About us...
We invite you to hear our history and be part of our future…
The Wellness Arts Center’s grounds and buildings have a proud heritage, complementing the rich history Montrose offers.
How it came to be…
Rufus Frick, a talented stone mason, came to Montrose in 1806. His son, Avery, built more than 50 grand homes in Montrose and the immediate area. Avery Frick was one of the contractors who designed and built both the Greek Revival style Susquehanna County Courthouse and the massive stone constructed Susquehanna County jail, each located on the historical Lake Avenue.
In 1812 Issac Post surveyed a plot of land that would become Montrose proper. It contained only a bucolic village green and two homes. Over the next fifty years, homebuilding flourished as the new community developed.
Where we began…
Around 1855, Avery Frick built the colonial style home at 200 Lake Avenue for W. C. Terrell, which now serves as the Wellness Arts Center. The home was situated on an unusually large lot of 2.4 acres. The home was reputed to have sixteen rooms which conformed to the architectural style of that period, meaning rooms were diminutive in size.
A new opportunity…
In January 1993, June and Earle Wootton bought the property from the Ken and Ruth Smith family. For several years the home was restored, and the surrounding grounds were developed and landscaped.
The transformation…
The interior was modified by combining three rooms to create a central hall. Most of the windows originally had double side-by-side window frames, which added to the architectural uniqueness of the building but limited the light entering the house. All windows were replaced with larger energy efficient windows, while preserving the historical feel of the trim work.
In the central hall, a free-standing circular staircase was installed as a focal point. The original wide plank flooring was preserved. Heating, air conditioning, electrical wiring and plumbing were replaced to ensure efficiency.
The rear portion of the house which previously served as professional offices had deteriorated to a point that it could not be restored. That area was replaced by a glass enclosed yoga studio with radiant heat and a two-story ceiling.
During remodeling, the original well for the home was discovered. The illuminated 25 foot deep well serves as a main focal point for reflection upon entry to the Wellness Arts Center. A pump provides cascading water and offers a trickling sound that is a joy to the ears.
In 2012 the Carriage House was constructed by Jerry Gere, a local craftsman specializing in post and beam timber frame construction. Modern insulated windows and radiant floor heating were added.
Following the passing of Self Discovery Wellness Arts Center’s director in December 2021 the facility was closed and a new transition took place. Cooper VanCott of Van Cott’s Nursery and Landscaping is an integral part of this ongoing process. After a year of preparing the space and grounds, a new board of directors was appointed, and a new director-Charm Goff Giangrieco was named. We are pleased for you to experience the new Wellness Arts Center.
How it came to be…
Avery Frick built the colonial style home at 200 Lake Avenue for W. C. Terrell, which now serves as the Wellness Arts Center.
A new opportunity…
June and Earle Wootton bought the property from the Ken and Ruth Smith family. For several years the home was restored, and the surrounding grounds were developed and landscaped.
In the name of wellness…
In 1997 the first yoga and meditations classes were conducted at the property by the Self Discovery Wellness Arts Center. In 1998, that organization formed a nonprofit corporation and was designated a 501 (c) 3 charity.
As we expand…
The Carriage House was constructed by Jerry Gere, a local craftsman specializing in post and beam timber frame construction. The structure, with its stunning 30-foot open ceilings, has modern insulated windows and radiant floor heating.
A Time of Change and Growth...
Following the passing of Self Discovery Wellness Arts Center’s director in December 2021 the facility was closed and a new transition took place. After a year of preparing the space and grounds, a new board of directors was appointed, and a new director-Charm Goff Giangrieco was named. Wellness Arts Center is now an open, inclusive space with diverse programs, classes, modalities, and opportunities for everyone.
