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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHeritage Kitchener - 1998-05-22H E RI TAG E\1998 -05 -01 HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES (LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES) MAY 22, 1998 CITY OF KITCHENER Heritage Kitchener (L.A.C.A.C.) met this date, under the Chairmanship of Councillor J. Haalboom, commencing at 12:00 p.m., with the following members present: Ms. S. Campbell, Ms. E. Heinrichs, Ms. C. Martindale, Ms. P. Wagner and Messrs. M. Badran, P. Bufe, R. Coo, E. Lucy and D. Pullen. OTHERS PRESENT: Councillor M. Yantzi, Ms. S. Barber, and Ms. D. Gilchrist. WATERLOO REGIONAL HERITAGE FOUNDATION Councillor J. Haalboom advised of a meeting of the Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation to take place on June 3, 1998, to obtain input from various heritage groups on its future direction. It was generally agreed that Ms. P. Wagner would represent Heritage Kitchener at this meeting. FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR GOVERNOR'S HOUSE & GAOL The purpose of this special meeting was to discuss the feasibility study, prepared by C.A. Venton Architect Ltd., for a live/work centre in the Governor's House & Gaol, 73 Queen Street North, Kitchener. The Committee members had previously been provided with copies of the feasibility study and had heard a presentation from the architect and staff at their regular meeting of May 1, 1998. Attached to the agenda for this meeting was a "Chronology of Letters, Studies and Proposals" concerning the Governor's House and Gaol, prepared by Ms. S. Barber, providing a precis on events which have taken place since September 1978, when the Minister of Correctional Services closed the Gaol and gave ownership to the Region of Waterloo. The members were also provided with copies of the facsimile transmission from the Region of Waterloo, providing information on what steps the Region had taken with respect to the feasibility study, as follows. "That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve a feasibility study by Kitchener Housing Inc. for the possible conversion of the former Waterloo County Gaol and Governor's Residence into a live/work project for the arts and small business community, And Further, that the presently constituted steering committee for the Governor's House and Gaol consisting of Ken Seiling, Mike Wagner, Mark Yantzi, Jean Haalboom, Susan Burke, Tim McCabe, C.P. Giller, K. Noonan be consulted for input as to the terms of reference of the feasibility study." (October 29, 1998) Councillor J. Haalboom advised that there is no specific support from the Region for this current proposal and this feasibility study as not gone to the Region for approval. She then discussed other proposals for the site which have not come to fruition. Mr. P. Bufe suggested that if the Region had made it known that they were interested in having this site developed, there could be more proposals come forward. Mr. Bufe advised of his concern about how much of the original building material would be maintained. He also questioned whether the insides of these buildings would be modernized. He advised of his concerns of the impact of the new building on the Gaol. Ms. P. Wagner advised that she has tried to look at this project from Heritage Kitchener's required point of view. She advised of her concerns with respect to cutting holes in the walls, parking and the size of the new building and its effect on the streetscape. She also advised that the library is very concerned about the impact of this project on their facility. Ms. Wagner then referred to a book on Waterloo County, stating that she felt that the Governor's House and Gaol had to be preserved. The introduction of the Governor's House and Gaol was the first time there was a local say in government and it is important to have respect for the historical importance of the building. She then stated that her real concern is about the new building affecting the historic importance of the site. She stated that she was concerned about the outside facade. Mr. R. Coo advised that he is not against modern additions but they should HERITAGE KITCHENER MAY 22, 1998 - 31 - CITY OF KITCHENER FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR GOVERNOR'S HOUSE & GAOL, CONT'D not overpower the existing building. He felt that a modern addition should be aesthetically compatible with the historic building. He also stated that he was concerned that the building proposed for the courtyard would completely fill the courtyard. Mr. Coo advised that he was concerned about breaking through the stone wall of the gaol yard in order to gain entry into the new building. Councillor M. Yantzi entered the meeting at this time. Mr. D. Pullen addressed the Committee stating that this is the same conversation which took place twenty years ago. Mr. Pullen reviewed the history of this property over the past twenty years, including