I have to hand it to L0wkey, he has had his eyes glued to Niagara-on-the-Lake in the last few months, chalking up abandonments in places where one wouldn’t even think to look. When he suggested a virtually guaranteed POE for a two-story hotel along the waterfront, I made immediate plans to go a few days later. But even that was too long of a wait… my heart immediately sunk upon pulling up. Even though it was a weekend, a demolition crew was on site and workers were milling around.


Ready For Demolition by Ground State Photos, on Flickr

The Anchorage Inn was built in the early 1950s and the property was recently purchased by the Shaw Festival. After presiding over the Niagara-on-the-Lake waterfront for almost 65 years, the hotel was being demolished to make way for a brand new theatre complex. The plan was stalled briefly while the Shaw worked with the Town Council over the fate of the following historic old house, part of the same parcel of land.


Historic Home Hidden Behind by Ground State Photos, on Flickr

This house is not officially designated a heritage property, but dates from the early 19th century and sits right on the very edge of Fort George. Oh the scenes of history that it must have witnessed! The Municipal Heritage Committee has always considered it a building of historic significance. As one member recently put it, “Unfortunately it has been remodeled and added to over the past 200 years and has been vacant and boarded up for some time. It’s not in great shape.”

Fairly well secluded with a copse of trees between myself and the demolition crew, I poked around the property and discovered that the workers were temporarily using the house’s garage as storage for perhaps the most salvageable items the inn had to offer.


Contractor Storage I by Ground State Photos, on Flickr


Contractor Storage II by Ground State Photos, on Flickr

On a pleasant note, it was interesting to discover that a NOTL town councilor contacted the Shaw and asked if local farmers could be allowed onsite before demolition began to take items that could be useful to migrant farm workers arriving in Niagara for summer. They surprisingly agreed.


Donations For Migrant Workers by Ground State Photos, on Flickr

“It was glorious for one hour this evening,” recalls one resident. Several families took the Shaw up on the offer and arrived in vehicles to haul away kitchenware, chairs, lamps, tables and linens that otherwise would have ended up in a construction dumpster. “It showed great goodwill,” said another resident. “It was very kind of the Shaw to allow it to happen.”


Demolition Begins by Ground State Photos, on Flickr

I decided to take a risk and approach the construction crew to see if they would allow me a single shot of the interior. It was, at first, an expected failure – the worker gave me an immediate shunning. But as I turned to leave, there was a shout of my name. By sheer coincidence, another nearby worker was an acquaintance from many years ago. We struck up a conversation and he agreed to introduce me to the foreman. He turned out to be a very nice individual who understood the passion for photography but pointed out liability concerns. Luckily though, I’ve been too lazy to clean a hard hat and safety boots out of the cargo-hold of my vehicle. When I mentioned I had them, I was able to gain his permission for limited access.


Main Lobby by Ground State Photos, on Flickr


Cafe Specials by Ground State Photos, on Flickr


Lonely Piano by Ground State Photos, on Flickr


Work in Progress by Ground State Photos, on Flickr


Stripped Goods by Ground State Photos, on Flickr


Salvaged Bed Frames by Ground State Photos, on Flickr


Unseen 2nd Level by Ground State Photos, on Flickr

The foreman’s only request was that I stay on the ground floor. Hopefully L0wkey has some earlier photos that he can share! In the meantime, several months have passed since my initial visit. I made a stop this morning to see how things had developed. Legal wrangling over the historic home must still be going on, as it still sits untouched at the rear of the property. As for the hotel, the property now sits completely razed.


Summer Growth Hides Historic Home by Ground State Photos, on Flickr


Anchorage Time Expired by Ground State Photos, on Flickr

I thought something was missing when I walked past this lot on Saturday! I usually park just below the Fort whenever I visit the town. Thanks for sharing!

Nice writeup GS...nice to see you still have that horse shoe firmly in place lol!

I always look in on that "Summer Growth" place when I'm in the area...pity they tore down the other one nearby earlier this year too.

Great write up Ground State, certainly at the right place, at the right time! Shame she had to be torn down though.

What a cool place! Too bad you couldn't access more of it, the interiors are very intriguing. I looove 'Summer Growth Hides Historic Home', fantastic shot!

This is amazing, thanks for sharing this!

What a goddamn shame. I hate when they demolish cool looking places...

Man, remind me to keep some equipment in my car. That was lucky you had it, and they let you in.

Some great shots. I'm kinda surprised the piano stayed, if people were salvaging stuff. I guess it was just too big to move out.

And keep us updated on the house. Should be interesting to see what happens. Hopefully that can be salvaged.

I find it funny when you are told of liability concerns, or stay on 1st floor, or don't go inside. Meanwhile a few days earlier you are hoping around the beams of a half collapsed barn.

Good stuff GS.

Yeah, I got something to share...


front by lowkey imagedesign, on Flickr


back by lowkey imagedesign, on Flickr


paperwork by lowkey imagedesign, on Flickr


upstairsi by lowkey imagedesign, on Flickr


upstairsii by lowkey imagedesign, on Flickr


cribs by lowkey imagedesign, on Flickr


fireplace by lowkey imagedesign, on Flickr


Chillin With The Longnecks by lowkey imagedesign, on Flickr


new scale by lowkey imagedesign, on Flickr


details by lowkey imagedesign, on Flickr


piano by lowkey imagedesign, on Flickr


seat yourself by lowkey imagedesign, on Flickr


specials by lowkey imagedesign, on Flickr


Crown and Anchor by lowkey imagedesign, on Flickr

Posted by l0wkey Yeah, I got something to share...

Great set!

DAMN LOWKEY..Those photos are amazing. I hope someone saved that buffet/hutch table, its beautiful!

"Upstairs" and "Crown and Anchor" are great - you capture so much detail through the windows! I suppose that going during blue hour helped very much. I wonder they were trying to salvage from behind the fireplace. The difference in that main lobby between your shots and mine, especially only being a few days, is substantial.

awesome pics and write up as usual G.S.
nice set too Lowkey..

Thanks for the history, awesome set and story.

These are outstanding I love the photos and the background. Well done!

wicked pics... both of ya!

Wonder who got the sign out front. Awesome set of photos from both you. The lily is gorgeous, as well as the yellow ground cover.