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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLACAC - 1993-11-19LACAC\1993-11-19 LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 19, 1993 The Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 12:05 p.m., under the Chairmanship of Councillor M. Wagner, with the following members present: Mr. E. Bow, Ms. B. Buchanan, Mr. P. Bufe, Ms. J. Chivers-Wilson, Ms. E. Esenbergs, Mr. R. Fuller, Ms. J. Kramer, Mr. W. Ristau, Mrs. G. Stoner, Mr. V. Tarbutt, Mrs. P. Wagner and Ms. M. Welsh. Councillor T. Galloway, Ms. S. Burke and Mr. D. Parrish were in attendance for part of the meeting. Others present: Messrs. L. Bensason, G. Sosnoski, G. Kett, S. Klapman, J. Wallace. Ms. C. Ladd and Mrs. D.H. Gilchrist. 1. MINUTES On a motion by Mrs. G. Stoner - It was resolved: "That the minutes of the regular meeting of the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee of October 1, 1993, as mailed to members, be adopted." 2. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST No conflicts of interest were declared. 3. INTRODUCTION Councillor M. Wagner introduced two people sitting in the audience, Ms. N. Hackett is a co-op student with an interest in heritage studies who is attending this meeting as an observer and Mr. T. Hine is observing the meeting this date as he is considering applying for a position on the Committee. Councillor Wagner advised that there is no December meeting planned at this time. He suggested that the January meeting be held in the Heritage Room, on a trial basis, as this is a heritage committee. 4. PRESERVING ONTARIO'S ARCHITECTURE PROGRAM - GRANT UPDATE Mr. G. Sosnoski provided a verbal report as to how the Province has awarded funds under the Preserving Ontario's Architecture Program, in light of the Provincial government cutbacks. The Province has advised that they will only be providing 45% of the funds originally anticipated. Mr. Sosnoski stated that this information was to be received from the Province by the end of August, but only became available at the end of October. He further advised that he has notified each applicant, in writing, of the reduced funding and the initial response from the applicants is poor. He has also advised the applicants that the completion date for these projects has been extended to the end of June 1994. Mr. D. Parrish entered the meeting at this time. Mr. Sosnoski advised that there may be some surplus funds by the end of the year if some of the applicants do not go ahead with their projects which may be divided amongst the other applicants. Ms. S. Burke suggested that she may have a conflict of interest with this matter as she is a grant recipient, but questioned the wording of Mr. Sosnoski's letter and why the municipality could not make up the difference. Mr. Sosnoski advised that the Provincial grant is the municipal portion. A brief discussion on this matter then took place. HERITAGE RESEARCH PROJECT - 31 YOUNG STREET (FORMER JOHN FORSYTH COMPANY) Mr. Sosnoski gave a brief report in this regard advising that two students have been hired and the LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES - 57 - NOVEMBER 19, 1993 floor plans of the building have been done. The students will produce one diskette on the CAD System and two presentation hard copies. Further, the owners have been extremely co-operative. 5. HERITAGE RESEARCH PROJECT - 31 YOUNG STREET (FORMER JOHN FORSYTH COMPANY) (cont.) Mr. D. Parrish spoke of the students, reminding the Committee that this is a learning process for the students as well. They will be able to complete the task on time. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. Parrish advised that the task was for a physical measuring only and he doubted that the students will have enough time left to undertake any historic research. Mrs. G. Stoner suggested that L.A.C.A.C. take a tour of the building. Mrs. P. Wagner read aloud the real estate listing for the building which emphasizes the building's historic nature. Mr. Sosnoski suggested that an information exchange take place with the Real Estate Board on L.A.C.A.C.'s files. Mrs. Wagner suggested that the Real Estate Board be informed of what L.A.C.A.C. is doing. 6. ALTERATION REQUEST - 110 ARLINGTON BLVD. (WOODLAND CEMETERY) Mr. G. Kett was in attendance to represent the request of the City to alter the mausoleum at Woodland Cemetery by constructing an addition. Mr. L. Bortolin, J.C. Milne Construction Co. (Canada) Inc. was also in attendance. The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. Kett dated November 17, 1993 and copies of the plans prepared by the construction company, Revised Plan #9314. Mr. Kett addressed the Committee advising that after his last appearance before the Committee he met with the sub-committee and considered different alternatives. The following changes have been made: there will be new stone veneer; the door changes will be made; the downspouts will be covered and built into the structure; the addition will be moved to the back of the building and 15 additional crypt spaces will be installed in the area which would have been a void space. There will be a change in detail from the plans as the coping is to be made out of cast-in-place concrete and not limestone. It can match the detail, colour and design of the limestone but will out last it and requires less maintenance. Mr. D. Parrish advised that he sees no problem with the concrete. Councillor M. Wagner introduced Mr. S. Klapman, Commissioner of Planning and Development, who is appearing on behalf of the City's Management Committee to request L.A.C.A.C.'s concurrence