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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLACAC - 1993-07-09LACAC\1993-07-09 LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES JULY 9, 1993 The Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 12:00 noon, under the Chairmanship of Alderman M. Wagner with the following members present: Mr. E. Bow, Mr. P. Bufe, Ms. S. Burke, Mr. R. Fuller, Ms. J. Kramer, Mr. W. Ristau, Mrs. G. Stoner, Mr. V. Tarbutt, Mrs. P. Wagner and Ms. P. Welsh. Ms. B. Buchanan, Ms. J. Chivers-Wilson, and Mr. D. Parrish were in attendance for part of the meeting. Others present: Messrs. T.B. Stanley, L. Bensason and G. Sosnoski. 1. MINUTES On a motion by Mr. E. Bow - It was resolved: "That the minutes of the regular meeting of the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee of June 11, 1993, as mailed to members, be adopted. 2. DELEGATION - PLAQUE PRESENTATION Ms. Cindy Cowell was in attendance on behalf of North American Life to present commemorative historic plaques to those members who were not in attendance at the recent branch opening at 1- 11 King Street West. 3. ALTERATION REQUEST - 37 OREGON DRIVE The Committee was in receipt this date of a memorandum from the Society for the Preservation of Upper Doon (SPUD) dated July 8, 1993 concerning the owner's request to alter the above property situated in the Upper Doon Heritage Conservation District. Ms. S. Nequest was in attendance and in support of the request for permission to construct a family room addition to the building constructed in the early 1950's. Mr. Bensason advised the Committee that the building in question is listed as a type B building in the Conservation District Plan. He described the addition using plan and elevation drawings prepared by M. Leis and dated June 21, 1993, noting that the addition is proposed at the rear of the property and would not be visible from the street. Mr. Bensason showed a video of the property and advised that SPUD has no objection to the project. He asked that, if possible, a recommendation be made this date for consideration by Council on July 12, as a one month delay is of concern to the owner. Ms. J. Chivers-Wilson entered the meeting at this time. Mr. Bow put forward a motion to approve the owner's request. Ms. Welsh suggested that a phrase be added to the recommendation indicating that the addition is being approved on the basis of its appropriateness to the style and age of the building. Mr. Bow accepted the comments of Ms. Welsh as a friendly amendment. On a motion by Mr. E. Bow - It was resolved: "That pursuant to Section 42 of the Ontario Heritaqe Act, and on the basis that the proposed work is appropriate to the age and style of the building, Council grant the request of the owner of 37 Oregon Drive (a property in the Upper Doon Heritage Conservation District) for permission to erect an addition to the existing structure as outlined in the drawings of Mr. M. Leis dated June 21, 1993 and presented to L.A.C.A.C. on July 9, 1993." LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES - 35- JULY 9, 1993 133 GRABER PLACE (HARVEY J. GRABER TRANSFORMER STATION) Alderman Wagner advised that the previous L.A.C.A.C. recommendation was withdrawn from the June 21, 1993 Council report at his request. He explained his concern over the budget funds involved and noted it was his understanding Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro was in no rush to demolish the building and would be willing to wait up to one year, and possibly grant a further extension. He suggested the Committee investigate alternate uses for the site prior to undertaking a legal survey. In response to a question from Mrs. Stoner, Alderman Wagner indicated that staff had not formally responded to his request concerning possible uses of the site. Mrs. Stoner expressed her concern over a further delay in the designation process and Mr. Sosnoski advised as to the implications. He also advised that a concern had been raised as to the City's right to enter onto the property to complete a survey. Alderman Wagner replied that he has received assurances from Hydro that this would not be a problem. Mrs. Wagner suggested that the Committee approach the Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation and request a grant to fund the survey. It was generally agreed that Alderman Wagner and any other interested Committee member would attend the September 28, 1993 meeting of the Foundation and make a formal request. It was generally agreed that further consideration of a recommendation relative to 133 Graber Place would be deferred to a later meeting and be addressed at the time the October agenda is drafted. REQUEST TO DESIGNATE - 56 DUKE STREET WEST (ST. MARY'S CHURCH) The Committee was in receipt of a property description and it was noted that this item was deferred at the June 11, 1993 meeting pending further discussions with the owner regarding designation. Alderman Wagner advised that he had spoken with a Church representative who assured him that there is no intention to destroy any architectural features. He agreed to contact the individual requesting designation and relay the comments made by the Church representative. 