Friends of Marshall Square Park

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Swiss Cottage

Swiss Cottage Restoration

In 2005, Borough Council approved and partially budgeted our project. 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; we even considered shrinkwrapping.

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.
Swiss Cottage in 1902
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 Friends of Marshall Square Park 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):
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 about $20,000 to $25,000.

In the News

Renovation Drawings

Before and After Renovations

2008

2010