When John Meng, 46, is not working behind the desk in his home office as a security compliance professional, you may find him immersed in his two passions — sports and historic preservation.
His love for sports involves kayaking on the Ohio River, cycling the backroads of Mason County and hiking the plentiful wooded areas in his native county with his wife, Christie Toffan, 48.
Several years ago, inspired by the enthusiasm he received from the community, John started a water sports venture, “Hole in the Wall Kayaking.” The name came from the entrance to the kayak storage space — the old train trestle in the city’s flood wall.
After receiving permission from city officials to enter the area, which hadn’t been opened for 60 years, John found four feet of decades’ worth of river mud inside to clean up. He hopes to create a place where locals and visitors can rent kayaks and explore the natural beauty of the Ohio River on scenic paddling trips.
“I would like to see Maysville become a destination point on the river, and share the joy of water’s magical rhythm with others, ” he said.
John’s love for this land and restoring historic buildings has deep roots. As a Maysville native, he recalls how he was curious about the stories behind all those building facades as he peered out of the school bus window. His preservation work started with Old Kentucky Home, purchased in 2018. He had long dreamed of living in an urban townhouse. A few years later, he and Christie bought an adjacent building, which they have been renovating together, and opened a hair salon, which she runs.
With at least two projects under their belt, they are now tackling a 192-year-old Federal-style building after falling in love with its character and its scenic hilltop view of downtown Maysville and the Ohio River. Known as The Headmaster’s House, it was built circa 1829 — the same year the Maysville Academy was erected, as noted on a historical marker near the building. Eventually, it will become their family home.
Even though the house requires extensive renovation, with its high ceilings, original hardwood floors, fireplace and curving stair banister, one can still sense how brightly it once shone. A quarter-acre garden beside the house, which both John and his wife enjoy tending, provides the family with fresh produce and is a big part of their nature-loving lifestyle, with a focus on longevity and overall well-being.
Driven by his passion, energy from various physical activities and his connection to nature, John works on home renovations on weekends and most weekday afternoons. He hopes to inspire others to take a second look at Maysville’s old buildings, to see beyond the chipped paint and broken windows to the promise hidden beneath.
