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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHeritage Kitchener - 1999-11-05HERITAGE\1999-11-05 HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES NOVEMBER 57 1999 CITY OF KITCHENER Heritage Kitchener met this date, chaired by Councillor J. Haalboom, commencing at 12:00 noon, with the following members present: Ms. G. Engel, Ms. C. Martindale, Ms. P. Wagner, Messrs. M. Badran, Mr. P. Bufe and Mr. B. Scott. Councillor T. Galloway was in attendance for part of the meeting. Others present: Councillor M. Yantzi, Ms. P. Bacon, Mr. L. Bensason and Ms. D. Gilchrist. 1. INTRODUCTION Councillor J. Haalboom commented on several newspaper articles with respect to revitalizing old buildings. It was mentioned in the articles that there were many designers moving into the City of Kitchener that can not find interesting housing, and there is a definite lack of loft/work housing in the City. Councillor Haalboom noted that Council had approved of the designation of 31 Young Street, at its meeting of November 1, 1999. 2. ALTERATION APPLICATION DREWLO HOLDINGS - 209 VICTORIA STREET SOUTH - VICTORIA PARK HERITAGE AREA CONSERVATION DISTRICT Messrs. V. Labreche, S. Patterson, R. Tome, C. Tome and J. Sennema were in attendance with respect to the outstanding items related to the alteration application for 209 Victoria Street South, located in the Victoria Park Area Heritage Conservation District. Councillor J. Haalboom outlined the outstanding matters and read aloud Council's resolution of November 1, 1999. The delegation brought samples of the building materials proposed for this building. Mr. V. Labreche advised that the elevation drawings are the same as those considered at this Committee's meeting of October 15, 1999. Mr. Labreche addressed the outstanding matters starting with the screening of the rooftop equipment. He referred to the suggestion made at the October 15, 1999 Heritage Kitchener meeting that the rooftop equipment should be screened with the same roof style as on the building. Mr. Labreche stated that, after consideration of this request, it was the opinion of the proponents that such a roof enclosure would draw attention to the rooftop equipment; whereas, their existing proposal screens the equipment and they believe it blends in with the materials in the rest of the building. With respect to the roofing material for the mansard roof, photographs of 405 Erb Street, Waterloo were distributed at the meeting, being an example of a building with a similar style of roof. With respect to the Committee's request for the use of more brick in this building, Mr. Labreche noted that on average 25% of the face of the building is covered in brick, with the Victoria Park elevation having 30% brick and the other sides having 20%. Mr. R. Tome addressed the Committee with respect to the building materials. Sample books and samples were circulated to the Committee members. Mr. Tome explained the tendering process and the differences in shade depending on the supplier. He noted that it is the owner's intention that all building materials would comply with the colour scheme as displayed to the Committee. He noted that the colour scheme was taken from colours in the neighbourhood. Mr. C. Tome noted that their preference is for a grey mansard roof and red brick. Mr. V. Labreche requested that the words "substantially similar" be included with the Committee's specific approvals for colours, noting that the colours may not be exact depending on the supplier. A discussion then took place with respect to the buff coloured brick versus the red coloured brick and how each colour of brick would blend with the proposed colour for the stucco. The Committee again discussed, with the proponents, the use of more brick in this building. The Committee also reviewed their concerns with respect to screening the rooftop equipment, the possibility for a rooftop garden, visibility and how to minimize the appearance of the rooftop equipment through the shape and colour of the enclosure. The Committee then reviewed in detail the building materials samples and the colour scheme proposed for the various components. HERITAGE KITCHENER NOVEMBER 5, 1999 - 75 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2. ALTERATION APPLICATION DREWLO HOLDINGS - 209 VICTORIA STREET SOUTH - VICTORIA PARK HERITAGE AREA CONSERVATION DISTRICT - CONT'D On a motion by Mr. B. Scott - it was resolved: "That, pursuant to Section 43 of the Ontario Heritage Act, Council approve the request of the owner, Drewlo Holdings, to alter the designated property municipally known as 209 Victoria Street South, located in the Victoria Park Area Heritage Conservation District, as shown on the elevation drawings prepared by R. Tome & Associate Inc. and William Haas Consultants Inc., dated October 5, 1999; and further, That the colour criteria presented at the Heritage Kitchener meeting of November 5, 1999, for 209 Victoria Street South, be approved with the following specific building materials being the same as or substantially similar to: brick - 'Grand Teton RR05A'; stucco -'Spitfire SUO1B'; and metal cladding having a width of 16" to 24" of 'Locker Room SP13C'." ALTERATION APPLICATION - CATHOLIC FAMILY SERVICES HEADQUARTERS - QUEEN STREET SOUTH - VICTORIA PARK AREA HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT The Committee had been provided, in the agenda package, with a copy of the alteration application and elevation drawings for the proposed construction of a three-storey office building to house the Catholic Family Services Headquarters, at 384-426 Queen Street South, Kitchener. Mr. R. Dyck, Architect, was in attendance to present the proposal, and displayed a building floor plan and elevations for the Committee's benefit. Mr. Dyck also brought samples of the building materials to be used in this project. A discussion took place with respect to the