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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHeritage Kitchener - 1998-05-01H E RI TAG E\1998 -05 -01 HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES (LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES) MAY 1, 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: Councillor T. Galloway, Ms. S. Campbell, Ms. E. Heinrichs, Ms. T. Seedhouse, Ms. P. Wagner and Messrs. M. Badran, P. Bufe, R. Coo, G. Grimes, E. Lucy and D. Pullen. OTHERS PRESENT: Councillor M. Yantzi, Ms. S. Barber, Ms. G. Stoner, Mr. L. Bensason and Ms. D. Gilchrist CHO CONFERENCE Councillor J. Haalboom circulated a list of those times and events which require volunteers for the upcoming CHO Conference to be held from May 29 - 31, 1998. She asked that members volunteer by putting their name against an event and requested that the list be given to Mr. L. Bensason at the end of the meeting as she had to leave. Councillor T. Galloway assumed the Chair at this time. GOVERNOR'S HOUSE AND GAOL Councillor J. Haalboom introduced Ms. G. Stoner, stating that Ms. Stoner had been the strongest advocate that this entire site must be saved. The delegations were invited to come forward and Ms. B. Newell, Department of Planning & Development, came forward along with Mr. P. Sapunzi of C.A. Ventin Architect. The Committee members had been provided with copies of the feasibility study, prior to the meeting. Mr. Sapunzi addressed the Committee giving some background on C.A. Ventin Architect, advising that the firm as 30 years experience in adaptive reuse projects. He stated that their latest project was Castle Killbride, in Baden, which received a federal designation. Mr. Sapunzi then showed slides of buildings which his firm has been involved with, in adapting them for reuse, including Castle Killbride and the Wellington County Administration Offices in Guelph. Mr. Sapunzi then spoke of the meaning of this project and how it could be an example for other municipalities. He also spoke of the four groups involved in the project. He advised that the purpose of the project is to provide live/work space for artists and housing for the physically disabled. Mr. Sapunzi stated that the problem they face was how to take the Gaol and make it habitable space. He advised of six gaols in the province which has been adapted for reuse. He stated that they are in the business of keeping this building alive and well with minimal interference with the material in the building. Mr. Sapunzi stated that the site is also interesting, being surrounded by residential and government. Mr. Sapunzi explained that to make the project viable they need forty units in the building. They fully intend to preserve the heritage fabric of the building. The study proposes to give the house up to public use. Mr. Sapunzi advised that the ground floor of the Gaol is intended for a gallery and cafe and they want to maintain some of the cells to be converted to some kind of public space. With respect to the gaol yards, the main rearyard would have inserted in it a contemporary four storey residential block. The other yards would be left as garden space. The proposal is to build walls of new block within the walls of the gaol. Mr. Sapunzi then showed a concept plan of a proposal. Concerning the proposed new four storey building, Mr. Sapunzi advised that it would be lower than the court house in front of it. He stated that his clients are trying to preserve the emotions one has from visiting this site. This is largely at his clients expense, as they could get more money if they put in more units; however, they want to turn these spaces back to the community. Mr. Sapunzi stressed the approach of his firm that any new additions to a heritage structure would be removable without harming the heritage fabric of the building. HERITAGE KITCHENER APRIL 3, 1998 - 24 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2. GOVERNOR'S HOUSE AND GAOL - CONT'D Councillor T. Galloway then opened the discussion to allow questions for clarification. Ms. S. Campbell questioned if the new building would be as high as the Governor's House and Mr. Sapunzi advised that it may be slightly higher. Ms. S. Campbell then questioned whether all the residential units would be in the new building and Mr. Sapunzi advised that there will be some units on the second floor of the goal as well as the new building. Ms. S. Campbell then questioned whether there would be any live/work units in the Governor's House and Mr. Sapunzi stated that there would not be any units in the Governor's House; further, they would try to bring the Governor's House back to a complete state. Ms. S. Campbell questioned who would own the property and Ms. B Newell advised that the property would be managed by Kitchener Housing. It may still be owned by the Region with a long term lease. If the feasibility study does not show the project to be realistic then it will not go ahead. Mr. Sapunzi explained that a small grant was obtained to explore how to convert heritage buildings in downtowns to housing. Ms. S. Campbell questioned whether this project would be economically feasible and was advised that the project is economically feasible. She then questioned whether the project could go ahead without the new structure and Mr. Sapunzi advised that it could not go ahead without the new structure, as it would not be economically feasible. Councillor T. Galloway questioned the process from here. Ms. B. Newell advised that they have presented the project to the Project Review Committee. Once they have