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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLACAC - 1993-10-01LACAC\1993-10-01 LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 1, 1993 The Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 12:10 p.m., under the Chairmanship of Councillor M. Wagner, with the following members present: Mr. V. Tarbutt, Mr. E. Bow, Ms. B. Buchanan, Mr. P. Bufe, Ms. S. Burke, Ms. J. Chivers-Wilson, Ms. E. Esenbergs, Mr. D. Parrish, Mrs. G. Stoner, Mrs. P. Wagner and Ms. M. Welsh. Mr. W. Ristau was in attendance for part of the meeting. Others present: Mr. T.B. Stanley, Mr. J. Wallace, Mr. L. Bensason, and Mr. G. Sosnoski. 1. MINUTES On a motion by Mr. E. Bow - It was resolved: "That the minutes of the regular meeting of the Local Conservation Advisory Committee of September 10, 1993, members, be adopted." Architectural as mailed to 2. COMMUNICATIONS - DOON HERITAGE CROSSROADS/JOSEPH SCHNEIDER HAUS Mrs. Wagner advised that public support for the continued operation of these facilities was overwhelming and suggested that the list of supporters should be retained. Ms. Burke noted she was gratified by the response and asked that her thanks be passed along to the various individuals and organizations. 3. 133 GRABER PLACE At the July 9, 1993 meeting, further consideration of the designating by-law was referred to the October agenda. A previous L.A.C.A.C. recommendation to proceed with the designating by-law conditional upon approval of funding for a survey was withdrawn at the June 21, 1993 Council meeting at the request of the Chairman and referred back to the Committee. Councillor Wagner indicated that he would make application to the Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation for a grant to fund the survey referred to in the Conservation Review Board report and would attend their October 26, 1993 meeting. He also advised of a verbal agreement with Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro to allow City staff onto the site to complete the survey and indicated he would obtain this in writing. Mrs. Stoner briefly outlined a suggestion that the site be used by the Kitchener Horticultural Society and Councillor Wagner added that it had been referred to the Society's Board. 4. 1890 BIRD'S EYE VIEW MAP Mr. Tarbutt gave a verbal report advising that the owner's of the above map are willing at this time to allow Mr. Fuller access for the purpose of reproduction. He indicated that the following estimated costs would be involved: photographing the map ($160.00); separation and proofs ($375.00); printing of 500 copies ($1,500.00); reframing ($100.00). Mr. Tarbutt recommended that the above work be undertaken in 1993. Mr. Bufe suggested that the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario (ACO) would be willing to fund photographs of the original and the separations. Mrs. Wagner expressed concern over the use of L.A.C.A.C. funds when a private heritage organization is willing to finance the project. She also questioned whether this type of activity is the responsibility of L.A.C.A.C. Mr. Bufe suggested that as an alternative the ACO could be asked to fund the cost of the 500 prints. Ms. J. Chivers-Wilson put forward a motion that all aspects of the project save and except the production of 500 copies be undertaken and funded through the 1993 L.A.C.A.C. budget provided the costs do not exceed $700.00. LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMM/TTEE M/NUTES - 59 - OCTOBER 1, 1993 Ms. Burke suggested that the sale price of any prints be determined on a cost recovery basis and that these be circulated to other organizations for distribution. Mr. Stanley suggested that this may be of interest to the Government Bookstore which will be opening in the new City Hall. Councillor Wagner asked that the motion be amended to indicate a marketing thrust, but that this does not imply a future commitment to marketing and sales. Ms. Chivers-Wilson accepted the suggestion of Ms. Burke as a friendly amendment. On a motion by Ms. J. Chivers-Wilson - It was resolved: "That the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee undertake to reproduce and reframe the privately owned 1890 Bird's Eye View Map of Berlin at a cost not to exceed $700.00, and that the approved 1993 Council- L.A.C.A.C. Operating Budget be debited in this regard, and further, That the feasibility of marketing additional copies of the map on a cost recovery basis be investigated." Councillor Wagner also asked that discussions take place to ensure that the maps in the possession of either the Kitchener Public Library or the University of Waterloo are not the same as the 1890 map proposed for reproduction this date. 5. JOINT MEETING OF AREA L.A.C.A.C.S Councillor Wagner advised that the Regional L.A.C.A.C. Chairmen had met again and recommended a bi-annual Chairmen's meeting. It was also suggested that the designation ceremony for the former St. Jerome's High School scheduled for November 27, 1993 be followed by a luncheon meeting of area L.A.C.A.C.s and/or an educational workshop. Councillor Wagner requested the comments of Committee members. Mrs. Wagner advised that the Waterloo L.A.C.A.C. may be interested in repeating the lecture held earlier this year at the Clay and Glass Gallery. The Committee generally agreed to proceed with these two initiatives. 