Ward 12 City Councillor Craig Cassar has announced that the heritage designated Marr-Philippo House “has been acquired by a private citizen and will be relocated right around the corner at 17 Academy Street to be used as a family home.”
The stone building was constructed in the 1840s, making it one of the oldest structures in Hamilton and a key asset to the Ancaster Village heritage area.
Its fate has been of much concern in recent years with the site it is located on, 392-412 Wilson Street East & 15 Lorne Avenue, planned for midrise redevelopment.
Each iteration of the development plan has included moving the structure to another location, either on the property, or most recently to the nearby Ancaster Arts Centre.
The structure was also subject to emergency repair orders issued by the City of Hamilton. The owners—Wilson Street Ancaster Inc. (Sergio Manchia and Frank Spallacci)—disagreed with the conditions of the orders. The owners had filed a challenge to the Ontario Divisional Court, which is now abandoned following the sale of the structure.
In his update, Cassar states “repointing and repairs are underway with work now focused on the foundations of the house.” According to Cassar, repairs must be completed before the structure is moved.
McCulloch Building Moving has been hired to complete the move.
According to Cassar, City of Hamilton officials have reviewed engineering and heritage assessments for the relocation and issued approvals.
A date for the movement of the home has not yet been determined.f the oldest structures in Hamilton and a key asset to the Ancaster Village heritage area.
Its fate has been of much concern in recent years with the site it is located on, 392-412 Wilson Street East & 15 Lorne Avenue, planned for midrise redevelopment.
Each iteration of the development plan has included moving the structure to another location, either on the property, or most recently to the nearby Ancaster Arts Centre.
The structure was also subject to emergency repair orders issued by the City of Hamilton that the owners, Wilson Street Ancaster Inc. (Sergio Manchia and Frank Spallacci), disagreed with. The owners had filed a challenge to the Ontario Divisional Court, which is now abandoned following the sale of the structure.
In his update, Cassar states “repointing and repairs are underway with work now focused on the foundations of the house.” It is necessary to complete the repairs before the structure is moved.
McCulloch Building Moving has been hired to complete the move.
According to Cassar, City of Hamilton officials have reviewed professional expert documents regarding the planned move and issued approvals.
A date for the movement of the home has not yet been determined.
Production Details
v. 1.0.0
Published: June 5, 2026
Last updated: June 5, 2026
Author: Joey Coleman
Update Record
v. 1.0.0 original version