The Redevelopment Authority is proud to support ongoing preservation efforts at the historic Clara Barton (John Ludwig) House.

Formed in 2019, the Clara Barton House and Gardens (CBH&G) nonprofit assumed ownership of the property from the Johnstown Area Historical Association and developed a comprehensive plan to preserve and restore one of the City’s oldest surviving residences. Built in 1883, the John Ludwig House survived the Great Flood of 1889 and later served as a relief and recovery center led by Clara Barton to assist flood victims.

Phase One of the restoration (2019–2021) focused on structural stabilization. Phases Two and Three concentrated on securing the building and were funded through a $100,000 PHMC Keystone Historic Preservation grant along with $100,775.24 in local matching funds provided by the City of Johnstown Façade Grant Program, the Community Foundation, Vision 2025, and generous local donations. This work began in 2023 and was successfully completed in January 2026.

Recent improvements included the restoration of 38 historic windows—removing, repairing, reglazing, and reinstalling them, with five replaced where necessary—and installation of protective storm windows. The front and rear doors were carefully removed, repaired, and rehung with new hardware. The elaborate front porch was reconstructed using salvaged architectural elements and newly milled components crafted to match those missing or beyond repair.

Additional work included installation of a security alarm system, demolition of the non-original side porch and construction of a smaller structural porch and stair system designed to resemble the original configuration, replacement of the rear porch deck and stairs, and full replacement of all 15 basement windows and grates after the originals were determined to be beyond repair.

These restoration efforts mark a significant step forward in preserving an important piece of Johnstown’s history while advancing the continued revitalization of the city.