6. DESIGNATION CEREMONY UPDATE Ms. Welsh reported that the date of the ceremony for 115 Woodside Avenue (Harry Class Pool) has been confirmed as October 23, 1993 and invitations will be sent out. Mrs. Stoner suggested that Parks and Recreation staff provide input as to the history of the facility and its namesake and also participate in the ceremony. Mr. Bow reported that the owner of 100 Duke Street West (former St. Jerome's High School) has sent a letter of approval regarding plaque installation and proposed locations have been identified. He also confirmed the November 27, 1993 ceremony date. Mr. Bow also pointed out that there is water damage to the building on College Street. Mrs. Wagner suggested that a reception could be held in the gymnasium followed by a tour of the theatre. Councillor Wagner referred to heat and safety issues and asked Mr. Bow to investigate and try to arrange a theatre tour as part of the ceremony. Mr. Stanley suggested that L.A.C.A.C. discuss with Mr. T. Boutilier the possibility of removing the construction materials from the front of the building prior to the ceremony. Ms. Welsh advised that the possibility of a theatre designation plaque will be addressed once the facility is restored. Mr. W. Ristau entered the meeting at this time. 7. RECORDING AND EVALUATION CRITERIA Ms. Burke outlined the work of the sub-committee to date in developing and testing the proposed survey sheets, indicating it is her hope that all Committee members become involved in piloting the form. Councillor Wagner thanked members of the sub-committee for their time and energy in developing and testing the survey sheets. LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMM/TTEE M/NUTES - 53- OCTOBER 1, 1993 Mr. Bufe expressed the opinion that though the evaluation form is valid its use should be governed by a collection policy. He questioned how many of the buildings presently designated would meet the criteria in the evaluation form. A general discussion took place concerning the form, its use and the criteria for adding buildings to the inventory. Mr. Bensason circulated and outlined a building evaluation flow chart which included reference to an evaluation committee and its relationship to L.A.C.A.C. It was generally agreed that a training meeting would be convened from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 20, 1993 at City Hall. In the interim, it was suggested that Mr. Bufe redraft the evaluation form to incorporate his suggested changes. 8. ALTERATION REQUEST - 811-831 BLEAMS ROAD (STECKLE HERITAGE HOMESTEAD) The Committee was circulated this date with a letter from Ms. J. Steckle dated September 29, 1993 and a project report from Mr. Andre Scheinman, Heritage Preservation Consultant, dated September 15, 1993. Mr. Sosnoski presented the request and referred to the photographs circulated this date. He advised that the owner wishes to repair a crack in the wall of the forge/workshop and to reconstruct a lintel over the window below the crackline. In addition, she plans to rebuild the recently demolished circa 1928 chimney as it was before dismantling in August of this year. On a motion by Ms. J. Chivers-Wilson - It was resolved: "That pursuant to Section 33 of the Ontario Heritaqe Act, Council grant the owner's request to alter the designated property at 811-831 Bleams Road in order to repair a crack in the wall of the forge/workshop, reconstruct a wooden lintel over the window below the crackline and rebuild the brick chimney, all as outlined in her letter of September 29, 1993 and the report of Andre Scheinman, Heritage Preservation Consultant, dated September 15, 1993." 9. STUDENT PROJECT - SCENIC ROADS Mr. Stanley advised that Ms. K. Hammond of the School of Planning, University of Waterloo, will be supervising a project undertaken by fourth year graduate students involving the use of a GIS Terrain Model to evaluate scenic views and vistas in the southwest portion of the City. The project will include recommended measures to preserve these. He pointed out that the project is similar to one undertaken in Waterloo last year which served as a test for the project method. It was generally agreed that the Committee would hear a presentation in this regard and possibly assist with the project. 10. 131 VICTORIA STREET SOUTH (UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH) Mr. Bensason reported that the renovation architect for the church has asked for suggestions concerning recycling of the existing windows and steeple. Mr. Bensason asked that Committee members contact him with any suggestions. 11. FORMER BAUER SKATE PLANT - VICTORIA STREET Councillor Wagner advised that the owners are seeking approval for demolition of the building at the corner of Victoria and St. Leger Streets and asked members to view the structure before the next meeting. In response to a suggestion from Mr. L. Bensason, it was agreed that a sub- committee comprised of Mr. V. Tarbutt, with Mr. D. Parrish acting as a resource person, would meet with Mr. Bensason and the owner to discuss the demolition application. 