proposals for demolition, restaurants and parking lot. He stated that the support for preserving this building has been balanced on a knife blade and people seem to be gambling that something better will come up. He stated that he likes the current proposal because it is the only project where the proponent says it is economically feasible. It will be preserved in the public ownership. It will be real living space. They will be adding housing to the downtown and it is a good location for housing for the disabled. Mr. Pullen stated that we have finally reached a chance, after twenty years, where something constructive can be done with the building. It is not being owned by a developer but by Kitchener Housing. It was Mr. Pullen's opinion that Kitchener Housing compromises well and they keep their word. He did not think that the addition would be an unreasonable compromise. Mr. E. Lucy addressed the Committee stating that he felt that the building was up against demolition and he looked at this proposal as an alternative to demolition. He stated that the Venton Architects project was very exciting and highly desirable and a way to keep these buildings. He felt that an independent living centre in the heart of the downtown was an exciting project and they would be taking a derelict building and bringing it back to life. Ms. E. Heinrichs stated that she did not think that the proposal for the courtyard dealt with the streetscape; however, she stated she was not in opposition to a modern addition. Ms. Heinrichs stated that the parking is not adequate. She also questioned the exhibit space in the Governor's House as she felt it had not been looked at realistically. Ms. C. Martindale stated that she agreed with Ms. Heinrichs in that she had no problem with the concept. She also stated that she likes Castle Killbride. Ms. Martindale stated that she did have concerns about the parking. Mr. M. Badran stated that this Committee has to decide which way to go. He stated that he wants a full practical presentation from the architect and also a presentation from the artistic community. However, he stated that it was important for the Committee to make up its mind on the project first. Councillor J. Haalboom questioned whether the Committee wanted a more definite presentation and Mr. Badran advised that he wanted more specific details with respect to the material, etc. Mr. Bufe stated that he had some general concerns with the project and the social benefits of the projects were not the mandate of this Committee. This Committee's only considerations are architectural and historic. Councillor J. Haalboom referred to the duties of the Committee and questioned what the Committee believed was important for the exterior of the building. Ms. P. Wagner stated that she was concerned about the Gaol walls and about cutting openings into those walls. Mr. D. Pullen questioned where this project goes now and an explanation was provided by Councillor J. Haalboom. Mr. Pullen stated that it was difficult to give comment as this Committee disagrees. Mr. P. Bufe discussed the difference between the North American and European attitudes towards renovations\reconstruction. He suggested that the Committee not recommend a project unless certain features are preserved. He stated that his concern is not with the use as long as the central architectural features are maintained. He was concerned about maintaining the existing spacial arrangement. He felt that the addition would dominate the site. FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR GOVERNOR'S HOUSE & GAOL, CONT'D HERITAGE KITCHENER MAY 22, 1998 - 32 - CITY OF KITCHENER Mr. D. Pullen stated that if the Committee was to approve the project in principle, the proponents would have to come back to this Committee with the specifics for final approval. A debate then took place on the opposite points of view on the project. Ms. C. Martindale suggested that the Committee should not be discussing parking or what the Region could do with the building. She stated that she liked the idea but she wanted more detailed information. Ms. S. Campbell questioned whether Mr. P. Bufe and Ms. P. Wagner could support the four storey addition in the Gaol yard which they advised that they could not. Ms. P. Wagner stated that the Committee must stand up for the site and its significant. Mr. D. Pullen stated that the situation has reached a point at which we should accept a compromise. A brief discussion then took place and On motion by Mr. D. Pullen it was resolved: "That Heritage Kitchener has looked at the proposal for a live\work centre at the Governor's House and Gaol and has discussed the proposal and is waiting for the proponents to bring forward further information on this project." Mr. E. Lucy suggested that the Committee should find out the Region's point of view on this proposal. ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 1:35 p.m. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Secretary