Ruts and holes were repaired; new gravel and an additional two parking spaces were added. In July of 2014 Terry added more gravel, laid drainage tile to help with moving the water away from the house and added another small parking area. The funds to cover these repairs came from MAL summer camp income. These repairs were necessary to improve parking for our member’s safety and convenience.
 
The House’s curb appeal was addressed and improved in July 2013. Overgrown trees and shrubs were trimmed or cut down and removed. There was so much overgrowth that it was resulting in structural damage to the exterior of the home. Landscaping was completed by cleaning up the flower beds. The exterior doors were painted and the MAL sign was repaired. Various MAL Members generously donated their time to this project.
  
Bunsold Plumbing and Heating generously helped the MAL out again in September 2013 by replacing the old hot water tank that was leaking in the basement. They also fixed some of the leaky plumbing in the basement. As a result of having no heat for two winters in the home various MAL members helped with minor plumbing repairs. They replaced all the toilet wax rings, faucet and toilet bushings.
 
New landscaping was installed in May 2014. Dutch Mill Greenhouse donated design services, plants and labor as a community gift. Local Boy Scout Troop 355 spread mulch in the newly created flower beds.
 
There was only wheelchair accessibility to the back art room addition that was added in the early 1980’s. By having no wheelchair accessibility to the rest of the main house it greatly limited its use. That led us to start the fundraising campaign “Buy a Board.” This fundraiser and a generous donation from the Marilyn Shearer Estate allowed us to begin work. We had the old cistern filled in, constructed a new deck and wheel chair ramp. The total cost of the project was $23,000. This much needed ramp and deck has helped us increase the amount of community members we can serve and increase safety of the home. One challenge we encountered with this project was it was considered commercial. This meant that County Building Codes had to be met regarding ADA standards. The ADA requirements added extra costs for additional lighting and the appropriate custom metal handrails. The deck and ramp addition have proven to be a wonderful asset to this home and our community. The deck and ramp where completed in the fall of 2014.
 
A gallery hanging system was added to the main parlor and gallery. This allows for rotating art shows, display member’s art and prevents damage to the walls. MAL was able to complete this system in fall of 2014 and was funded through camp fees.
 
The newly added deck was stained in the fall of 2015. The deck needed to sit for a year before a finish could be applied.
 
New heating and cooling units were added to the second floor in November of 2015. These units were a necessity because the second floor offered a music studio space for a local couple to teach music lessons and added art class space. Without these units the second floor couldn’t be utilized year round in extreme heat and cold. These three units allowed for much needed additional income for daily operations.
 
The basement was cleaned and organized in the fall of 2015. This allowed the MAL to add another classroom that could be used for pottery classes and any overflow from the back art room.
 
The deck and wheelchair ramp needed to be cleaned, reconditioned and stained in July, 2016.
 
MAL continues to make interior repairs as money is deemed available. This year so far we have been able to repaint rooms, minor repairs, reorganize and use spaces more effectively. By optimizing our spaces it has allowed for more class offerings and rentals which in turn generate more income. A lot of this work was completed through our Camp Fix It in August, 2016.
 
Most recently MAL applied for the Sidewalk Grant through the City of Marysville. We are waiting on final approval based on the estimate we received needing to be revised for the City. Miller Concrete was approved to complete this work in the near future.
 
 
 
 

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
 
*City of Marysville, Ohio
*Uptown Friday Nights
*Legends Walk Christmas and Santa Village
*Dare Dream Studios Dan and Gina Snodgrass
*Dutch Mill Greenhouse Henke Berbee and Family
*Fraternal Organizations
Elks Lodge #1130
Moose Lodge #1651
*Marysville Exempted Village School District
Building Art Departments
​ Scholarships Art Shows
*Marysville Public Library
*Memorial Hospital
Memorial Gala 
Cancer Support Group
*Pathways Financial Credit Union
Rotating Local Art Show
*Union County Chamber of Commerce 
*Union County Convention and Visitors Bureau
*Union County Covered Bridge Festival
*Union County Farmers Market
*Union County Women Entrepreneurs  
 
 
ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND AWARDS
 
*2013 City of Marysville Beautification Program – Honorable Mention MAL *Member Nominated to the 2014 Governor’s Award for the Arts by Ohio Citizens for the Arts
*MAL Member Received 2014 Union County Chamber of Commerce Salute to Leaders Award for Promotion of Arts in Union County  
*Nominated to 2017 Governor's Award for Arts by Citizens for the Arts 
 
 
 BENEFITS TO MEMBERS AND COMMUNITY
 
The MAL offers something for everyone. We continue to add classes and events. We keep our membership fees low and classes affordable. All while striving to make MAL a self-sufficient organization and an asset to the community.
 