25 JOSEPH STREET (FORMER VICTORIA PUBLIC SCHOOL) Mr. Sosnoski advised that as yet he has not received the architect's specification for air conditioner installation and will forward copies to the sub-committee when available. 410 KING STREET WEST (KAUFMAN FOOTWEAR) Ms. Burke addressed her suggestion that the Committee research the entire industrial complex, a task which she noted could be undertaken by the summer student. Alderman Wagner responded that the owners are amenable and the use of a summer student will be discussed with Mr. Bensason and Mr. Sosnoski. Mrs. Wagner referred to a recent article in the K-W Record concerning the sale of the former Uniroyal/Goodrich plant on Strange Street, noting a reference to the removal of existing building features. Alderman Wagner asked that this item be put on the Committee's concern list and be evaluated at a later date. L.A.C.A.C. SUMMER STUDENT Mr. Tarbutt advised that the sub-committee responsible for determining the nature of the student project, will not meet until July 12. He offered the opinion that the task should be project oriented rather than involving the addition of building reports to the heritage inventory. LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMM/TTEE M/NI~ES - 36- JULY 9, 1993 9. DESIGNATED PROPERTY GRANT APPLICATION - 163 JOSEPH STREET The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. G. Sosnoski, dated June 29, 1993 outlining administrative changes to the D.P.G. program and commenting on applications received for 163 Joseph Street, 17 Schneider Avenue and 150 Water Street South/73 Heins Avenue. The Committee was also circulated this date with an additional report relative to 811-831 Bleams Road. Mr. Sosnoski outlined the application (June 23, 1993) for 163 Joseph Street involving selective replacement of gable fascia boards, as well as reconstruction of the front porch floor and the rear/front porch railings (including spindles). It was also noted that the owner had withdrawn that portion of the request relative to painting. Mr. Parrish noted that the original shingle moulding referred to in the report is a visually important feature and should be retained on the building. Mr. Bufe suggested that Mr. Parrish's comment be included as a condition of awarding the grant. On a motion by Mr. V. Tarbutt - It was resolved: "That a Designated Property Grant under the Preserving Ontario's Architecture Program for 50% of eligible costs to a maximum of $3,000.00 be approved, in principle, for 163 Joseph Street and that the grant be used to fund selective replacement of gable fascia boards, the reconstruction of the front porch floor as well as the rear/front porch railings (including spindles) as outlined in the owner's application dated June 23, 1993, and, That the above approval does not include painting of the restored features, and that contrary to the contractor's proposal the owner retain the existing shingle moulding as this is the only remaining feature of its type on the building, and further, That all approvals be conditional upon: a) The Province confirming its funding commitment; b) All reconstructed features being identical in all respects to the existing; c) All original receipts/invoices being submitted to the Clerk's Division by December 31, 1993." 10. DESIGNATED PROPERTY GRANT APPLICATION - 17 SCHNEIDER AVENUE Mr. Sosnoski outlined the owner's application dated June 16, 1993, noting that it is the final phase of a 3 phase project and involves the application of cedar shingles to the front and rear gable peaks and the eave returns. The owner is also requesting funds for selective replacement of fascia boards at the eaves. Mr. Sosnoski noted that the owner's request relative to galvanized eavestrough and downspouts is not fundable. On a motion by Mr. P. Bufe - It was resolved: "That a Designated Property Grant under the Preserving Ontario's Architecture Program for 50% of eligible costs to a maximum of $3,000.00 be approved, in principle, for 17 Schneider Avenue and that the grant be used to fund the installation of cedar shingles as outlined in the owner's application dated June 16, 1993, but not for the installation of galvanized eavestrough and downspouts, and further, 10. DESIGNATED PROPERTY GRANT APPLICATION - 17 SCHNEIDER AVENUE (cont.) LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMM/TTEE M/NUTES - 37 - JULY 9, 1993 That all approvals be conditional up the Province confirming its funding commitment and all original receipts/invoices being submitted to the Clerk's Division by December 31, 1993." 