Libbey House renovated for ‘Glass City Story’

The Libbey House is steeped in history and tradition, surrounded by towering oak trees and a thick metal gate. But it will soon undergo a major transformation.

An inspiring feature of the house is the glass solarium in the corner of the first floor. The patio has multiple windows looking directly down at the museum for guests who want a better look at the city.

Phil Williams, chairman of the Libbey House Foundation, said the third floor will explore the uses of glass, and will have an interactive timeline of the glass industry from its birth with the New England Glass Co. in 1883 to its current inception. It will narrate modern manufacturing, innovation and what is on the horizon for the glass industry.

There is a Glass City advisory council in place, made up of glass manufacturing companies such as Libbey Inc., Owens Corning, NSC, O-I and Johns Manville (Glass Fiber, Inc.). Williams has financial support from the Toledo Community Foundation, Anderson’s Fund, Terhune Foundation, Miniger Foundation, public and individual support. Architecture by Duket Porter Associates, construction by Rudolph/Libbe and exhibit development by Interactive Group will team to convert the mansion, according to a Dec. 19 Toledo Free Press report.

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