with the use of the cast-in-place concrete. He was of the opinion that it makes good sense to use contemporary materials when they are close to what you are trying to achieve in spirit. Further, the Committee was advised that the overall costs of the project have increased by $62,000.00 in order to oblige L.A.C.A.C.'s requests. The Committee then took a five minute recess to review the construction plans. The Committee then reconvened and upon questioned by the Committee, Mr. Kett advised that the stone veneer which will be removed will be kept to replace other stones in need of repair. On a motion by Mr. D. Parrish - It was resolved: "That pursuant to Section 33 of the Ontario Heritaqe Act, we approve the request of the owner to alter the designated, City-owned property, known as 110 Arlington Blvd. (Woodland Cemetery) by constructing an addition, in accordance with the plans prepared by Milne Construction Co., Revised Plan #9314, dated 9/20/93, save and except that the fascia and coping will be constructed of cast-in-place concrete, as presented to the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee on November 19, 1993." LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMM/TTEE M/NUTES - 58 - 7. DEMOLITION APPLICATION - 264 VICTORIA STREET NORTH NOVEMBER 19, 1993 The Committee was provided with copies of a sub-committee report, dated November 10, 1993, along with reasons for designation prepared by Ms. L. O'Krafka, a former L.A.C.A.C. member, dated July 25, 1990 and a photocopy of a newspaper article. Mr. D. Parrish advised that the sub- committee was not aware of the reasons for designation prepared by Ms. O'Krafka when they prepared their report. Mr. William Green, Planning Consultant, was in attendance on behalf of the property owner. Mr. L. Bensason was in attendance and a gave a video presentation of the property. Mr. Green advised that there have been a number of preliminary site plans reviewed by the property owner, before submitting a demolition permit application. They have reviewed what could be done with the property under the current zoning. The owners are in agreement with the L.A.C.A.C. sub-committee report but will work with the Industrial Re-use Committee and Planning Committee. Further, his client still wishes to have a demolition permit for #264. The owners want to keep 248 Victoria Street North and the three storey building behind it as part of the new complex. Mr. Green further explained that there has never been enough parking on this site for the floor space that exists. The owners are not proposing to build any additional buildings on the site over and above what is already there. In order to meet the parking requirement in the by-law, it will be necessary to demolish some the total floor space and the owners want to demolish the Baetz Brothers building at 264 and keep 248 and the building behind that and the other three storey building on the property known as 236 Victoria Street North. Mr. Green advised that at this time the owner is requesting a demolition permit for the one storey structure attached to the building at 236 Victoria Street North as it will help to clean up the site and has no redevelopment potential. He advised that the owner is willing to work with City on this project, however, they do have to address the parking deficiency of 100 spaces, which is not going to the Committee of Adjustment at this time. Councillor Wagner advised that the Adaptive Re-use Committee wants to recommend to Planning Committee that the parking requirement for this property be eased. Mr. L. Bensason advised that it is his understanding that the owners are willing to wait on the demolition of the two historic buildings until going through the site plan process. However, they have concerns about having the property designated at this time. On a motion by Mr. P. Bufe - It was resolved: "That the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee has no objection to the issuance of a demolition permit, to demolish the one storey structure which is attached to the building known as 236 Victoria Street North as presented to the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee on November 19, 1993." Mrs. P. Wagner suggested that the building at the rear of #248 is of no interest to L.A.C.A.C. but the two historic buildings are. Mr. Green responded that the property's prime tenant wants to occupy the whole of the rear building. Mrs. Wagner was of the opinion that #264 has to be preserved, as it is the last Baetz Brothers building around and is an important part of this City's industrial heritage. Mr. Green responded that it has always been the owner's intention to demolish #264. They will give consideration to keeping the building but will not promise to keep it. Councillor T. Galloway left the meeting at this time. Mr. P. Bufe suggested the possibility that half of the building at #264 is a later addition which could perhaps be removed without demolishing the whole building. 