11. DESIGNATED PROPERTY GRANT APPLICATION - 150 WATER STREET SOUTH/73 HEINS AVENUE The Committee was in receipt of an application from the owner dated June 23, 1993 requesting a grant for the repair and/or replacement of portions of the porch roof (including eavestrough), structural work to stabilize the sunporch floor and exterior painting of the house and garage. Mr. Sosnoski explained that based on the materials and design, the eavestrough is not fundable as it is not considered a significant architectural feature. He also reminded the Committee that the grant is intended to fund exterior painting in documented original colours and the Committee would have to satisfy itself as to the paint analysis provided. Ms. Burke agreed to withdraw that portion of her request relative to eavestrough replacement. She informed the Committee that a paint chip showing the proposed colour is available and noted that she plans to remove paint from some of the features and restore a natural wood finish which is consistent with the Craftsmen style of the house. On a motion by Mr. P. Bufe - It was resolved: "That a Designated Property Grant under the Preserving Ontario's Architecture Program for 50% of eligible costs to a maximum of $3,000.00 be approved, in principle, for 150 Water Street South/73 Heins Avenue and that the grant be used to fund repair and/or replacement of portions of the porch roof, structural work to stabilize the sun porch floor of the living room and exterior painting of the house and garage as outlined in the owner's application dated June 28, 1993, but not for the installation of galvanized eavestroughing, and further, That all approvals be conditional upon: a) The Province confirming its funding commitment; b) All reconstructed features being identical in all respects to the existing; c) All original receipts/invoices being submitted to the Clerk's Division by December 31, 1993." 12. DESIGNATED PROPERTY GRANT APPLICATION - 811-831 BLEAMS ROAD The Committee was in receipt this date of an application from the owner dated June 28, 1993 and a report from Mr. G. Sosnoski, dated July 7, 1993. Mr. Sosnoski advised that the owner intends to re-side the east elevation of the bank barn and lumber/ice house and reinstall flashings where the roof of the lumber/ice house abuts the barn proper. He also noted that the owner is planning to remove the chimney of the forge house, and there are no plans for reconstruction at this time. Mr. Sosnoski also advised that a Kingston consultant is in the process of preparing a Site Development Plan which, when available, will be submitted to the Committee. 12. DESIGNATED PROPERTY GRANT APPLICATION - 811-831 BLEAMS ROAD (cont.) On a motion by Ms. J. Chivers-Wilson - It was resolved: LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMM/TTEE M/NUTES - 38 - JULY 9, 1993 "That a Designated Property Grant under the Preserving Ontario's Architecture Program for 50% of eligible costs to a maximum of $3,000.00 be approved, in principle, for 811-831 Bleams Road and that the grant be used to reclad the east elevation of the bank barn and to install roof flashings where the lumber/ice house abuts the barn as outlined in the owner's application dated June 28, 1993, but not for the replacement of barn windows, and further, That all approvals be conditional upon: a) The Province confirming its funding commitment; b) All reconstructed features being identical in all respects to the existing; c) All original receipts/invoices being submitted to the Clerk's Division by December 31, 1993." On a motion by Ms. J. Chivers-Wilson - It was resolved: "That photographs documenting the design and construction of the existing forge/workshop chimney at 811-831 Bleams Road be taken prior to its being dismantled by the owner." 13. CONFERENCE REPORT - MR. E. BOW The Committee considered a report by Mr. Bow relative to the conference hosted by the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario on April 23 & 23, 1993. General discussion took place concerning the issue of off-street parking and heritage structures. Mrs. Wagner expressed concern that mature trees are often damaged or destroyed as a result of this practice and the subsequent compaction soil at the root zone. In response to a question from Alderman Wagner, Mr. Stanley advised that Community and Secondary Plans do not specifically address infilling and the related parking issue. He noted the current practice of designating certain areas as candidates for infilling and then zoning these accordingly. Ms. Kramer advised that Mr. Michael Brisson has indicated his willingness to make a presentation at the August L.A.C.A.C. meeting on the subject of urban infilling. Mr. Bufe pointed out that properties in the Frederick, Lancaster and Bingeman area which he had previously asked to be added to the inventory, have not been addressed to date and this may be a suitable project for the student heritage researcher. Alderman Wagner indicated that he would take Mr. Bufe's suggestion under advisement. 14. 108 QUEEN STREET NORTH (SONNECK HOUSE) The Committee was in receipt of a letter from Ms. S. Bellingham, Special Collections Librarian, University of Waterloo, concerning possible designation of the property under Ontario's Provincial Historical Plaque Program. Mrs. Stoner inquired as to the owner's response to the registered letter which was previously sent concerning the removal of designated features and the general appearance of the building. Alderman Wagner advised that he has not received a response to date. 14. 