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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHeritage Kitchener - 2000-03-10H ERITAGE\2000-03-10 HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES MARCH 107 2000 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. P. Wagner, Messrs. P. Bufe, R. Lucy, W. Stauch and S. Sykes. Councillor T. Galloway and Mr. J. Countryman were in attendance for part of the meeting. Regrets: Ms. C. Martindale and Mr. B. Scott Others present: Councillor M. Yantzi, Ms. L. Marshall, Mr. L. Bensason and Ms. D. Gilchrist. 1. WALPER TERRACE HOTEL - AGREEMENT FOR USE OF ARTIFACTS FROM 1924 CITY HALL Ms. L. Marshall, Associate City Solicitor, advised the Committee that there is temporary agreement in place between the City and the owners of the Walper Hotel to allow them to place some of the artifacts from the 1924 City Hall in the Hotel in order to determine which pieces they will use and for measurements. She advised that the Walper has insurance in place for this purpose. Ms. Marshall advised that a more permanent agreement is being drafted at this time. Ms. P. Wagner questioned whether the agreement will be binding on subsequent owners. Ms. Marshall advised that the agreement will contain provision for the artifacts to be returned to the City if subsequent owners are not willing to sign an agreement or if there is a bankruptcy. A brief discussion took place with respect to alterations to the artifacts. INFORMATION ITEMS Councillor J. Haalboom reviewed the information items attached to the agenda and noted that the City has received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Grand River Conservation Authority to acknowledge its efforts in promoting the health and heritage of the Grand River Watershed. 31 YOUNG STREET (FORSYTH PROPERTY) - PROPOSED ADAPTIVE RE-USE Messrs. Allen Grinham and Dale Holland were in attendance to represent the proposal of Circa Developments for adaptive re-use of the Forsyth Property at 31 Young Street. The Committee was in receipt of preliminary drawings for the proposal. Mr. Holland identified Circa Developments and advised that Circa Developments will be working on three downtown housing projects over the next two years, which will allow for the development of 50 or more residential units in the core and an opportunity to save these building from another fate. Mr. Holland advised that this is an adaptive re-use project which will require some alterations and that they wish to work with Heritage Kitchener over the next month or two to identify the Committee's concerns. Councillor T. Galloway and Mr. J. Countryman entered the meeting at this time. Mr. A. Grinham advised the Committee that they do not have firm plans for the interior development of this building; however, the units will have minimal internal development. He advised that the buildings need to have proper exits and it will be necessary to introduce one or two new staircases. With respect to alterations, Mr. Grinham advised that the loading dock on the east side of the building will have to be removed, which will be the substantial removal. They would also like to remove the four-storey staircase on the west side of the building, facing Young Street, and recreate the pattern of the fa(;;ade. He then spoke of the courtyard internal to the building and alterations proposed to enlarge it. He advised that they are considering the introduction of a basement level garage entry and 25 underground parking spaces, noting that the garage door would be partially below grade. Mr. Grinham advised that the units closest to grade would be developed as commercial space along with the ground floor of the 1937 addition. When questioned about the use of the house on the site, Mr. Grinham advised that it would probably be developed as an autonomous commercial entity. With respect to interior renovations, Mr. Grinham advised that they hoped not to make any, except to repair the leaded windows. 3. 31 YOUNG STREET (FORSYTH PROPERTY) - PROPOSED ADAPTIVE RE-USE - CONT'D HERITAGE KITCHENER MARCH 10, 2000 -12- CITY OF KITCHENER In response to a question from Mr. W. Stauch, Mr. Holland noted that the painted signs on the building would have to be removed in order to clean and repoint the masonry. He advised that with the approval of Forsyth's they would be prepared to repaint some of the signs; however, they need to achieve a balance between the old signage and the signage required for the new project. Ms. Wagner pointed out that some members of the Committee have great concerns about window preservation. Mr. Grinham advised that they are recommending that every window location be maintained. They are also recommending that the existing windows be removed and replace with windows of the same size and shape. He advised that their biggest problem is deciding what to replicate as there are a number of different styles of the existing windows. He noted their needs to balance user needs, heritage considerations and future operating costs. Councillor T. Galloway questioned the engraved signage and Mr. Holland responded that it will be maintained and has not been raised as an issue by Forsyth. Councillor T. Galloway then questioned whether the delegation was aware of the reasons for designation and whether they had any problems with or thoughts about them. Mr. Holland responded that, as long as the Committee understands that this is an adaptive re-use project and there are some alterations required to give new life to the building, the concept of designation is not a problem. He noted that the impact of the proposed alteration is fairly moderate and because of this approach the designation is not a problem. Also, they are hoping that by working with this Committee they will be able to identify any problems early in the process. Mr. L. Bensason questioned the material for the proposed replacement windows and whether the sills would be prepared. Mr. Grinham advised that the sills would be prepared and that his recommendation would be wooden windows. The finish for the windows is still to be determined. He advised that the basis starting point would be a wooden sash with a sealed glass unit. A brief discussion took place with respect to new windows versus the adaptation of the existing windows. Councillor Haalboom thanked the delegation for approaching Heritage Kitchener early in the process and asked that the Committee be kept informed as the project progresses. PROPOSED JOINT DESIGNATION OF MOUNT HOPE CEMETERY The Committee was in receipt of correspondence from Ms. M. Rowell, Chair, Waterloo L.A.C.A.C. dated February 18, 2000, requesting that Heritage Kitchener consider the joint designation of Mount Hope Cemetery, as it spans the borders of both municipalities. The Committee discussed the request questioning whether Waterloo L.A.C.A.C. has determined their approach. They did agree that quite a few of the early settlers are buried there and it has heritage significance. Councillor T. Galloway suggested that the Legal Department be requested to determine if there would be potential conflict with the Cemeteries Act. It was also agreed that the matter be discussed with the Parks and Recreation Department. On a motion by Mr. W. Stauch - it was resolved: "That Heritage Kitchener acknowledge receipt of the letter from Ms. M. Rowell, Chair, Waterloo LAC.AC., dated February 18, 2000, concerning the proposal for a joint designation for Mount Hope Cemetery, suggesting that representatives of Heritage Kitchener and Waterloo LAC.AC. discuss the designation and the reason that Waterloo L.A.C.A.C. wishes to proceed with the designation." 