7. DEMOLITION APPLICATION - 264 VICTORIA STREET NORTH (cont.) Ms. M. Welsh discussed the parking situation and suggested that L.A.C.A.C. may be willing to support a major minor variance for parking if the owner is willing to keep the two heritage buildings. Mr. Green advised that 40 more parking spaces could be located on the property if #264 is demolished. LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMM/TTEE M/NUTES - 59- NOVEMBER 19, 1993 Mr. V. Tarbutt questioned why the owners want to retain the building at #236 and Mr. Green responded that it is more easily adaptable to modern use and that the owner is also concerned about the total cost of demolition. Ms. S. Burke advised of her support for moving towards designation of #264. It was her belief that L.A.C.A.C. needs to actively preserve these buildings and it is a benefit to the owners that the property has an important history attached to it. Mr. D. Parrish suggested that it is a question of priorities and that L.A.C.A.C. should be looking at the overall importance of these buildings in the scheme of things. Sometimes there are trade offs when trying to encourage economic activity. Councillor M. Wagner requested that further discussion on the designation of these buildings be deferred to the next meeting pending a report from Planning staff on the parking and site plan. Mr. L. Bensason advised that there is no protection afforded to these buildings at this time and there is nothing stopping the developer from demanding a demolition permit. Further, one of the site plans for this site showed a strip mall. Mr. Green responded that the owner wants to be able to use the existing buildings for permitted uses and no new buildings will be added to the site, certainly not a strip mall. Mr. P. Bufe suggested that L.A.C.A.C. should indicate whether they are interested in the back addition on #264 and Councillor M. Wagner advised that the members should make an inspection of the building to determine the extent of the addition. Ms. E. Esenbergs suggested that a L.A.C.A.C. meeting should be arranged in December to discuss this matter. Further, she expects the owner to act in good faith and not demolish the buildings in the mean time. 8. SIGNAGE - 1 KING STREET WEST Mr. D. von Teichman of the Walper Terrace Hotel was in attendance to represent the request of the owner to erect three signs on the top of the building to advertise that the Hotel has become a member of Best Western. Mr. von Teichman provided drawings of the proposed signage and the proposed locations, at the corner of King and Queen Streets. Mr. L. Bensason reviewed this matter advising that the signs are to be located on elevations which are designated. He also reviewed the signs which have been erected on this building over the last year. Mr. von Teichman advised that the Hotel is joining Best Western as it is a co-op. Further, it is the only way the Hotel can remain competitive. He advised that the three signs, shown as L-18 on the drawings, measure 4' x 5' and are single faced, wall mounted backlit signs with metal frame housing and a plastic face. Best Western is changing its colours to royal blue, gold, white and red. He stated that the owners have no interest in the defacing the building, which would defeat their purposes as well as L.A.C.A.C.'s. It was his opinion that the signs are understated enough to fit in with the building and yet satisfy the purpose. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. von Teichman advised that the signs will be able to be seen by vehicular traffic but not pedestrian traffic on the sidewalks. 8. SIGNAGE - 1 KING STREET WEST (cont.) On a motion by Mr. D. Parrish - It was resolved: "That pursuant to Section 33 of the Ontario Heritaqe Act, we approve the request of the owner to alter the designated property known as 1 King Street West (Walper Hotel) by erecting three signs (Best Western Signs L-18) as LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES - 60 - NOVEMBER 19, 1993 shown, and in the locations as shown, on the plan submitted to the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee on November 19, 1993." 9. PRESENTATION - HERITAGE IMPACT OF IN-FILL HOUSING This item is a follow-up to the presentation made by Mr. M. Brisson to L.A.C.A.C. and its meeting of October 1, 1993. Mr. Brisson was in attendance, also Ms. C. Ladd, Principle Planner, Department of Planning and Development. Mr. D. Parrish commented on the frontyard setback proposed in the new Zoning By-law stating that he was in favour of the reduction. He was of the opinion that there is merit in considering frontyard ad-ons and felt that some of the older neighbourhoods will go through a process of changing the street facade. Other members discussed the possibility of revising the 4.5 metre setback so that the setback would equal the average setback of the two abutting properties. Ms. C. Ladd advised that the by-law process is quite far along as the by-law is going to the Planning and Economic Development Committee on November 29, 1993. She advised that staff have looked at specific areas, such as the Civic Centre, and some special provisions have been written for specific areas. On a motion by Mr. D. Parrish - It was resolved: "That the Planning and Economic Development Committee give consideration to the impact of the 4.5 metre setback on existing residential areas, as proposed in the City's Comprehensive Zoning By-law; and further, That, in existing residential areas, consideration be given to requiring a setback equal to the average setback of the two abutting properties." It was agreed, at this time, that a special meeting of L.A.C.A.C. will be held of Friday, December 10, 1993 at 12:00 noon in the Heritage Room. The purpose of this meeting will be to discuss 248 and 264 Victoria Street North and the evaluation criteria. Ms. S. Burke invited the members to attend a Christmas celebration at her home on Wednesday, December 15, 1993 at 5:00 p.m. She left the meeting at this time. 10. 2118 NEW DUNDEE ROAD Mr. L. Bensason gave a video presentation of this property which is included in the Heritage Inventory, but is not designated. He advised that it is located on New Dundee Road at Westmount Road and was built in approximately 1870. He advised that the house has undergone considerable interior and exterior renovations and few of the original details remain. The building is now proposed for demolition. 