*Bi-Monthly Board Meetings
*MAL Member Mingles
*MAL Member Monthly Newsletters
*Gallery 264 – A local shopping experience featuring local artists’ work
*"Let's Paint"  Classes – Adult BYOB Painting Classes on 16”x20” canvas
*Art Classes  & Summer Camps
*Itty Bitty Artist –  Children’s play, create and story time class (Tuesday mornings during the school year)
*Grace’s Gallery – Open Art Studio (nominal fee includes all supplies and studio time)
*Monthly Scrapbooking Crops
*American Girl Doll Craft Classes
*Summer Camps – D.Weller Art Camp, Explore Camp, Camp Fix It, Sewing Camp, Photography Camp
*Music Classes by Dare Dream Studio
*Photography Classes
*Limited Pottery and Ceramic classes
*Custom Art Birthday Parties
*House and Room Rentals (Graduation, Bridal, Baby – small events)
*Houston Homemade – Fall Festival and Craft Show
*Christmas Tree Lighting
*Christmas Shop Local
*Santa’s Workshop
*Pictures and Doughnuts with Santa
*Community Painting Fundraisers – Raise money for your cause
*Essential Oil Classes
*Home School Art Club Program
*All Bout Stenciling Classes  
Variety of other classes offered throughout the year. All schedules posted on our website calendar. www.marysvilleartleague.org
 
FUNDRAISING EFFORTS
 
“Buy a Board” Campaign 2013 – Money for Deck and Ramp – $23,000
Union County Sheriff Department 2016 Lunch – $350.00
Coin Wars – Summer Camp Teachers Collect Coins – $126.00
Union County Foundation Restoration Account – $5,000.00
Kicking off a “Go Fund Me” Campaign February 2017
Kicking off a “Save the Soffit” Campaign February 2017
Seeking Grant Availability

 
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
 
City of Marysville Uptown Friday Night – 2013-Present
About MAL Tent; Organize “Chalk the Block” – Free Event with Prizes  

“Sit Down for the  a Charity Event” – 2013
Participant and Supporter  

City of Marysville Swimming Pool Project – Summer, 2013
Assisted in selecting new color theme for City Pool, Offices and Locker Rooms. MAL members painted murals on various areas throughout the facility.  

Marysville High School Show Choir – Show Choir Seasons 2012-2015
Sponsor Donated Gift Basket and Door Prize for Cabaret Night Auction  

Marysville Public Library – 2012-2015
Monthly rotating art display, various artist displays through the year Support Special events such as “Artpalozza,”, Pumpkin Decorating Contest and etc.
 
Memorial Hospital  – 2012-Present
Memorial Gala 2015 – three MAL artists painted live and donated paintings for live auction
Annual Festival of Trees Gift Baskets
Twigs 8 Group hosted a Holiday Tea - a Fall Painting class Dinner & Ornament Decorating  

Union County Care Train – 2012-Present
Gift Baskets for Community Auction Partnered with Kibbey’s Catering for free House rental for donation  

Union County Fair – 2014-2015
MAL Information Booth PEEP through Board donated to Union County Fair for Photo Ops Sponsored Kid Zone and Free Facepainting  

The MaiZe at Milford Center – 2013-Present
Annual Fall Festival & face painting Painted Peep through Pumpkin Board Michigan Player for Corn Cannon Game  

Edgewood Elementary Spring Festival – 2013-Present
Door Prize Donations (free MAL Memberships, Room Rentals, MAL Artist Items)  

Team Building through Painting
Nestle’s Company, Union County Sheriff Department, Honda of America, In-Step & YMCA Elite Volleyball  

Donated to Create by Crafted Works by Bobby Dailey (MAL Vice President) – 2013-2015 Blessings in a Backpack, Darric Brown, Smiling Rylie  
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City of Marysville Legends Walking Tour – 2013-Present
Tour ends at Houston House for a spooky tour, hot cider and cocoa and cookies.  
 
House Tours/Art Projects – 2014-Present
Trinity Lutheran Schools Tour and Art Project
Union County 4-H Clubs
Union County Garden Club House Tour and Talk
Enchanted Care Day Care Tour and Art Project
Marysville Creekview Intermediate School Tour and Art Project  

Boy and Girl Scouts – 2014-Present
Eagle Scout Project (ongoing 2016)
Merit Badge Classes for Painting and Crafts Community Service Opportunities Meeting Location for Daisy Troop #4867 
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Union County Health Department Sneaker Day - 2013
Cooling off station on the evening walk to get healthy.  Offered water and house tours.  

Covered Bridge & Bluegrass Festival – 2013-Present
Committee member for planning and organizing event.
MAL Members volunteered at Welcome Tent and Kid Zone
Coffee and Canvas Class on the Bridge
Leaf Printing and Wreath Demos
Pumpkin Painting Station

4th District Congressional High School Art Show – 2014
Hosted event for U.S. Congressman Jim Jordan. Union County had three students who entered and a Marysville High School student received an honorable mention award.  