building materials, including the use of various colours and types of brick, the roofing material, window style and window headers and sills, porches and entrances. The Committee also briefly reviewed whether landscaping was proposed for the Queen Street frontage, signage and parking. On a motion by Mr. B. Scott - it was resolved: "That, pursuant to Section 43 of the Ontario Heritage Act, Council approved the request of the owner, Catholic Family Counselling Centre, to alter the designated property municipally known as 384-426 Queen Street South, located in the Victoria Park Area Heritage Conservation District, to construct a new three-storey office building as shown in the elevation drawings, prepared by Robert J. Dyck, Architect & Engineer Incorporated, as considered by Heritage Kitchener on November 5, 1999; and further, That the building be constructed of red brick with the base in charcoal cultured stone, with one over one windows, black shingles, brackets under the eaves, in accordance with the sample building materials and concept plan considered by Heritage Kitchener on November 5, 1999." RESIGNATION The Committee received a letter of resignation from Mr. A Majauskas. On a motion by Mr. P. Bufe - it was resolved: "That, with regret, we accept the resignation of Mr. A. Majauskas from Heritage Kitchener." HERITAGE KITCHENER NOVEMBER 5, 1999 - 76 - CITY OF KITCHENER 5. NEWSLETTER Mr. L. Bensason advised that he had received some comments with respect to the draft newsletter which had been circulated to the Committee members. He advised that the newsletter had been finalized and will be mailed to all owners of designated properties this month. CITY OWNED PROPERTY - 158 KING STREET WEST The Committee members were provided with a proposed resolution and an extract from the King Street Facade Study relating to the property municipally known as 158 King Street West, Kitchener. Mr. L. Bensason advised that the resolution was a result of discussion with the Economic Development Division. He noted that the City now owns this building and there was a statement made in the newspaper that the City would repair it. He noted that the building could be used as a demonstration project. Mr. Bensason then read aloud the suggested resolution. Councillor Haalboom stated that she would prefer having the building repaired prior to it being sold. Mr. Scott stated his preference to have the City repair the building prior to sale, using it as a demonstration project. Ms. P. Wagner questioned whether the building has to be designated. Mr. Bensason stated that designation would not be necessary; although, he did not know the City's intention. He advised that if the City wants future control over the building, a heritage easement could be required. He noted that the intent of the recommendation is to allow an opportunity to review the situation and report back. Councillor T. Galloway stated that he would be surprised if Council wants to designate this building. He noted that it was purchased to prevent the proposed use. He advised that Council will repair the building with the intention of a quick resale. He stated that he would be interested in knowing why Economic Development staff see this proposal as an advantage. Mr. Bensason advised that he had prepared the proposed resolution, noting that his discussion revolved around the merits; however, he felt that this was the opportunity to exercise some control. Councillor Galloway questioned whether the building has historic or architectural merit. Mr. Bensason suggested that it may be original to the main street of Kitchener. Mr. Bufe responded that the building is significant; further, it is the same as the Mayfair Hotel and looks like a continuation. Ms. P. Wagner requested that a designation report be prepared. On a motion by Mr. P. Bufe - it was resolved: "That staff investigate the merits of designating 158 King Street West under the Ontario Heritage Act and making the sale of the property conditional on entering into a Heritage Easement Agreement with the City; and further, That consideration be given for either the City to make facade improvements to the building in keeping with the recommendations of The King Street Facade Study, or to make such improvement a condition of the sale of the property through the owner making a Facade Interior Loan Program application." HERITAGE DAY 2000 It was noted that Heritage Day would be celebrated on February 21, 2000. Ms. P. Wagner displayed a Heritage Day booklet and poster prepared by Heritage Canada. It was noted that their focus was agricultural heritage and it would be possible to draw attention to our outlying areas which are still rural, if we adopt this theme. Possible events for Heritage Day were reviewed; Mike Wagner Heritage Awards, the Heritage Showcase, a bus tour and the possibility of workshops. The Committee then discussed the possibility of, again this year, setting up a scanner in the rotunda and inviting people to bring in old photographs. It was suggested that a list of buildings of interest be prepared, including old photographs of King Street and downtown, and properties in the proposed St. Mary's Area Heritage Conservation District. HERITAGE DAY 2000 - CONT'D HERITAGE KITCHENER NOVEMBER 5, 1999 - 77 - CITY OF KITCHENER It was generally agreed that the following events would be pursued: display at Heritage Showcase, bus tour, Mike Wagner Heritage Awards, copying photographs in the rotunda. Regarding a rural theme for Heritage Day, highlighting the following properties and areas of the City was suggested: the Woolner property, Pioneer Tower, Steckle Heritage Homestead, Schneider House, Huron Road, Bleams Road and Plains Road. Mr. Bensason commented on the Mike Wagner Heritage Awards, noting that the application forms will be distributed with the newsletter. He noted that the deadline will be early in December and he requested that a sub-committee be formed to shortlist the nominations which will be reviewed by Heritage Kitchener at the January meeting. Ms. G. Engel and Mr. P. Bufe volunteered for the sub- committee and it was agreed that one of the new committee members be approached for the sub- committee. 