108 QUEEN STREET NORTH (SONNECK HOUSE) (cont.) On a motion by Mrs. G. Stoner - It was resolved: LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES - 39- JULY 9, 1993 "That Council endorse, in principle, an application under Ontario's Provincial Historical Plaque Program relative to the designated property at 108 Queen Street North (Sonneck House), and further, That Mr. G. Sosnoski research the matter and report back to L.A.C.A.C. at a future meeting." 15. 131 VICTORIA STREET SOUTH (UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH) The Committee was in receipt of a circa 1985 property description and an elevation drawing by Briestensky Architects, dated June 19, 1993 relative to a proposed alteration. Using plan and elevation drawings, Mr. Bensason explained the nature and purpose of the alteration, noting that the building is on the heritage inventory. He pointed out that the existing windows are in a poor state of repair and that the owner is proposing replacement with an awning style, vinyl window. Mr. Bensason added that the new steeple proposed is a more authentic version applicable to the Ukrainian Catholic Church and is patterned on existing historic steeples. Mr. Ristau and Ms. Burke both expressed concern over the fundamental changes proposed for the building. Mr. Parrish questioned the relative importance of the building, noting that architecturally speaking, the building is rather plain and in his opinion, would be improved by the proposed changes. Mrs. Stoner suggested that since the building is on the inventory, the owners should be advised that it would no longer be considered designatable if the changes proposed are made. On a motion by Ms. J. Kramer - It was resolved: "That the property known municipally as 131 Victoria Street South (Ukrainian Catholic Church) be removed from the City's Inventory of Heritage Buildings." It was generally agreed that L.A.C.A.C. has no objection to a building permit being issued for the alterations on the basis of the plans presented this date. Mr. Bensason was asked to review the building plans submitted with the permit application and to verify that they are in accordance with the ones reviewed this date. It was also agreed that Alderman Wagner would take photographs to document the building prior to the alteration. 16. ALTERATION REQUEST- 31 WILFONG DRIVE The Committee was in receipt this date of a report and recommendations dated July 7, 1993 from the Conservation District Sub-committee. Mr. Bensason circulated photographs of the subject property, which is in the Upper Doon Heritage Conservation District, and noted that the sub-committee and a City Inspector had met on site on June 19, 1993. He noted that 31 Wilfong Drive and the adjacent property at 8-16 Mitierra Drive are similar in style and both are constructed of plaster over brick. He reviewed the sub-committee report and the District policies applying to type B buildings. It was noted that given the manner in which the Conservation District Plan is written, and in light of the comments submitted by the Society for the Preservation of Upper Doon, it would appear that the Wilfong and Mitierra properties are related historically and architecturally. 16. ALTERATION REQUEST - 31 WILFONG DRIVE (cont.) Mr. Bensason then reviewed the relevant District Plan policies and the recommendations of the sub-committee. He noted that the cost of repairing the plaster was estimated at $2,000.00 and also that the sub-committee wished to revisit the recommended paint colours. Ms. Elaine Wilfong and Ms. Jackie Wilfong entered the meeting at this time and addressed the Committee relative to the alteration request. Ms. J. Wilfong inquired why the sub-committee had LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES - 40 - JULY 9, 1993 recommended that selected features be painted black. Mrs. Wagner offered the opinion that black should not be used if the plaster building fabric is retained as this would be too great a contrast. Mr. Bensason clarified that the paint colour on the shutters of the adjacent building on Mitierra Drive are a shade of green and match the roof. Ms. E. Wilfong questioned whether a dark grey colour would be acceptable on the shutters in the event the building is replastered. She also showed samples of reclaimed brick which could be used in the event the building is rebricked. Ms. J. Wilfong stated that she does not want plaster on the house at all, and pointed out that the cost estimate in the sub-committee report does not include treatment of the eaves and on this basis the overall cost would be the same as the vinyl siding option. Ms. E. Wilfong indicated that one option would be to remove the existing plaster and brick underlay, rebrick the house proper and clad the attached woodshed in board and batten to more closely approximate the original state of the building. She asked for approval, in principle, at this time in