The first visible steps of the transformation of the Hormel Historic Home begins Saturday. That’s when the Carriage House will be demolished to make way for an expansion.

A total of $1.8 million in private donations was raised to fund the major renovation and expansion project the Hormel Historic Home.

On Saturday morning, the 70-year-old carriage house will come down on the northeast portion of the property.

“The carriage house was built in 1939, according to our archives,” said Laura Helle, HHH director. “It was built to be the Girl Scout House and that’s what it was for many years.”

Originally, a stable for horse-drawn vehicles was at the site and later a garage for motorized vehicles.

The Hormel Historic Home was the residence of Geo. A. Hormel, the founder of the company that bears the family’s name.

Geo. A. and his wife, Lillian “Belle” as well as their only child, Jay Catherwood Hormel, lived there before moving to California in 1927, when the son took over the company for his retired father.

In recent times, the Hormel Historic Home has become a tourist attraction for visitors, who want to see the elegant environment of the residence at 208 Fourth Avenue Northwest.

It is also available to the public for use during meetings of clubs and organizations as well as private parties, including birthdays and wedding or anniversary receptions.

Built in 1871 by John Cook, a community activist and early mayor of Austin, the Hormels bought the home n 1901 and remodeled it.

The home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Hormels donated their mansion, when they moved from Austin in 1927, to the YWCA.

Across the street from the Hormel Historic Home is the Arthur Winfield Wright house at 300 Fourth Avenue Northwest, which is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

According to Helle, once the carriage house is demolished and the lot cleared, the contractor will take up the old basement walls and build a new basement.

Then, weather-permitting, construction on the new addition will begin.

Spectators are not invited to view the carriage house demolishment Saturday morning, because of safety concerns.

Because of possible dangers, the area will be cordoned off.

A Saturday morning was chosen for the demolishment, according to Helle, so the work would not interfere with the nearby Austin Eye Clinic.