8. MILLENNIUM PROJECT - GOVERNOR'S HOUSE AND GAOL Ms. P. Wagner advised the Committee of the Millennium Garden proposed for the Governor's House and Gaol and of the process to date with respect to this project. Ms. Wagner advised that they need to provide a visual link between the courtyard and Queen Street, for safety reasons. As this is a designated property, Ms. Wagner requested the Committee's thoughts on creating a portal in the courtyard wall, on the Queen Street frontage. Following discussion in this regard, Ms. Wagner questioned whether the Committee would be willing to recommend approval in principle. On a motion by Ms. C. Martindale - it was resolved:' "That Council approve, in principle, of opening a portal on the Queen Street facade of the original stone wall of the Womens' Exercise Yard at the designated property municipally known as 73 Queen Street North (Governor's House and Gaol), to allow the proposed Millennium Garden to be visible from Queen Street." Ms. Wagner advised that this approval in principle would allow the project committee to proceed with detailed designs. 9. ALTERATION APPLICATION - 122 FREDERICK STREET (REGISTRY BUILDING) Mr. L. Bensason advised the Committee of the amendments made by Council, at its meeting of November 1, 1999, to the recommendation of Heritage Kitchener relative to the alteration application for the Registry Building, made by J. M. Drama. Mr. Bensason advised that he had spoken with Ms. M. Sanderson of the Parks and Recreation Department with respect to the barrier-free access, who advised that a side entrance for the lift would be appropriate. Mr. Bensason advised that he will discuss Council's resolution with Mr. D. Bourgeois, anticipating that this matter would be reviewed at the December meeting. 10. UPPER DOON HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT SIGNAGE Mr. Bensason advised of a meeting that he had with Mr. E. Lucy with respect to the proposed signage for the Upper Doon Heritage Conservation District, where it was agreed that the street signs would not have a logo. Instead, a large entrance sign for the District is being proposed, containing the logo of the Wilfong Garage. He noted that the sign would likely be erected in the spring and he would report further in this regard at the December meeting. 11. FREEPORT BRIDGE DESIGNATION Mr. Bensason advised that he had nothing further to offer the Committee at this time, with respect to the proposed designation of the Freeport Bridge, and he would attempt to obtain information from the Region in time for the December meeting. 11. FREEPORT BRIDGE DESIGNATION - CONT'D HERITAGE KITCHENER NOVEMBER 5, 1999 - 78 - CITY OF KITCHENER 12. 13. 14. Mr. M. Badran left the meeting at this time and Councillor Haalboom noted that Mr. Badran would not be seeking re-appointment to the Committee. She thanked him for his contribution to the work of Heritage Kitchener. ST. MARY'S AREA HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT PLAN Mr. Bensason advised that a public meeting with respect to the St. Mary's Area Heritage Conservation District plan will be held on November 25, 1999, from 7 - 9 p.m. in the gymnasium in St. Bernadette's School. Ms. P. Wagner advised that she would like to see a strict plan for this District. Mr. P. Bufe questioned whether the current zoning would support the plan. Mr. Bensason responded that the consultant's have reviewed the zoning and have some concerns. He noted that they will be bringing forward a recommendation for changes in zoning. Ms. P. Wagner then noted the issue of wooden hydro poles which had been raised by Councillor Yantzi at the last Council meeting. Mr. Bensason advised that the matter is to be discussed with the Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro and brought back to Council. He noted that this request came directly from the steering committee and the area residents want wooden hydro poles. Heritage Kitchener stated that they wished to go on record as being in support of the request of the St. Mary's Area Heritage Conservation District Steering Committee for wooden hydro poles in that area, in consideration of the fact that they may be included in the plan, as they are in the Upper Doon Heritage Conservation District Plan. UPPER DOON ARCHEOLOGICAL CENTRE Mr. Bensason advised that a bridge over the creek, in the area of the mill foundation and millrace in Upper Doon, is proposed. As the archeological study is not finished, he advised that he will work with the City's Geographic Information System to determine the best path for the equipment, so as not to disturb the foundations. PENDING ALTERATION APPLICATION - STECKLE HERITAGE HOMESTEAD 15. 16. 18. Mr. Bensason reminded the Committee that late last year, Dr. Steckle had applied for an alteration application, which was for the first phase of alterations. At the December meeting, this Committee will be requested to consider the next phase of the alterations. Mr. Bensason requested one member of Heritage Kitchener to attend at the property with him to take photographs. Mr. C. Martindale and Ms. G. Engel advised that one of them will be available. INFORMATION ITEMS The Committee reviewed and briefly discussed the information items attached to the agenda. REPORT ON HERITAGE CANADA CONFERENCE Ms. P. Wagner advised the Committee of the events which had taken place at the Heritage Canada Conference, which she attended. She noted that the theme of the Conference was social changes and Heritage strategies. Ms. P. Wagner's notes will be distributed to the Committee members. ADJOURNMENT On a motion the meeting adjourned at 3:40 p.m. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Administrator