HomeMy WebLinkAboutHeritage Kitchener - 2000-04-19H ERITAGE\2000-04-19
HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES
APRIL 197 2000
CITY OF KITCHENER
Heritage Kitchener met this date, commencing at 10:00 a.m. and Chaired by Councillor J. Haalboom with
the following members present: Ms. G. Engel, Ms. C. Martindale, Ms. P. Wagner, Mr. P. Bufe and Mr. W.
Stauch.
Officials Present: Mr. L. Bensason and Mr. G. Sosnoski
1. REDEVELOPMENT OF WATERLOO COUNTY GOVERNOR'S HOUSE & GAOL
The Committee met this date to consider a response to the Regional Municipality of Waterloo
concerning those features of the Governor's House and Gaol the Committee feels should be
preserved or otherwise addressed during the redevelopment and restoration process. A prior
presentation had been made to the Committee on April 7, 2000 by representatives of the Regional
Municipality of Waterloo - Facilities Management and C. A. Ventin Architect.
The Committee then reviewed slides of the various elevations of the Governor's House and Gaol,
the addition which housed the kitchen and nurses quarters, and the structure linking the
Governor's House to the Gaol complex. They also referenced photographs of the property circa
1906, 1916 and 1957.
Mr. Bensason reminded the Committee that in respect to the features of the building exterior, the
Region of Waterloo is required, under the Ontario Heritage Act, to submit an application to alter
the designated properties. This would not apply in the case of the interior of the Governor's House
and Gaol as these are not designated under the Act.
It was generally agreed that the Governor's House should be restored to a period in the early
1900's. Mr. Bensason also advised that he will prepare a detailed heritage report and description
documenting the features and condition of each building elevation. He also advised that following
today's discussion he would prepare a draft letter to the Region referencing the heritage
designations and the reasons therefore, and highlighting all of the features which the Committee
feels should be either restored, preserved or replicated as the case may be.
A brief discussion took place concerning the paint scheme for the Governor's House, and the
issue of removing the paint which presently covers the brick building fabric. Mr. Bensason
suggested that a paint analysis will be required, and the Committee should first ascertain the
removal methods proposed by the Region, with this information forming part of their application to
alter the property.
A discussion took place concerning the area on the Queen Street elevation of the Governor's
House which is presently boarded up, and which was formerly a porch. It was agreed that in terms
of restoration, the Region should be offered the alternative of either restoring the small circa 1906
porch or the 1926 wrap-around porch.
It was generally agreed that the following constitute those features of the building which Heritage
Kitchener would like to see preserved, restored or replicated.
· Governor's House
wood soffits and fascia
wooden ornamentation in the gable peaks
any finials on the gable peaks which presently exist, or can be documented to have existed
any original glass panes
where possible, the counter balanced wooden windows and mechanisms including pulleys
and cords
all period window openings and window arches, including keystones
all eave brackets
all stone and brick building fabric including projecting quoin detailing
all tie rods and rondelles
the bay window and wooden brackets on the south elevation
expose all original ground floor level windows behind the porch area currently covered by
white painted panelling
HERITAGE KITCHENER
APRIL 19, 2000 - 21 - CITY OF KITCHENER
1. REDEVELOPMENT OF WATERLOO COUNTY GOVERNOR'S HOUSE & GAOL - CONT'D
· Governor's House, cont'd
restoration of all elements and detail of the tower in accordance with the circa 1906
photograph which appears on Page 33 of the book entitled "Waterloo County: An
Illustrated History" by Geoffrey Hayes.
cedar shingles, with the design to be defined at the time the Request to Alter is submitted
· Gaol
all window openings, decorative window surrounds and keystones
original windows including the steel bars to depict the previous use of the building
iron anchors
all original brick and stone building fabric, including the brick string courses
all stone and brick detailing
all chimneys and corbelling
mortar and scored mortar detailing
original copper roof (where still remaining)
all tie rods and rondelles
the brick structure at the rear of the Gaol housing the nurses room and kitchen, as well as
the hook and trap door in the terrazzo floor.
the exterior wall encircling the exercise yard and the various courtyards forming part of the
Gaol complex
· Link Structure between Governor's House and Gaol
to remain as at present, with a decision to be made when the Request to Alter is submitted
for approval. As a general guideline, the Committee suggested that the Region not
consider demolishing more than 1/3 of the link structure.
second floor iron/steel door with peephole
staircase to the second floor with newel post
rear staircase from the house
· Interior Features - Governor's House
staircase
marble fireplace (coal burning)
all baseboards
all window sills
decorative woodwork throughout
the cords used in the counter balance mechanisms for the wooden windows
original doors and door trim
historic door hardware, including locks
consider restoring the parlour area to its former (larger) room space
open stairs to the widow's walk
removal of the two-piece bathroom and related privacy wall
· Gaol Interior and Courtyards
preservation of one original cell block
all wooden doors and frames and associated period hardware
interior doorway openings, with special consideration given to preserving the narrow
doorway from the women's cell block to the courtyard
any significant signatures/historic graffiti should be preserved or a representative sample
thereof
preservation and exposure of heavy timber, ceiling beams
original windows including the steel bars to depict the previous use of the building
consideration to be given to retaining the terrazzo floors
The Committee was of the opinion that a paint sample investigation should be undertaken to
identify circa 1900 colours which may have been used on the building, following which the
HERITAGE KITCHENER
APRIL 19, 2000 -22 -
CITY OF KITCHENER
1. REDEVELOPMENT OF WATERLOO COUNTY GOVERNOR'S HOUSE & GAOL - CONT'D
Committee wishes to comment on the overall paint and colour scheme to be used in the
restoration.
The Committee was asked to advise Mr. Bensason of any additional significant features which are
identified following this meeting. It was also agreed that Mr. Bensason would submit a draft of his
letter to the Region outlining the features which the Committee wishes to see restored, preserved
or replicated for consideration at the May 5, 2000, Heritage Kitchener meeting.
2. OTHER BUSINESS
Mr. Bufe referred to a proposed zoning by-law change, which though predominately aimed at new
subdivisions, could have an impact on current or future heritage conservation districts, and on
general principles will affect existing neighbourhoods. He questioned why Heritage Kitchener has
not been circulated in this regard. Councillor Haalboom asked that Mr. Bufe put his concerns in
writing in order that Mr. Bensason can investigate the matter further.
3. ADJOURNMENT
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 11:50 a.m.
Gary M. Sosnoski
Deputy City Clerk