Our first priority: The historic restoration of the Swiss Cottage, built in 1878, to be used in this century as a Concession Stand and Shed.

In 2005, the project was approved and partially budgeted by Borough Council; and we applied for a state grant from the PA Department of Community and Economic Development.

After a year-long wait without any good news, our state government provided some backing:
State Rep. Barbara McIlvaine Smith
State Senator Andrew E. Dinniman

As we rang in 2008, still awaiting funding, we needed to take action to protect the building from deteriorating beyond repair; even shrinkwrapping was considered.

Below, the slideshow of photos taken by Jim Salvas show the Swiss Cottage interior, ravaged by fire almost 100 years ago. Recent work to refurbish the interior uncovered the remains of pre-1917 trading cards, playbill covers, and print ads.

Over the next two years, Jeffrey C. Beitel AIA Architecture proposed and donated architectural services to develop renovation plans. Using the plans, Jeff began saving the building using money the FMSP had raised and donations of labor, materials, and supplies from generous benefactors.

Accomplishments over the two years, 2008—2010 (also see before/after photos below):

1. Excavated soil away from wooden foundation beam, which had been buried below grade
2. Created a proper drain swale for water drainage around structure
3. Treated the soil for termite infestation
4. Repaired broken window panes, repaired and painted window sashes, installed new, recessed security grills
   • The window sash repair was donated by David Schoettle of West Chester
5. Repaired/replaced wood foundation beams with pressure-treated lumber and synthetic lumber trim boards
   • A portion of the carpentry on the Foundation Beam repair was donated by Mark W. Hoopes, Inc. Custom Building and Design
   • The Azek trim was donated by Marvic Supply Company, Inc., 5081 West Chester Pike, Edgemont, PA 19028
6. Repaired/replaced diagonal exterior framing members
   • Carpentry to repair the diagonal wood framing members was supplied by R. J. Rosenberry Carpentry of Honey Brook
7. Treated exposed wooden sheathing with clear sealer
8. Began removing paint drips from split log siding, treating logs with clear sealer
9. Installed cross member trim boards on entry doors, replaced door hinges and added new door pull hardware
10. Installed a new fascia board trim and metal drip edge along roof edges, repaired valley flashing as required
11. Began repainting all diagonal exterior framing members, foundation beam trim, and roof trims
    • Several gallons of paint were donated by Haley Paint Company, 1303 West Chester Pike, West Chester, PA 19382
    • All painting work to date has been donated by Jeff Beitel with help from Dick Sabo.

Once this work is complete, we hope to remove the interior wood fiber board paneling, wire for future outlets and lights, and install beaded board wood paneling to the walls. The large project will be to replace all the charred roof framing members, install tongue and groove beaded board roof sheathing and wood shingles. That phase alone will cost approximately $20,000 to $25,000.

News Articles

(VIDEO) Marshall Square Park structure undergoing repairs • Daily Local News • August 26, 2010

Borough’s oldest park building needs work • Daily Local News • August 25, 2008

Renovation Drawings:  Floor Plan   Rear Elevation   Side Elevations
                   2008                    2010