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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLACAC - 1996-01-12LACAC\1996-01-12 LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES JAN UARY 12, 1996 CITY OF KITCHENER The Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee met this date, under the Chairmanship of Councillor M. Wagner, commencing at 12:05 p.m., with the following members present: Mayor R. Christy, Councillor T. Galloway, Councillor Jake Smola, Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Mr. E. Bow, Ms. S. Burke, Ms. P. Costigan, Ms. S. Campbell, Mr. R. Coo, Mr. D. Gowland, Ms. E. Essenberg and Ms. B. Buchanan. Mr. M. Badran and Ms. D. Westman were in attendance for part of the meeting. Regrets: Mr. M. de Groot. Others Present: Mr. T.B. Stanley, Mr. T. Boutilier, Mr. L. Bensason and Ms. D. Gilchrist. 1. CHAIRMAN'S REMARKS Councillor M. Wagner advised that the future procedures and sub-committees for L.A.C.A.C. will be discussed later in the meeting and that the Downtown Transportation Study will also be discussed. Councillor Wagner advised that tours of the Governor's House and Gaol have been arranged for Friday January 19, 1996, every half hour commencing at 3:30 p.m.. He recommended warm clothing and a flashlight. 2. MINUTES Ms. B. Buchanan asked that the minutes of the December 8, 1995 minutes be amended to show that she was in attendance. Mr. L. Bensason requested that the minutes be amended with respect to Item No. 12, Governor's House and Gaol to show that the information was provided by Councillor Wagner and not himself. On motion by Ms. E. Essenberg - it was resolved: "That the minutes of the regular meeting of the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee of December 8, 1995, as mailed to the members and amended this date, be approved." 3. DELEGATION - 410 KING STREET WEST - KAUFMAN FOOTWEAR Messrs. W. Dahms, S. Cameron, P. Britton and R. Farwell were in attendance to represent the request of Kaufman Footwear to designate their property at 410 King Street West, under the Ontario Heritaqe Act. The Committee members were provided with copies of a report titled "Proposed Heritage Designation 410 King Street West - Kaufmans Footwear" and concept drawings prepared by The Walter Fedy Partnership, dated January, 1996. Councillor M. Wagner addressed the Committee stating that this is an extremely complex issue. Further, this is undoubtedly the second most important designation of an industrial building in the Province of Ontario. He stated that the situation is complex because of the desire to blend heritage preservation with adaptive re-use. Councillor Wagner advised that he felt it would be unfair to ask the Committee to deal with the designation today because they have only just received the report and drawings. It is intended that a special meeting be called sometime during the next week to consider the Committee's recommendation. Councillor Wagner advised that a sub-committee composed of Ms. S. Burke, Ms. P. Costigan and Mr. R. Coo had met this past week to consider the report before the Committee today. Ms. D. Westman entered the meeting at this time. Mr. L. Bensason gave a chronology of events leading to the request before the Committee this date. He advised that at the December meeting there was only a brief discussion about this issue and the Committee decided to take no action at this time. City staff were uncomfortable with this LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMI1-FEE MINUTES JAN UARY 12, 1996 -2- CITY OF KITCHENER decision as an office consolidation for Kaufman Footwear is pending and the building will require alterations to accommodate the consolidation. Mr. Bensason further advised that during the last four weeks, staff have worked with Kaufmans to develop a mutually agreeable designation, which is before the Committee today. Mr. Bensason went on to explain that three elevations are to be included in the designation: the Francis Street elevation, the King Street elevation and the Victoria Street elevation; further, in the report, the specific features of the designation are identified by building phase. The owner has also added a clause to the reasons for designation to allow for sympathetic alterations in keeping with those shown on the concept drawings prepared by The Walter Fedy Partnership distributed to the Committee this date. Mr. Bensason explained that, should the designation, as proposed, be approved, sometime in the future specific plans will be submitted to the department and if they are in keeping with the plans before the Committee this date, they will be approved. Councillor M. Wagner advised that what is being requested is a pre-approval for alterations. Further, he stated that as of this week's sub-committee meeting the members of the sub-committee were prepared to recommend this designation. Mr. P. Britton addressed the Committee stating that today is the culmination of 7 years of discussion on this property. Mr. Britton advised the Committee that future dialogue on what is a sympathetic alteration can take place with L.A.C.A.C.. Mr. Britton then explained that the important issue is the appropriate recognition of the features of the building along with adaptive re- use proposals for the property. Further, there are adaptive re-use proposals on the table which will be pursued immediately following designation. Mr. Britton then advised that Kaufmans is in support of the designation as contained in the report distributed today. Mr. R. Farwell then reviewed with the Committee the concept drawings distributed this date, advising that they are to be attached to the designating by-law. Ms. S. Campbell questioned whether the City's Legal Department has been asked to comment on whether this type of designation is allowed for in the Ontario Heritaqe Act. Councillor M. Wagner advised that Ms. D. Arnold as discussed the proposal with Mr. Dahms and Mr. Cameron and with the sub-committee. Further, Ms. Arnold will be asked to attend next week's special meeting. Mayor Christy spoke of the partial designation, advising that Kaufman has been willing to negotiate. Further, the owner has worked well with staff and with the sub-committee in an attempt to preserve a landmark building in the downtown and still keep opportunities open for future development. Councillor T. Galloway requested an explanation of the zoning and bonusing provisions applying to the property, which was provided by Mr. Stanley. Mr. Britton then explained some of the zoning provisions stating that the height and setback provisions in the by-law respect the existing built form. Mr. L. Bensason then referred to the alteration plans and questioned whether Kaufmans is agreeable to letting staff and L.A.C.A.C. comment on the