HomeMy WebLinkAboutHK - 2012-11-06 - CSD-12-144 - 397 Gravel Ridge TrailHeritage Kitchener
REPORT TO:
November 6, 2012
DATE OF MEETING:
Brandon Sloan, Manager of Long Range & Policy Planning
SUBMITTED BY:
Alissa Golden, Heritage Planner (519-741-2987)
PREPARED BY:
Ward 5
WARD(S) INVOLVED:
October 16, 2012
DATE OF REPORT:
CSD-12-144
REPORT NO.:
Designation of 397 Gravel Ridge Trail under Part IV of the
SUBJECT:
Ontario Heritage Act
RECOMMENDATION:
That pursuant to Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, the City Solicitor be directed to prepare
a by-law to designate the property municipally addressed as 397 Gravel Ridge Trail under Part
IV of the Ontario Heritage Act.
BACKGROUND:
The Donnenwerth Farmhouse municipally addressed 397 Gravel Ridge Trail (formerly
addressed 2062 Bleams Road and referred to as the Eby Estate Farmhouse), is a two-and-a-
half storey stone farmhouse located on the northeast corner of the intersection of Gravel Ridge
Trail and Melinda Street in the Laurentian West Planning Community. The former landowner,
the developer and the City identified that the farmhouse had significant cultural heritage value.
The original house was moved so
that it could be conserved and
incorporated in a prominent location
in what is now the existing Eby
Estate subdivision. Following a fire,
the house was restored and an
addition constructed.
In 2006, the property owner entered
into a covenant agreement pursuant
to Section 37 of the Ontario Heritage
Act to facilitate the relocation and
restoration with the understanding
that the farmhouse would be
designated under Part IV of the
Ontario Heritage Act prior to any
change of ownership or sale to
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ensure its long-term conservation. Schedule “B’ of that covenant agreement identified exterior
heritage attributes to be included in a Notice of Intention to designate, with the understanding
that they would be expanded in the designating by-law to include additional heritage attributes
identified following the relocation and restoration of the farmhouse. On April 16, 2007 City
Council resolved that pursuant to Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, the Clerk be directed
to publish a Notice of Intention to designate 2062 Bleams Road. The Notice was served on the
Owner and published in in a newspaper having general circulation in the municipality in
accordance with the Act and no objections were received.
REPORT:
The Donnenwerth Farmhouse meets several criteria for designation under Part IV of the Ontario
Heritage Act on the basis of its design/physical, historical/associative and contextual value. The
design/physical value relates to the farmhouse being a representative example of the Waterloo
County Georgian style and its compatible restoration. The historical value relates to the
association of the farmhouse with the Donnenwerth (later Eby) family for over 150 years and its
association with the rural heritage of Berlin/Kitchener. The contextual value of the farmhouse
relates to the siting and orientation of the relocated building.
The Notice of Intent to designate 2062 Bleams Road, passed by Council in 2007, identified
attributes on all exterior elevations of the farmhouse but excluded certain features of cultural
heritage value that had to be removed or replaced to facilitate the relocation of the farmhouse.
Many of those attributes have been restored or replicated as part of the conservation of the
Donnenwerth farmhouse within the subdivision. The expanded list of heritage attributes
referenced in the updated Statement of Significance attached as Appendix ‘A’ to this report
include those previously identified in the Notice of Intent to designate, and also include the
following additional attributes and distinguishing characteristics having cultural heritage value or
interest:
Restored physical elements compatible with the Waterloo County Georgian architectural
style of the nineteenth-century farmhouse, including:
Flanking brick chimneys with corbelled ends;
o
Compatible replacement windows in the flat openings with plain sills and multi-
o
pane hung windows of equal proportion;
The full-length front verandah in the south elevation, including the four evenly-
o
spaced unadorned columns and the shed roof; and,
The rear verandah in the north elevation, including the unadorned columns and
o
shed roof;
Elements of the contemporary rear addition and attached garage compatible with the
Waterloo County Georgian architectural style of the nineteenth-century farmhouse,
including:
Massing and siting off the northwestern end of the rear (north) elevation;
o
Vertical and horizontal siding compatible with and distinct from the stone exterior
o
of the farmhouse;
Flat openings with multi-pane hung windows of equal proportions consistent with
o
the windows in the farmhouse;
The gable roof, roofline, return eaves, fascia and moulded cornice; and,
o
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Unadorned columns supporting the porch roof consistent with the farmhouse
o
columns;
The north-south orientation and high-ground siting consistent with the original farmhouse
location;
The open view to the northeast from the rear porch in the north elevation; and,
The view southwest from the adjacent park to the farmhouse.
With the exterior restoration of Donnenwerth Farmhouse now complete and the property being
marketed for sale, the designating by-law should be passed. In accordance with provisions
previously contemplated and agreed to through the Plan of Subdivision process, the associated
Statement of Significance and list of heritage attributes have been updated and expanded to
reflect the existing cultural heritage value and significance of the property.
ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN:
The City has its own unique culture and heritage. The City has places, spaces and stories that
enrich, enlighten, and guide growth and development. These cultural heritage resources are
integral to the identity of the City, but they also play a significant role in economic development
by helping to enhance quality of life, strengthen distinctiveness, stimulate revitalization and
attract tourism. Under the Ontario Heritage Act, the City can designate properties of cultural
heritage value or interest. Designation publicly acknowledges a property’s heritage value and
ensures its conservation for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. Its
conservation is regulated by a designating by-law, which provides a statement of significance
and lists specific heritage attributes. As a result, the designation of property of cultural heritage
Development
value or interest supports the Strategic Plan Community Priority, and the
strategic direction of honouring and protecting our heritage.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
N/A
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
In 2007, the Notice of Intent to designate was served on the owner of the property and on the
Trust, and was published in a newspaper having general circulation in the municipality, all
accordance with the Ontario Heritage Act. The updated Statement of Significance which will be
attached as a Schedule to the designating by-law, was circulated to the property owner for
review and comment. The Owner has expressed written support for the heritage designation,
including the updated Statement of Significance and expanded list of heritage attributes.
Members of the community will be informed via circulation of this report to Heritage Kitchener
and via formal consideration by Council.
In accordance with Section 29(6) of the Ontario Heritage Act, should Council choose to pass a
by-law designating the Donnenwerth Farmhouse, notice of the passage of the by-law will be
served on the owner of the property and on the Trust; registered against the subject property;
and published in a newspaper having general circulation in the municipality.
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REVIEWED BY:
Leon Bensason, Coordinator, Cultural Heritage Planning
ACKNOWLEDGED BY:
Alain Pinard, Director of Planning
Community Services Department
APPENDIX ‘A’:
Statement of Significance – The Donnenwerth Farmhouse, municipally
addressed as 397 Gravel Ridge Trail
APPENDIX ‘B’:
Notice of Intention to Designate the Eby Estate Farmhouse (2007)
APPENDIX ‘C’:
Map Excerpt from the Eby Estates Urban Design Guidelines (2007)
illustrating the current and former location of the Farmhouse
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Statement of Significance
THE DONNENWERTH HOUSE
(municipally addressed as 397 Gravel Ridge Trail)
Municipal Address:
397 Gravel Ridge Trail, Kitchener
Legal Description:
RP 58M-451, Lot 88
Year Built:
Circa 1856
Architectural Style:
Waterloo County Georgian
Original Owner:
Jacob Donnenwerth
Original Use:
Farmhouse
Description of Property
The Donnenwerth House, municipally addressed as 397 Gravel Ridge Trail, is a two-
and-a-half storey stone farmhouse constructed in the Waterloo County Georgian style
circa 1856. The building, previously referred to as the Eby Estate Farmhouse, is
situated on a 0.34 acre parcel of land located on the northeast corner of the intersection
of Gravel Ridge Trail and Melinda Street in the Laurentian West Planning Community in
the City of Kitchener within the Region of Waterloo. The principal resource that
contributes to the heritage value is the residential single-detached dwelling.
Statement of Cultural Heritage Value
The Donnenwerth House is recognized for its design/physical, historical/associative and
contextual values.
The Donnenwerth House, municipally addressed as 397 Gravel Ridge Drive (formerly
2062 Bleams Road), is a two-and-a-half storey farmhouse constructed circa 1856.
Architecturally, the farmhouse is a fine example of the Waterloo County Georgian style,
constructed of stone with many representative features intact and restored. Historically,
the farmhouse is associated with the rural heritage of Berlin/Kitchener. The farmhouse
was originally constructed by Jacob Donnenwerth, who immigrated to Canada from
France in 1827. The Donnenwerth house passed through four different families until
1925 when it was purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Isaiah Eby (great granddaughter of Jacob
Donnenwerth). The farmhouse remained in the Eby family until 2006. Therefore, it was
associated with the Donnenwerth family over a period of 150 years.
The farmhouse was moved and relocated to the northeast of its original location in 2006
as part of the development of Eby Estates subdivision. The new site is on high ground
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adjacent to Michael Donnenwerth Park and the siting of the house maintains its original
north/south orientation, thus continuing to provide the historic open view to the
northeast. The location of the property adjacent to the park evokes aspects of the
relationship of the original house to the open rural landscape that formerly surrounded
it. The siting of the farmhouse on high ground on a prominent corner establishes the
property as a landmark in the Eby Estates subdivision and serves as a reminder of the
historical farming practices of the area and its former rural landscape.
The Donnenwerth House meets several criteria for designation under Part IV of the
Ontario Heritage Act on the basis of its design/physical, historical/associative and
contextual value.