all the comments, they may have to revise the plan and determine whether the project is still economically feasible. Once any necessary revisions are made, they would bring the proposal back for further comment. Councillor T. Galloway noted that feasibility studies are usually much less detailed. Mr. Sapunzi responded that with heritage buildings it was necessary to go into more detail because there are so many unknowns. Councillor Galloway questioned funding. Ms. Newell advised that they would go to Council with the final study. They would then apply for funding and ask Council to be the guarantor. She advised that the project must be self sufficient or they will not proceed. Ms. P. Wagner stated that she has been advised by the Region that this was a study only. Mr. Sapunzi advised that this amount of detail was a requirement of the grant. This was the criteria for the study, as required by the Ministry. He suggested the Committee think of this as a student project. At this time, they do not have the money to proceed and they do not own the property. This is a hypothetical dream project. He also advised that his clients are now pursuing the project because it seems feasible. Ms. P. Wagner advised that she felt that the new structure would overpower the Governor's House. Mr. Sapunzi advised that the Governor's House & Goal Block and Goal Wall will be restored. He advised that he was not into the business of mimicking historical buildings; although, they would try and make the new building as compatible as possible. Mr. P. Bufe stated that he was not in favour of the new building; although he did realize that the new structure would subsidize the renovation of the old building. He questioned whether they could put the housing elsewhere and save enough money to restore the Goal. Mr. Sapunzi explained that Kitchener Housing takes problem sites, infill projects and gives them meaning and tries to bring people downtown. Mr. Bufe questioned whether alternatives had been considered. Mr. Sapunzi advised that they had studied other properties and he explained various options. Mr. R. Coo questioned the actually construction of the new building and how it would fit in with the goal yard walls without the damaging the fabric which Mr. Sapunzi explained. They also discussed new doorways to be cut into the goal wall. A brief discussion took place over the preservation of this property for a museum. Ms. S. Campbell advised that her experience on the board for the Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery and that there is no money to support museums and galleries. 2. GOVERNOR'S HOUSE AND GAOL - CONT'D Mr. D. Pullen questioned how parking had been addressed. Mr. Sapunzi advised that he had HERITAGE KITCHENER APRIL 3, 1998 - 25 - CITY OF KITCHENER discussed this matter with staff and there are two issues. Because of the occupant profile, they don't need parking because they don't drive. There are some parking requirements but they have not determined the exact profile. He stated that there is the frontyard which is now a parking lot and there is a church across the street which may allow parking. Mr. Sapunzi asked that, if the Committee is interested in the project, they tell what they would like to see. Ms. E. Heinrichs questioned partnership for use of the gallery when additional display space would be available. Councillor T. Galloway then questioned timing. Ms. B. Newell requested the Committee's comments. She suggested that a subcommittee may wish to meet to discuss the feasibility study. She advised that the feasibility study has to be completed by the end of May. Ms. P. Wagner suggested that Heritage Kitchener hold a special meeting to discuss this feasibility study. Mr. Sapunzi advised that drawings are not available as the project hasn't reached that stage. He stated that the crux is the apartment building. He stated that this is an issue of ideology and the Committee should be aware the project will not fly without the apartment block. Mr. L. Bensason advised that the project is not at the point of requiring approval under the Ontario Herita,qe Act. He noted that, when the site plan application or other development application is submitted, they will also bring an application under the Ontario Heritaqe Act. Mr. E. Lucy requested a history of other proposal for this property which have been submitted over the years. He questioned how close we have come in the past for some other use of the property. Ms. B. Newell pointed out that this project is still in public ownership and the public will still have access to the property. It was agreed that a special meeting of Heritage Kitchener will be held on Friday May 22, 1998 from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m to discuss the feasibility for the Governor's House and Goal. Ms. P. Wagner, Vice-Chair, assumed the Chair at this time. 3. ALTERATION APPLICATION - 24 MITCHELL STREET The Committee was in receipt of a drawing showing the alterations proposed to convert the existing garage at 24 Mitchell Street, to a studio. Mr. & Mrs. H. Smith, the property owners were in attendance. Mr. D. Pullen advised that he drove past this property which is well maintained. He stated that the garage is at the back of the house. Mr. Smith advised that the proposal is for an artist studio and they wish to put a new facade on the front of the garage and the line of the roof to change it to match the pitch of the roof on the house. Slides of the property were shown and it was determined that the house was built in approximately 1904-06 and the garage was