5. REQUEST FOR DESIGNATION OF HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT IN LOWER DOON Councillor J. Haalboom referred to correspondence in the agenda from Ms. L. Stephenson, dated February 13, 2000, requesting that Lower Doon be designated as a Heritage Conservation HERITAGE KITCHENER MARCH 10, 2000 -13- CITY OF KITCHENER District. In her letter Ms. Stephenson describes how Lower Doon meets the criteria set out in the City's Municipal Plan to be designated as a Heritage Conservation District. Mr. L. Bensason advised that the City has a program for designating Heritage Conservation Districts and Council has set aside money in the budget to hire a consultant for each District in the program. He advised of the usual procedure that when the next District is scheduled to commence, this Committee decides which District will be next. He advised that there are three issues to consider: a determination of whether this area warrants designation; funding; and if warranted, where it fits into the program in terms of priority. Mr. P. Bufe suggested looking at individual designations as a short-term solution if designation of a District is not possible at this time. Councillor T. Galloway suggesting establishing a sub-committee to determine the merit of the request and if there is merit, then determining where it fits into the priority listing. The Committee then discussed the possible roles of a sub-committee and what role the residents could play in the process. It was generally agreed that Councillor J. Haalboom and Mr. L. Bensason meet with Ms. Stephenson and area residents to determine the degree of neighbourhood support for a Heritage Conservation District; with this information to be provided to Heritage Kitchener at a future meeting. Ms. G. Engel agreed to assist in this regard. It was also agreed that a sub-committee would be formed to conduct an evaluation of the buildings in this area to determine whether they should be added to the Heritage Inventory. 6. NOMINATIONS FOR WATERLOO REGIONAL HERITAGE FOUNDATION AWARDS Councillor Haalboom noted that nomination forms for Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation Awards will soon be available and asked the Committee for perspective nominees. The Committee had already passed a motion to nominate the Krug Staircase. 7. DISPLAY OF AWARDS - CITY HALL Councillor Haalboom pointed out that there is no adequate space set aside in City Hall to display the certificates received by the City. It was generally agreed that a suggestion be made to the City's Management Committee to designate a wall in City Hall for this purpose. 8. HERITAGE CHALLENGE FUND Councillor Haalboom referred to correspondence in the agenda from the Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation, dated February 25, 2000, with respect to the announcement of a $10M Heritage Challenge Fund. Councillor Haalboom suggesting some projects proposed by the City of Kitchener which may qualify for this funding. Councillor T. Galloway suggested that this information be forwarded to the Homer Watson House Foundation. 9. PARTIAL DEMOLITION - 3734 KING STREET EAST Mr. L. Bensason displayed photographs of the stone building at 3734 King Street East, designated under the Ontario Heritage Act and the brick addition attached thereto. He advised that the brick addition has deteriorated and the owner proposes to demolish it. They will also repair the stone building where the brick addition was attached. Mr. Bensason advised that the owner will make an application for a new roof, repairs and any alterations required to repair the interface between the stone building and the brick addition. A discussion took place as to whether a demolition permit under the Ontario Heritage Act is required for the demolition of the brick addition. 10. ST. MARY'S AREA HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT Mr. L. Bensason advised that the consultants have completed the text of the study and are likely to recommend a reduction in the District boundaries. The next step will be to introduce the draft study to the community. HERITAGE KITCHENER MARCH 10, 2000 -14- CITY OF KITCHENER The Committee directed Mr. Bensason to obtain the boundary changes from the consultant and the draft study before it goes to a public meeting. Mr. Bensason advised that he would review the terms of reference for the consultant and determine the process from this point. The Committee then discussed possible requirements for changes in zoning resulting from this study, particularly setback requirements. 11. WATERLOO COUNTY GOVERNOR'S HOUSE AND GAOL Councillor T. Galloway has advised that the Region has approved C. A. Ventin as the architect for the Governor's House and Gaol Project. Ms. P. Wagner noted that in May an archeologist will look at the space proposed for the garden. She also advised that they are looking at the County records with respect to the link and an application will have to made for demolition of the link. A brief discussion took place with respect to the terms of reference for the architect. 12. HERITAGE WEEK EVENTS UPDATE Councillor T. Galloway left the meeting at this time. Councillor Haalboom advised that the Grand River Conservation Authority may want to hold a conference at City Hall during next year's Heritage Week. The Committee briefly reviewed the Heritage Showcase noting the difficulty in finding people to take responsibility for the booth. Ms. G. Engel suggested that maps showing the location of each booth be distributed at entrances to the mall. Councillor Haalboom advised that she will conduct a bus tour again next year. Mr. Bensason advised that the success of the Rotunda display noting that one women had provided her entire album of pre-World War I photographs and documents, containing a wealth of material. He suggested that next year's event should have more press coverage. It was generally agreed that Heritage Kitchener will participate in the Heritage Showcase again next year. 13. ADJOURNMENT On a motion the meeting adjourned at 2:30p.m. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Administrator