When David Santa first heard that the historic Ludwig House in Johnstown was in desperate need of repairs, the Westmont resident and general contractor jumped into action.

“This house can come back to life. There’s so much historical importance with this house it needs to be saved,” said David Santa, a Westmont resident 

The building, located at 662 Main Street, was built in the early 1880s and was owned by the Ludwig family. Historians said it has ties to humanitarian relief efforts by Clara Barton and the American Red Cross after the 1889 flood.

“This area, just barely outside of the flood zone. was where the doctors, relief officials and agencies gathered, again, close to where the supplies were coming in.  It makes a lot of sense that Clara was active up in this part of the city,” said Richard Burkert, president of Johnstown Area Heritage Association (JAHA), which currently owns the vacant building.

In the 1970s, an African American businesswoman, Pauline Gordon, ran a mortuary and bail bonds business out of the building.

The house was then donated to JAHA in 2007. However, they didn’t have enough money to restore the building.

“We need some help with this building and I think we’ve been able to find that with Dave and some of his partners there. Our long term goal has always been to see this building preserved,” Burkert said.

Before anyone can pick up a toolbox and start renovating the Ludwig house, Santa and Burkert said they need to raise money and support for the project.

“We’re going to need about $200,000 to get this house up to speed,” Santa said.

A little over $2,200 has been raised so far. Private investors and state representatives have also expressed interest in supporting the project.

Santa said the Ludwig house has withstood the test of time in Johnstown, despite floods, vandals, and even car crashes.

“The building was hit twice by trucks,” Burkert said.

So Santa won’t let it go to waste now.

“If it’s by me coming on the weekends and doing whatever I can, I’m going to save this house,” said Santa.

For more information on the restoration project and fundraising efforts you can visit the building’s fundraising page.