10. 2118 NEW DUNDEE ROAD (cont.) On a motion by Mrs. P. Wagner - It was resolved: "That the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee has no objection to the demolition of the property known as 2118 New Dundee Road; and further, That the owner be encouraged to re-use the side porch and buff brick in the LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMM/TTEE M/NUTES - 61 - new development or in another development." NOVEMBER 19, 1993 11. ALTERATION REQUEST - 20 PINNACLE DRIVE Mr. L. Bensason advised that staff have received an application to alter 20 Pinnacle Drive, which is a designated property, by constructing a second storey rear addition. The Committee was provided with copies of elevation drawings prepared by Chicopee Craftsmen showing the proposed addition. A discussion took place over the proposal. On a motion by Mr. D. Parrish - It was resolved: "That pursuant to Section 33 of the Ontario Heritaqe Act, we approve the request of the owner to alter the designated property known as 20 Pinnacle Drive by constructing a second storey rear addition, with the brick to match the existing one storey rear addition, in accordance with the plans prepared by Chicopee Craftsmen as presented to the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee on November 19, 1993." 12. 133 GRABER PLACE (FORMER HARVEY J. GRABER TRANSFORMER STATION) Councillor M. Wagner advised that a grant has been received from the Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation, up to $2,000.00, to cover the cost of a survey for the property. He also spoke of some possible uses for this property. Mr. J. Wallace spoke of the requirements of the Registrar of Deeds requiring the City to provide up-to-date legal descriptions when acquiring land. He advised that he would speak with the Registrar to see if it would be possible to use the last registerable description for designating by- laws when the owner agrees to the designation. The problem usually occurs on designation of properties which are large farms where the owner is not in agreement and the designation applies to just the house. Mrs. P. Wagner advised that the grant from the Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation is a one time deal. The Foundation will not be willing to give similar grants in the future. 13. DESIGNATION CEREMONY - 100 DUKE STREET WEST (FORMER ST. JEROME'S HIGH SCHOOL) The Committee members were provided with copies of a schedule of events to take place on Saturday, November 27, 1993 for the designation ceremony for the former St. Jerome's High School. Mr. E. Bow advised that some invitations have been distributed and asked for the assistance of members in sending out the remaining invitations. When questioned by Councillor Wagner, nine members indicated that they would attend the luncheon and afternoon session. 14. 95 WATER STREET SOUTH Mr. L. Bensason gave a verbal report and video presentation on the building at 95 Water Street South, which he advises in on the Inventory. He advised that the property is used as a 20 room rooming and boarding house and has been gutted and renovated to meet Building and Fire Codes. 14. 95 WATER STREET SOUTH (cont.) The exterior of the building has been sandblasted, there has been glass replacement, the front porch is being repaired and a fire escape will be installed. Concerns were raised over the sandblasting and Ms. M. Welsh suggested that L.A.C.A.C. should be making its resource materials available to the public and should be providing technical resources to the public. 15. HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICTS - CAPITAL FORECAST Mr. L. Bensason gave a verbal update on the status of funding for these projects. He advised that the Victoria Park Heritage Conservation District Plan remains on the Forecast for 1994, Central LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES - 62 - NOVEMBER 19, 1993 Frederick in 2001 and each of the others have been pushed back one year. The funds allocated are the same amounts as previously approved. 16. UPDATES - HERITAGE MAP Mr. R. Fuller advised that the photograph has been taken, transparencies made and the original map has been properly framed. Councillor Wagner requested that Mr. Fuller hold onto the map for a future L.A.C.A.C. meeting. Mr. V. Tarbutt advised that Ainsworth Press are producing proofs which measure 26" x 34" with a two inch wide white border. The cost to date for transparencies, framing and colour separation is $800.00. The total cost to produce 500 copies will be $1,800.00. It was generally agreed that Mr. Tarbutt should order 500 copies of the map. A general discussion took place over the Committee's budget and Councillor Wagner advised that he would finalize the budget with Mr. Sosnoski and spend the remainder by the end of December. Mrs. P. Wagner suggested getting a blanket purchase for films. Mr. Fuller advised that he would have to return the original map to the owners and would ask to borrow it again. 17. NEXT MEETING There will be a special meeting of the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee on Friday, December 10, 1993, in the Heritage Room, Main Floor, City Hall, commencinq at 12:00 noon. The next regular scheduled meeting of the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee will be take place on Friday, January 14, 1994, in the Heritage Room, Main Floor, City Hall, commencinq at 12:00 noon. 18. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 3:45 p.m. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Secretary