Marysville Exempted Village School District Art Shows – 2013-Present
Sponsor and host the High School, Middle School and Creekview Art Shows Sponsor a $500.00 scholarship which is housed at the Union County Foundation Sponsor Small $250.00 Awards  

Union County Drug Court - First Steps to Recovery – Present
Community Service Opportunities for Yard and House Maintenance Projects Therapeutic Art Journaling Class in 2016 Phase I Program  

Union County Family Court – Present
Community Service Opportunities and Mentoring for Youth Participating in  

Union County Here for Hope – 2014-Present
2014 Suicide Prevention Awareness Event: Hosted, Art Auction donated by MAL Member, Coordinated with Marysville High School & North Union High School for Art Donations. A Memory Tree quilt was made by members of the MAL, for future events and awareness. 2017 Event is being planned TBD  

BASE Program at Marysville Bunsold Middle School – 2012-2014
Teachers form MAL taught classes at the BASE program 2012 -2014 before funding was dropped. Classes included photography, creative writing, and visual arts  
Encore Union County – 2013 Summer Theater Production of “All Shook-up”
Sets were designed and built at no charge with help from the youth in the Family Court Program.

 Angel Tree Ministry – 2012-2014
Hosted event where MAL members donated wrapped gifts and held a party for children in need. 2014 MAL became the sole sponsor for Delaware, Madison and Union Counties serving 50 children.  

Hopes & Dreams of Our Children Community Art Project
Meeting site for this grassroots organization.  

Union County Chamber of Commerce Holiday Open House – 2013-2014
Chamber Open House hosted at the Houston House by the MAL  

Dutch Mill Greenhouse: Summer Series Art Program – 2014 to Present
Artists from MAL partnered with Dutch Mill to provide a series of unique classes during the summer  

Union County Annual Chamber Dinner – 2016
MAL artist painted live during the event and the painting was auctioned off as a fundraiser.  

The Richwood Bank, Dutch Mill Greenhouse and MAL –  2014
Partnered for a Community Date Night Paint Class and Beer Making
 
Union County Historical Society – 2014 - Present
MAL Members actively participate and sponsor events.  

Union County Master Gardeners at McCloud Park – 2015-Present
Art in the Park Events Master Gardeners earn required hours for the landscaping maintenance at the Houston House  

Pathways Financial Service Credit Union – 2015-Present
Local Expressions: Local Art, Local Banking, Local Flavor Rotating Art Show and Reception  

Homes for Our Troops, Building Homes for Wounded Soldiers – 2013
MAL Artist decorated and painted the shovels for the ground breaking event.  One of the shovels was featured on WBNS 10TV and NBC4.  

Union County Farmers Market – 2015-Present
Free art projects offered once a month.  

Other Events Held at The Houston House – 2012 to Present
Union County Bar Association Summer Gatherings – 2014, 2015
Dorothy Pelanda Fundraising Dinner – Fall, 2013
David Phillips Union County Prosecutor Fundraising Event – Fall, 2012
Memorial Hospital Staff Meetings 2016
 
 
SUMMARY
 
The MAL has and continues to work very hard to engage and be involved in the community we serve. We use our entire income for the continued daily operations of the MAL, house maintenance and repairs. When the community we serve is supporting the MAL and the Houston House by attending classes, becoming members and renting the home it allows us to maintain our self-sufficiency. The MAL Board strongly believes in giving back to the community that supports and believes in us. We set aside funds for scholarships and various community givebacks.
 
We cannot ignore the compounding soffit and roof issues much longer.  The MAL members are willing to work alongside the contractors to save funds and show our love and pride for our beautiful home. We have proven in the last four years what hard work, determination and teamwork can do. As one of our members has said “We brought it back from the ashes.” Any additional financial support towards the restoration of the historical Houston House, will allow us to continue to serve and add even more value back into our community.
 
The Houston House and the MAL is alive, it is rich in history and has endless potential. The house is filled with art from the Houston Family. There is an original drawing by Hannah Houston and many beautiful paintings done by her and Christopher’s granddaughter Grace Houston Biamonte. Over the years the MAL has purchased numerous pieces of artwork by high school students in our community from past art shows. Artwork from our past members like, Ann Entis’ Sculptures, Eugene Snively original, bronze statues cast by still serving board artist Paul Schwartz, hand woven baskets and unique quilts by MAL board member and Fiber Artist Carole Stolte Brouilette and so many other great pieces on display.
 
If you haven’t visited the MAL at the historical Houston House you are missing out on a vital part of the history of Marysville and Union County.
 
 
ASSETS
 
Houston House
Last Valued at $154,000.00 (free and clear of debt)
Installed New Deck $23,000.00
New Landscaping $1,000.00
 
Union County Foundation
Houston House Restoration Fund ~$5,000.00
MAL Scholarship Fund ~$3,000.00
 
Richwood Banking Company 
Checking Account $xxxx
Savings Account $xxxx