Marmora property renovations reveal unique history and ties to the community
MARMORA — Jack Griffin and Victor Dompierre, owners/partners of Dompierre, have announced the expansion, relocation and opening of the Dompierre Workroom at a new location at 22 Norwood Road in Marmora.
The Workroom was on the bottom floor of the Dompierre Showroom at 17 Roosevelt Blvd. and is now just a short walk away down the street.
According to a news release, the partners purchased the property in 2020 to handle the increased demand for custom fabrications and workspace, and started renovating the structure and grounds. The completion of the project resulted in a state-of-the-art facility surrounded by manicured landscaping that enhanced the surrounding area. The development has increased production capabilities and created jobs.
“Open to trade and retail customers, the Dompierre Showroom and Workroom are valuable resources for interior designers and homeowners both locally and regionally,” Brand Manager Barbara Murphy-Leary said.
The Workroom manufactures and installs custom fabrications, specializing in window treatments, blinds, shutters, shades, roller shades, motorization, upholstery, pillows, banquettes and bedding.
The Showroom features select lines of luxury brands for boutique furniture (indoor and outdoor), wallpaper, lighting, area rugs, luxury bedding, wall décor, artwork, accessories, fabrics, trims and interior design services.
“For nearly 25 years, Victor Dompierre has been fabricating custom window and home fashions. As reflected in the continued growth of the business, his artistry is respected and in demand,” Murphy-Leary said.
“Each project is distinctive and has its own style requirements. We don’t just mass produce, we provide unique solutions for our customers,” Dompierre said. “This larger space has allowed us to add additional work talent and the ability to freely construct original designs in greater capacity.”
The Workroom location on Norwood Road has an interesting history, according to the news release. The land originally was gifted to the Marmora Volunteer Fire Company in 1947 and a firehouse was constructed in 1948. The MVFC later acquired property on Old Tuckahoe Road and built a new station there in 1980. The organization recently celebrated its 75th anniversary.
Prior to Griffin and Dompierre purchasing the property, it was owned and occupied by a plumbing business. The building and site needed extensive repair.
“Unfortunately, the dire condition of the structure required that it be completely gutted and reconstructed. Additionally, the surrounding land had been littered with abandoned freight storage containers, plumbing materials and debris,” Murphy-Leary said. “But Griffin and Dompierre had a vision for what they wanted to accomplish and the partners took on a project that was a massive undertaking, particularly during a time when supply chain issues and construction staffing were stressed.”
When they began to deconstruct the building, they could see the history of the building emerge layer by layer. When the vinyl siding was removed, the word “Elks” had been painted on the exterior block.
Griffin and Dompierre have reached out to local historians to get additional information about the timing of the Elks Club at the location but were not able to get any information. It is unclear when the building was used by the Elks.
Inside the structure, elements from the original firehouse told quite a story.
“We could see where the firetruck doors had been,” Griffin said. “The support beams were still in place and the openings had been sealed shut with cement blocks.”
According to the historical documentation, they believe that much of the original wood used for the rooftop was still in place when they purchased the building. Historical accounts report the wood used had been discarded from the Ocean City boardwalk to a landfill, where the present-day Ocean City Municipal Airport is located. It was then reclaimed and used for trusses and purlins for the roof of the firehouse.
Although there was extensive renovation and construction, Griffin and Dompierre took great strides to keep the original trusses and they remain in place. Additionally, they repurposed the original ceiling of 16-foot true 2x4s into two functioning and decorative sliding barn doors in the Workroom.
The Dompierre Showroom is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and by appointment Sunday. Call (609) 390-2223 or visit DompierreLLC.com.