12. L.A.C.A.C. HERITAGE RESEARCHER Mr. Sosnoski outlined the project proposal which was circulated to Committee members this date. Councillor Wagner advised that a meeting had taken place involving himself, Mr. Parrish, Mr. LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMM/TTEE M/NUTES - 54 - OCTOBER 1, 1993 Sosnoski and Mr. W. Unger, Co-operative In Career Services, University of Waterloo and that two candidates were selected. He explained the reason for selecting the Forsyth building and indicated that he was comfortable with deferring work on the Kaufman property until 1994. Mr. Sosnoski explained that Mr. Parrish had offered the use of office space and AutoCAD equipment. Mr. Bufe referred to a number of windows in the Forsyth building which had recently been broken and Councillor Wagner agreed to speak with the owner. The Committee generally agreed with the proposed project outline. 13. PROPOSED PIONEER TOWER CONSERVATION DISTRICT Mr. Stanley advised that a meeting had taken place with property owners, two of which indicated they did not wish to participate at this time as at present they have no development interests. He noted that Councillor Galloway had suggested that these owners not be included in the district plan at this time. Mr. Stanley suggested that if the two owners change their mind, their properties could be added to the plan at a later date. 14. REPAIRS TO PROTESTANT MAUSOLEUM (WOODLAND CEMETERY) In response to a question from Mr. Bufe, Councillor Wagner indicated that the report of Mr. G. Kett dated September 21, 1993 is for information only as he has already received the approval of Council to undertake related work. 15. OTHER BUSINESS Ms. Welsh advised of an upcoming Vision and Action Conference relative to downtown Kitchener which is scheduled for the evenings of November 2, 3 and 5, and all day on November 6, 1993. She asked that any interested members advise her so that they can be added to the registration list. She also asked for volunteers to act as case study workshop leaders. 16. PRESENTATION - INFILL HOUSING Mr. M. Brisson, Architect, gave a presentation on infill housing and the preservation of streetscape character, specifically the addition of dwelling units to existing structures, setback reductions and minimum lot width. He referred to proposed changes in the zoning by-law which would change most of the lands zoned R2B to R5. He noted that the current by-law allows for more heritage sensitive additions such as outbuildings (i.e. coach houses), the essential advantage being that surplus land behind older homes can be developed. Mr. Brisson pointed out that the Committee should also be concerned over the natural tendency to provide separate access/entry points and expand floor space through additions, both of which can lead to unsympathetic alterations having a negative impact on both the building itself and the streetscape. He argued that the "coach house" concept preserves the integrity of the original building unit. He specifically suggested that the Committee give consideration to asking that the current provision for detached outbuildings be retained. Mr. Brisson explained that the proposed by-law would reduce residential building setback from 6 to 4.5 metres, noting that in several instances in Toronto this has made it possible to construct additions to the street facade of a building. He suggested that a provision be added to the by-law indicating that a dwelling cannot be converted through an addition to the street facade. With regard to the issue of minimum lot width, Mr. Brisson suggested that it is more appropriate to divide the land rather than the building to encourage infilling so that the economic and social benefits could be achieved by severance rather than additions to existing structures thereby encouraging building preservation. Mr. Bufe agreed that the setback should be maintained behind the building facade. Mr. Ristau asked whether Mr. Brisson had considered the problem of parking, especially as it relates to cities like Kitchener where residents have more cars per capita than in downtown Toronto. Mr. Brisson replied that any overflow could be easily accommodated through parallel onstreet parking. Mr. Bensason questioned whether any cost comparisons had been done between constructing additions to an existing building or building a new detached structure. Mr. Brisson replied that he has found it much cheaper to build a new structure at the rear of a property than to add to an existing building. LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMM/TTEE M/NUTES - 55- OCTOBER 1, 1993 Mr. Stanley acknowledged that Mr. Brisson's comments were basically correct and that with regard to the Civic Centre, he has asked staff to amend the proposed by-law in order to disallow construction on front and rear facades. He advised, however, that the problem would remain relative to other areas in the inner city. Mr. Stanley pointed out that a public meeting is scheduled for November 29, 1993 relative to the inner city and these issues could be addressed at that time. Councillor Wagner asked that this item be added to the November 19, 1993 L.A.C.A.C. agenda and Mr. Stanley suggested that a Planner be in attendance to answer any questions. 17. NEXT MEETING The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee will be held on Friday, November 19, 1993. 10. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 3:10 p.m. G. Sosnoski Manager of Corporate Records/Assistant City Clerk