built in 1950. The Committee was advised that the owners wished to take out the garage door and put in glass windows and a glass door. Mr. L. Bensason advised that the Committee must determine whether this was a major or a minor renovation. On motion by Ms. S. Campbell it was resolved: "That, pursuant to Section 43 of the Ontario Heritaqe Act, we approve the request of the owner to alter the designated property municipally known as 24 Mitchell Street, located in the Victoria Park Area Heritage conservation District, and further 3. ALTERATION APPLICATION - 24 MITCHELL STREET - CONT'D That the alterations be in accordance with the plan considered by Heritage Kitchener on May 1, 1998." HERITAGE KITCHENER APRIL 3, 1998 - 26 - CITY OF KITCHENER 4. ALTERATION APPLICATION - 1151 DOON VILLAGE ROAD The Committee members were distributed with copies of the Designated Heritage Property Alteration/Demolition Application for 1151 Doon Village Road. Mr. & Mrs. S. Buckton, property owners were in attendance. Mr. L. Bensason displayed slides of the property and it was noted that all the work being undertaken is on a new addition. Mr. E. Lucy advised that he viewed this property and it was his opinion that the alterations proposed were reasonable. On motion by Ms. E. Heinrich it was resolved: "That, pursuant to section 43 of the Ontario Heritaqe Act, we approve the request of the owner to alter the designated property municipally known as 1151 Doon Village Road, located in the Upper Doon Heritage Conservation District, and further That the alterations shall be in accordance with the Designated Heritage Property Alteration/Demolition Application, dated April 30, 1998, submitted by the owner." 5. FOLLOW-UP - VICTORIA PARK PAVILION DOORS Mr. L. Bensason read the resolution with respect to the Victoria Park Pavilion doors, from the Committee's last meeting. He advised that the property owner's agent was in attendance to show a final version of the new doors and how this proposed door respects the heritage integrity of the building. Mr. V. Starchuck was in attendance and displayed an example of the door, which represents the glazing system and muntin bars. He advised that the exterior of the doors will be painted and the paint scheme will be the same as that on the present Pavilion. He then showed the wood grill which will be laminated to the insulating glass and explained the features of the proposed doors. On motion by Mr. D. Pullen it was resolved: "That Heritage Kitchener accept the type of replacement door for the Victoria Park Pavilion, as displayed at the Heritage Kitchener meeting of May 1, 1998." 6. MINUTES Mr. L. Bensason requested a change to the minutes of the April 3, 1998 meeting on page 20, item 6, second paragraph, to remove the words "and they have the money to do it" and a clarification to page 21, item 9, first sentence, as follows: "Mr. L. Bensason advised that there is a project team looking at the realignment of the proposed extension of Huron Road from Trillium Drive to Strasburg Road. On motion by Mr. R. Coo, it was resolved: That the minutes of the regular meeting of Heritage Kitchener, of April 3, 1998, as mailed to the members and amended, be accepted." 7. LAURENTIAN WEST SUBDIVISON Ms. P. Wagner questioned what took place at Planning Committee with respect to the heritage street names for this subdivision. Councillor T. Galloway advised that they agreed to name one of the parks as David Bergey or Helena Feasby. He also advised that the owner of the abutting proposed plan of subdivision would like to use the name of Helena Feasby on his development as HERITAGE KITCHENER APRIL 3, 1998 - 27 - CITY OF KITCHENER she was one of his teachers. With respect to the archaeological study, Councillor Galloway advised that the developer was not directed to do anymore as they have Ministry approval. PROPOSAL FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATION OF AN UPPER DOON HERITAGE INVENTORY The Committee was provided with a letter and proposal from Mr. W. Fitzgerald, of Wilfrid Laurier University, dated April 14, 1998, along with a proposal for the development and application of an Upper Doon Heritage Inventory. Mr. L. Bensason reminded the Committee of the study that Mr. Fitzgerald did on the Mill Race in Upper Doon and advised that he is submitting a proposal to do a further archaeological analysis. He also noted the significant amount of work that the University would do free of charge. Mr. Bensason pointed out that the field investigation should be done now and advised that next year, in the budget, Council has approved $25,000.00 to implement the policies contained in the Heritage Conservation District Plans. He suggested that an application could be made to the Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation for a grant or that the Committee could ask Council for an advance on the $25,000.00 contained in next years budget. Councillor T. Galloway suggested that the City could borrow from the District Plan fund for this year and replace the money next year from the fund set up to implement the policies contained in the District Plan. He suggested that an application to the Heritage Foundation should be made ahead of time. He also suggested that a budget could be put together for the interpretive centre and an application could be made to the Heritage Foundation for that purpose. Mr. E. Lucy stated that it was his opinion that the proposal is not focused enough and that if we approve such a study it should concentrate on the area around the mill race. He was of the opinion that this is a shotgun