order to allow costing of the options. In response to a question from Mrs. Wagner, Mr. Sosnoski advised that stucco/plaster repairs are fundable provided they are original building materials and the Committee is satisfied that their later application is significant relative to the building. Ms. Burke suggested that if the plaster is retained, a case could be made that the application of this material is typical of the period and therefore significant. She specifically referred to the treatment applied to 5 Maurice Street (Shantz Terrace). Alderman Wagner suggested that the Committee agree to the plaster option at this time and give direction that the brick option be discussed further with the sub-committee. He asked whether any of the members present disagreed with rebricking the building in the event this treatment is financially viable. Ms. Burke pointed out that the District Plan advocates the use of natural materials and that the sub-committee prefers the plaster treatment which establishes a clear relationship between the Wilfong and Mitierra properties. Mr. Bufe suggested that the Committee deal with the brick option at this time rather than defer consideration to the sub-committee. On a motion by Mr. P. Bufe It was resolved: "That a Designated Property Grant under the Preserving Ontario's Architecture Program for 50% of eligible costs to a maximum of $3,000.00 be approved, in principle, for 31 Wilfong Drive (a property in the Upper Doon Heritage Conservation District) and that the grant be used to fund replastering of the building exterior, and further, That the above approval be conditional upon: a) The owner submitting a written application; b) The Province confirming its funding commitment; c) All repairs/restoration being identical in all respects to the existing; d) All original receipts/invoices being submitted to the Clerk's Division by December 31, 1993." 16. ALTERATION REQUEST - 31 WILFONG DRIVE (cont.) Ms. J. Chivers-Wilson left the meeting at this time. On a motion by Mr. W. Ristau - It was resolved: "That pursuant to Section 42 of the Ontario Heritaqe Act, Council approve, in principle, the repair/replacement of the plaster exterior of 31 Wilfong Drive (a property in the Upper Doon Heritage Conservation District) provided the restoration identically reproduces the existing building fabric, and, LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMM/TTEE M/NUTES - 41 - JULY 9, 1993 That, alternately, the owner be granted permission to rebrick the exterior of the building and to clad the attached building in board and batten, provided the existing brick underlay is removed and the new brick matches as closely as possible the original masonry units, and further, That subject to the owner pursuing the plastering option, permission be granted to modify additional building features as outlined in the L.A.C.A.C. sub-committee report dated July 7, 1993, however, should the owner pursue the rebricking option she be required to obtain additional approvals for these items at the August 13, 1993 L.A.C.A.C. meeting." Ms. B. Buchanan and Alderman M. Wagner left the meeting at this time and Mr. V. Tarbutt assumed the Chair. 17. SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS Mr. Tarbutt provided an update on the activities of the Promotions Sub- Committee, indicating that a display for the new City Hall is being prepared. He asked whether Committee members had access to historic photographs of Kitchener's previous City Halls, and if so to notify him. Ms. Welsh explained that space on the "burlap wall" has been requested and that access to the Rotunda display area has been granted for October 3-7, 1993. A general discussion took place concerning the memorandum previously circulated by the Strategic Plan/Master Plan Sub-Committee, and the Committee's mandate. Ms. Burke explained that the next step would be to develop an action plan based on the priorities outlined in the discussion paper. She asked for comments on the mission statement, noting that it entails increased responsibility relative to public education and includes several items which extend beyond the authority granted under the Ontario Heritaqe Act. Ms. Burke suggested that the strategic plan should not go before Council until such time as the new Ontario Heritaqe Act is law. She advised that the sub-committee will meet in the near future and report back to the Committee proper. 18. COMMUNICATIONS Ms. Burke referred to a recent publication by Whitney Somerfield indicating a proposed renovation/adaptive reuse of the former Forsyth shirt factory. Mr. Bensason took note and agreed to advise the Adaptive Reuse Committee. Mrs. Stoner asked whether a tour of the house adjacent to the Forsyth factory could be arranged. 19. 20. NEXT MEETING The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee will be held on Friday, August 13, 1993. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 3:40 p.m. LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES JULY 9, 1993 G. Sosnoski Manager of Corporate Records/Assistant City Clerk