Latest mill project

Dear Editor:

Over the years, we have shared updates with the community as the Elora Mill property has continued to evolve. With the Walser Building set to open this October, we wanted to provide what is a particularly meaningful milestone for us.

The Walser represents the eighth and final heritage building restoration undertaken as part of the Elora Mill property. 

While our work on the south site will continue for years to come, the completion of the Walser marks the restoration of the full collection of heritage buildings that form such an important part of this property and of Elora’s industrial history.

The Walser has been part of Elora’s landscape for more than 170 years, and throughout the reconstruction we have been deliberate about preserving the details that give the building its character. 

A few examples include returning windows to their original locations, including their distinctive irregular spacing; selecting window colours with reference to the building’s historic appearance; reconstructing the chimney as a defining feature of its industrial character; and returning the original cornerstones to their historic locations. 

When the doors open in October, the new Walser Building will include nine guest rooms, along with a unique and intimate private gathering space on the lower level overlooking the Grand River. The main level will also be home to a Bardo restaurant, and we look forward to seeing this neighbourhood concept become part of the community.

We are excited about what these spaces will add to the town, but the significance of the opening goes well beyond the new uses inside.  For us, it is about seeing another important piece of Elora’s heritage restored and active once again.

One of the things we have always valued about working in Elora is how deeply this community cares about its history, architecture and sense of place. 

That care has shaped our approach from the beginning and has encouraged us to look closely at the details that make these buildings unique and authentic.

We are grateful to the Township of Centre Wellington Heritage Committee, the local trades and craftspeople who worked on the building, including a direct descendant of the Walser family, and the broader community for its continued interest and patience throughout the restoration.

We are incredibly proud to see the Walser operational again after it sitting empty for over two decades and look forward to welcoming you all this fall!

Aaron Ciancone & Jocelyn Maurice,
Elora Mill/Pearle, Elora