Why expand?
Since the Davis-Shai House was opened to the public in 2001, this award winning Cultural Center has exceeded all expectations for its use and role in the region. Its popularity now ranks it as one of the top destinations for the Licking County Convention and Visitor Bureau's Motor Coach industry.

Over 35,000 guests have attended 1,200 cultural and private functions. This reflects a 33% increase in attendance and a 43.7% increase in program offerings since 2001. Yearly, many functions are sold out and some 5,000 people are turned away due to limited space. On a yearly average, 145 requests for use of the facility are denied because of the facility's size.

In recognition of the home's success, the City of Heath passed two ordinances in April 2008. One ordinance ensures designation of the Davis-Shai House as a Cultural Center for future generations while a second ordinance satisfies legal requirements for the expansion project.

Expansion project design. In May 2008, the Heath Community Arts Council unveiled a design by Wachtel & McAnally to increase the size of the Davis-Shai House to meet the demand for public services. The $1.5 million design, that pays thoughtful and elegant homage to the Victorian style features of the historic home,

• Expands the facility by 5,400 square feet.
  • Enlarging the Fairview Room from 54 to seat 150 guests at banquet tables and 250 in theatre style seating.
  • Increasing the size of the serving kitchen.
  • Providing storage space on the main floor and lower level.
  • Adding ADA restrooms on the main floor and lower level.
  • Providing meeting space on the lower level.
• Installs an elevator that will travel to the lower level as well as the upper level.
• Expands the parking lot with lighting to accommodate the additional guests.

Floor to ceiling windows, the beautiful dog-leg woodwork, a widow's peak, and Victorian interior décor, characteristic of the historic section of the house, will be replicated in the new addition.

• View The Gallery

How will it be funded. The $1.5 million expansion project will be funded by:

• $1.025 million from two State of Ohio Capital Improvement Gants
• $200,000 in donations and fundraising since 2002
• $25,000 Park National Bank challenge grant
• $250,000 capital campaign (individual donors, corporations, and grants/foundations)

How can we help?
As we begin our capital campaign to raise $250,000 by December 31, 2008, we invite the invaluable participation of everyone to join the other forward-thinking leaders and donors who have already supported this effort. Our goal is to provide an opportunity for everyone to become involved in this historic project. Your donation in money, services, in-kind, or sponsorship is always welcome, no matter how large or small.

Donors have the opportunity to make contributions to two organizations:

1. The Heath Community Arts Council. The Council is a 501 (c )(3) non-profit organization and all contributions are tax deductible. The Council is located at the Davis-Shai House, 301 Central Parkway, Heath, OH 43056. (740-788-8942)
2. The Licking County Foundation. Contributions must be designated for the Davis-Shai House Fund and all contributions are tax deductible. The Foundation is located at 30 N 2nd Street, Newark, OH 43055. (740-349-3863)