Gervasi Architecture

(Released February 2012) The owners of Canton’s Gervasi Vineyard have spent the last two years reviving and reinventing a property that dates back to the early nineteenth century. On this last remaining working farm within city limits, all construction continues to include initiatives to reduce, reuse and recycle in inventive and dedicated ways.

Gervasi Vineyard is home to the popular Gervasi Vineyard Winery and Tasting Bar, The Bistro, outdoor event Pavilion and Marketplace gift shop. Our newest additions include The Cucina culinary and wine institute with learning classes, The Villa Grande indoor conference and event center and The Villas 24 suites accommodating overnight guests and groups for both business and social gatherings. All of the buildings on the property, including those dating back to the early 1800’s, incorporate elements of the original property.

Built in the late 1820s, the barn, now home to The Bistro, received a new foundation and roof, among other major repairs. The large wood beams above are not only original, but are honed from trees grown on the property.

The Marketplace, located directly north of The Bistro, dates back to the 1920s. Originally a small three-room summer home with no running water, additional rooms and conveniences have been added on over the years. The house, currently a privately rented residence, also underwent extensive renovation. It was built in 1836.

The Gervasi Village, is a meeting place and retreat with suites of private quarters surrounding open living space. The Village has been designed for locals, tourists and business guests seeking a unique get away or to host weddings, special events, business retreats and celebrations.

Scott Swaldo, General Manager and part owner of Gervasi Vineyard, explained some of the green efforts made by him and his business partners, Ted Swaldo, President and Jeff Hicks, Sales Manager. “Any piece of wood, including barn siding and anything that had to be removed, was reused throughout property if possible, for framing windows, window sills, trimming doors, etc. We created a beautiful 14-foot table, or tabola lunga” (in Italian, long table) from reclaimed wood from the barn (legs are reclaimed beams, top of from floor of barn). We also built the entire wine tasting bar from reclaimed wood from barn. Brand new structures currently in development have reclaimed wood used wherever possible. We even relocated the milk-house, which now serves as outdoor kitchen for The Piazza, our outdoor patio.”

When purchased by the Swaldo family in 2009, the property had been a tree farm and most of the structures and landscaping had been untended for years. The new owners took great pains to not only clean and beautify the property, but every tree that had to be moved for construction or vineyard planting, was replanted elsewhere on the property. Over 100 trees were safely moved and replanted.

There are also many wells at the Vineyard, some of which are still in use, as all irrigation for the property is accomplished with these wells.

Recycling of regional materials as also utilized in the construction of the property. Actual City of Canton brick was used to create the driveway leading to the event Pavilion. Much barn-stone used throughout the property has been relocated from the Historic Massillon State Hospital, which was recently destroyed by arson.

Brick pathways and patios throughout the property were created by a local brick-maker who fashioned a custom, vintage blend made with clay from the region to create a historically significant brick.

The Farmhouse utilizes geo-thermal heating methods. The Villas, The Villa Grande and The Conservatory (greenhouse) all have geo-thermal heat throughout.

Green efforts are maintained as a standard operating procedure of Gervasi Vineyard and Village as some of the property is still a working farm. They host the local Farmer’s Market during the summer months and Gervasi’s Executive Chef, Jerry Risner, utilizes produce, cheeses and meats from regional growers and producers whenever possible. Wine bottles and refuse are also recycled.

The architect of Gervasi Vineyards and Village is FMD Architect. The design won the prestigious Design Award in 2010 from the Akron chapter of AIA. The property also recently won the 2011 Starke County Preservation Society Award for Best Commercialization.

The property builder is The Cornice Company. New construction is expected to be completed in fall of 2011.