approach and if the money is spread too far it won't accomplish anything. Mr. G. Grimes advised that he is familiar with this type of proposal and it offers a complete archaeological inventory of the area. On motion by Mr. P. Bufe it was resolved: "That, subject to Mr. Fitzgerald obtaining the authorization of the private property owners in the study area, Council approve the "Proposal for the Development and Application of an Upper Doon Heritage Inventory" submitted by Mr. William R. Fitzgerald, with his letter dated April 14, 1998, and further That Council approve funding in the amount of $8,800.00 for this proposal." REQUEST TO DEMOLISH - 196 QUEEN STREET SOUTH The Committee was provided with copies of an application to demolish the property municipally known as 196 Queen Street South, which is located within the Victoria Park Area Heritage Conservation District. The Committee was reminded that this matter was discussed at the previous meetings and, as indicated at the April meeting, Mr. W. Pearce did inspect the property and copies of Mr. Pearce's memo were distributed. It was noted that this Committee must make a recommendation to City Council at the June meeting, in order for Council to make a final decision within the 90 day period. Ms. S. Barber gave a brief description of what she saw at the property when she accompanied Mr. Pearce on his inspection. The Committee members were requested to take a look at the building prior to the next meeting. 10. BREAD & ROSES - 307 QUEEN STREET SOUTH Mr. L. Bensason advised that he had received a call from the Bread & Roses Cooperative, a property which is designated under the Ontario Heritaqe Act concerning break-ins at the property and the theft of their computers. He advised that this was not a first occurrence. They have advised that they wish to replace the glass with wire mesh safety glass. He believes that the entire window would have to be replaced. A brief discussion took place in this regard. HERITAGE KITCHENER APRIL 3, 1998 - 28 - CITY OF KITCHENER On motion by Ms. S. Campbell it was resolved: "That Heritage Kitchener is of the opinion that the replacement of the office window at 307 Queen Street South with wire mesh safety glass does not affect the reasons for designation." 11. DESIGNATED PROPERTY HANDBOOK Mr. D. Pullen thanked the Committee members for the suggestions submitted. He advised that they wished to prepare one or two of the simpler houses to show the members at the June meeting what the final product will look like. Ms. P. Wagner suggested a bus trip of the designated properties for Committee members. 12. 62-68 MARGARET AVENUE Digital photographs of the subject property were viewed and a brief discussion on the history of 62-68 Margaret Avenue took place. Mr. L. Bensason advised that the agents for the owner want to know what Heritage Kitchener's intentions will be when the demolition application is submitted. Ms. S. Campbell suggested that the developers should be told that this is a significant building. Mr. L. Bensason suggested that the Committee must ask itself if it would want to designate this property. Mr. P. Bufe stated that the Committee should be able to decide if the building is significant enough to designate. Mr. D. Pullen advised that he agreed and that it is important to that end of Margaret Avenue. Ms. P. Wagner requested that Mr. P. Bufe and Mr. R. Coo help Ms. Barber to do a designation report on this building for the next meeting. 13. SUMMER STUDENT WORK PLAN The Committee was advised that Ms. S. Barber will be the summer student for Heritage Kitchener again this year. Her work plan will consist of: preparing for public meetings and workshops session for the Victoria Park Area Heritage Conservation District, preparation of a public meeting for the Spadina Road area proposed Heritage Conservation District, participating in the Conference and continuing to work on the Inventory. 14. COBBLESTONE WALL - 1187 WESTMOUNT ROAD EAST Ms. P. Wagner advised that back in 1991 she was asked to represent L.A.C.A.C. with respect to proposed plans of subdivision. She advised that, at the time, she had located the heritage buildings on a map. Ms. Wagner spoke of the cobblestone wall and barn at the Max Becker property and she identified the property. She asked that the cobblestone wall, specifically, be added to the Heritage Inventory even though the property address itself was on the inventory. Ms. Wagner advised that there is a subdivision coming forward for this area and they will be submitting a letter and coming to this Committee to discuss the Heritage resources. Mr. L. Bensason then explained his correspondence with the Schlegel family. On motion by Mr. P. Bufe it was resolved: "That the cobblestone wall, identified as IWS 1908, at 1187 Westmount Road East be added to the Heritage Inventory." 15. THE BRIDGES Ms. E. Heinrichs spoke of two significant bridges, the Freeport Bridge and the Bridgeport Bridge, which are concrete bowstring bridges, both in poor shape. She asked the Committee to consider designating these bridges and having the owner maintain and repair them. Ms. P. Wagner noted that Cambridge has designated two bridges. Mr. L. Bensason volunteered to take slides and prints of these bridges. 16. NEXT MEETING HERITAGE KITCHENER APRIL 3, 1998 - 29 - CITY OF KITCHENER 17. The next regular meeting of Heritage Kitchener is scheduled for Friday June 5, 1998, at 11:45 a.m., in the Conestoga Room. ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjoured at 3:15 p.m. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Secretary