Description of Heritage Attributes
The following attributes relate to the design and physical value of the nineteenth-century
farmhouse:
The southeast (front) elevation, including:
The roof, roofline, fascia and moulded cornice;
o
The stone walls from grade to roof;
o
The off-centred entrance door opening; and,
o
All window openings, including openings on the main floor to
o
accommodate transoms;
The east and west (side) elevations, including:
The gable roof, return eaves, fascia and moulded cornice;
o
The stone walls from grade to roof; and,
o
All window openings, including two square window openings in the attic
o
gable in either side wall;
The northwest (rear) elevation, including:
The roof, roofline, fascia and moulded cornice;
o
The stone wall from grade to roof;
o
The off-centred entrance door opening; and,
o
All window openings;
o
The following attributes relate to the design, physical, historical and contextual value of
the relocation and restoration of the nineteenth-century farmhouse:
The north-south orientation and high-ground siting consistent with the original
farmhouse location;
Restored physical elements compatible with the Waterloo County Georgian
architectural style of the nineteenth-century farmhouse, including:
Flanking brick chimneys with corbelled ends;
o
Compatible replacement windows in the flat openings with plain sills and
o
multi-pane hung windows of equal proportion;
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The full-length front verandah in the south elevation, including the four
o
evenly-spaced unadorned columns and the shed roof; and,
The rear verandah in the north elevation, including the unadorned
o
columns and shed roof;
Elements of the contemporary rear addition and attached garage compatible with
the Waterloo County Georgian architectural style of the nineteenth-century
farmhouse, including:
Massing and siting off the northwestern end of the rear (north) elevation;
o
Vertical and horizontal siding compatible with and distinct from the stone
o
exterior of the farmhouse;
Flat openings with multi-pane hung windows of equal proportions
o
consistent with the windows in the farmhouse;
The gable roof, roofline, return eaves, fascia and moulded cornice; and,
o
Unadorned columns supporting the porch roof consistent with the
o
farmhouse columns;
The open view to the northeast from the rear porch in the north elevation; and,
The view southwest from the adjacent park to the farmhouse.
References
City of Kitchener (2006) Eby House Urban Design Guidelines. Prepared by Zelinka
Priamo Limited. 2006.
City of Kitchener (2007) Eby Estates Urban Design Guidelines. Prepared by Zelinka
Priamo Limited. December 2007.
City of Kitchener (2007) Development and Technical Services Report DTS-007-004,
Prepared by Brandon Sloan, Senior Planner. Submitted by Jeff Willmer, Director of
Planning. Submitted to the Development and Technical Services Committee.
Ryan, Don (1991) Architectural Analysis: 2062 Bleams Road. Compiled July 1991
Ryan, Don (1991) In person interview with Mr. Nyle Eby by Heritage Researcher Don
Ryan, 1991
Tweedsmuir History, Mrs. Isaiah Eby, 1965
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Photographs
Front (south) elevation of the farmhouse before the move, circa 2006
East and west side elevations of farmhouse prior to move (from left to right), circa 2006
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North elevation of farmhouse prior to move, circa 2006
Open view northeast from rear of farmhouse, circa 2006
The Donnenwerth Farmhouse in its new location following the move in November 2006
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Front (south) elevation of the relocated and restored farmhouse, July 2011
West and east side elevation of the relocated and restored farmhouse (from top to
bottom), July 2011 and September 2012
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Rear (north) elevation of the relocated and restored farmhouse, including one-storey
rear addition and attached garage, July 2011
Open view northeast from rear of farmhouse looking over Michael Donnenwerth Park,
September 2012
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APPENDIX ‘B’: NOTICE OF INTENTION TO DESIGNATE (2007)
The Notice of Intention identifies the following heritage attributes for inclusion in the designation:
Southeast (Front) Elevation
Includes:
Roof, roofline, wood fascia and molded cornice.
Stone walls from grade to roof.
Off centred entrance door opening.
All window openings including openings on the main floor to accommodate transoms).
Excludes:
All elements of the verandah; stucco on main floor; windows; sills; and doors.
West (Side) Elevation
Includes:
Gable roof, return eaves, wood fascia and molded cornice.
Stone walls from grade to roof.
All window openings including the two square window openings in the attic gable.
Excludes:
Windows; sills; chimney; and enclosed (verandah) addition.
Northwest (Rear) Elevation
Includes:
Roof, roofline, wood fascia and molded cornice.
That part of the stone wall from grade to roof shown as Area ‘A’ on Schedule ‘A’ attached.
Off centred entrance door opening.
All window openings.
Excludes:
All elements of the verandah including enclosed addition; stucco on main floor; windows; sills;
and doors.
East (Side) Elevation
Includes:
Gable roof, return eaves, wood fascia and molded cornice.
Stone walls from grade to roof.
All window openings including the two square window openings in the attic gable.
Excludes:
Windows; sills.
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Previous location of Donnenwerth
Close up and text box added by the author of this report
Farmhouse
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