The Mark Preece Family House
A home away from home for families when a loved one is in hospital.
About Dr. Mark Preece
Mark Preece was a young, respected physician working in the Intensive Care Unit at Hamilton Health Sciences until his untimely death in 1997. While undergoing specialized cancer treatment in the United States, Mark’s family and friends experienced first-hand the value and support of a welcoming, affordable residence during such a difficult time.
In honour of Mark, friends and colleagues worked for years to bring The Mark Preece Family House into existence. It’s an honour to commemorate his life by supporting families in need.
The organization, Hospital Family Houses of Ontario, was incorporated in 2001 and received charitable status in 2002.
From a 19th-century stone building to a home away from home
The Mark Preece Family House, at 191 Barton Street East, occupies the former Smart Turner Building. The stone building was built in the 1870s and served as a malt house and later a machine shop, manufacturing engines and boilers. By 1968 the 40,000 square foot plant had over 60 employees.
Hamilton Health Sciences acquired the building in 2003 and made it available as the future site of the House. Construction began in the spring of 2007 and was nearing completion when, in December 2008, a fire caused by arson destroyed the building.
Undeterred, the Board of Directors and staff, with the support of Hamilton Health Sciences and the community, raised the funds needed to rebuild. The House opened its doors to guests on April 6, 2011, with ten more rooms added in April 2014.
Steps from critical care
The Mark Preece Family House is located just steps from Hamilton General Hospital, part of Hamilton Health Sciences and a regional centre for Critical Care, Trauma Services, the Burn Unit, Cardiac Surgery and Neurosciences. Being close to the hospital means families can stay nearby while their loved one receives the specialized care they nee, without having to travel back and forth or worry about where they will sleep.
While we are closest to Hamilton General, we welcome families whose loved ones are receiving care at hospitals throughout Hamilton, including other Hamilton Health Sciences sites and St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton.
When a medical crisis brings a family to Hamilton, we provide a safe, comfortable and affordable place to stay, just minutes from their loved one’s bedside.