plan. Mr. Britton agreed that they would. Mr. Bensason then commented that it would be a judgement call as to whether the detailed drawings would in fact be in keeping with the concept plans and would be sympathetic alterations. Mr. Britton responded that negotiations would take place between Kaufman, L.A.C.A.C. and staff with the intent that all agree on what would be considered sympathetic alterations to the designated portions. Ms. S. Burke questioned what would happen if there were new owners. Mr. Britton responded that the Official Plan Policies require circulation to L.A.C.A.C. regardless of who owns the building. Mayor R. Christy and other members of Council in attendance spoke in favour of the proposed designation. Mayor Christy advised that in the 1980's during the downtown review, Kaufmans came to Council stating their concern about development rights. Now, this proposal shows that Kaufmans is proposing to put in place something that a future owner would have to be conscious of. They are taking the site down the heritage route. Mr. M. Badran entered the meeting at this time and Ms. D. Westman left the meeting at this time. LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMI1-FEE MINUTES JAN UARY 12, 1996 -3- CITY OF KITCHENER Councillor M. Wagner advised that L.A.C.A.C.'s recommendation will be considered at a Special Council Meeting to be held on Monday January 22, 1996 and this presentation will be repeated at that time. Mr. M. Badran questioned the feelings of the sub-committee on this matter. He was advised that Mr. R. Coo and Ms. P. Costigan generally feel comfortable with the proposed designation; however, Ms. S. Burke does not agree with all the details. Ms. E. Essenberg advised that she would like to review the information and then discuss it further at a special L.A.C.A.C. meeting. It was agreed that a Special L.A.C.A.C. Meeting will be held on Wednesday January 17, 1996 at 5:00 p.m. in the Conestoga Room, to further discuss the designation and agree on a recommendation to be forwarded to City Council. The delegations and Mayor R. Christy left the meeting at this time and the Committee took a brief recess. The meeting reconvened at 1:15 p.m. and Ms. D. Westman was again in attendance. The Committee then continued to discuss the proposed designation of 410 King Street West - Kaufman Footwear. It was noted that Kaufman is a particular process dealt with in a particular way. Further, other similar projects need to be dealt with on their own merits, without considering this as a precedent. Discussion took place over the approval process for alterations and concerns were raised over who would decide what is a sympathetic alteration and what it not. Also, discussion took place over the approval process for alterations not included in the concept plans. Councillor Wagner pointed out that any changes, other than those described in the report, have to come to L.A.C.A.C. and Council for normal approval. Councillor Wagner advised that there will be a joint press release by Kaufmans and L.A.C.A.C. once Council has approved the designation. The Committee was reminded that there will be a special L.A.C.A.C. meeting to finally deal with this matter on Wednesday January 17, 1996, at 5:00 p.m., in the Conestoga Room. 4. DEMOLITION APPLICATION - 30 FRANCIS STREET SOUTH The Committee was in receipt of Department of Planning & Development staff report PD 96/2 dated January 2, 1996 recommending approval of the demolition of this property under the demolition control by-law. It was noted in the report that the Planning & Economic Development Committee had deferred making a decision on this matter pending L.A.C.A.C.'s decision under the Ontario Heritaqe Act. Councillor Jake Smola put forward a motion to approve of the demolition. Ms. E. Essenberg questioned whether it could be turned into parkland rather than asphalt. Councillor Wagner advised that he did not now if this was possible and that the owner's lawyer has been asked for a heritage plaque to be erected on the site. It was suggested that Councillor Jake Smola's motion be amended to require a recording of the building prior to demolition and Councillor Smola agreed to the amendment. A discussion then took place on the form of the recording. It was noted that the last recording consisted of black and white photographs. It was also suggested that the interior of the building be recorded as well, even though it may be in a state of disrepair. It was generally agreed that Mr. L. Bensason look after the final format for the recording and the arrangements to have it completed. On motion by Councillor Jake Smola - it was resolved: "That, pursuant to Section 34(2) of the Ontario Heritaqe Act, R.S.O. 1990, we LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMI1-FEE MINUTES JAN UARY 12, 1996 -4- CITY OF KITCHENER consent to the application of Wittington Group of Companies Ltd. to demolish the designated property known municipally as 30 Francis Street South, Kitchener; subject to the owner agreeing to the recording of the building, in accordance with Municipal Plan Policy, to a standard acceptable to the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee and further, That, pursuant to Section 34(5) of the Ontario Heritaqe Act, R.S.O. 1990, the Legal Department be directed to prepare a by-law to repeal By-law No. 95-39, being the designating by-law." 5. 1996 BUDGET The Committee members were provided with copies of the proposed 1996 budget for the operation of L.A.C.A.C. Councillor Wagner requested quarterly updates. 6. SUMMER STUDENT Mr. L. Bensason advised that the last date to submit a job description for a University of Waterloo co-op student is Wednesday January 17, 1996, with interviews to take place in February. Ms. S. Burke suggested that an architecture student be hired to assist staff with the inventory process. The student should assist in completing the inner-city evaluation. The Committee generally agreed with Ms. Burke's suggestion. A general discussion then took place over the possibility and value of obtaining a high school co- op student. 7. UPDATE - GRAND RIVER SOUTH TECHNICAL REVIEW COMMITTEE Mr. R. Coo advised that there are two properties in this area which are on the inventory. The Woolner property on Zeller Drive has the house and out buildings close to the river and should be looked at for designation or it should be suggested to the Technical Review Committee that the road not go through this heritage property. If the property were to be designated, there would be an opportunity to have some say as to whether the road goes through this property. Mr. J. Willmer is preparing a new map and it remains to be seen if the final location of the road has been moved. Mr. Coo advised that the Jones property and the Sims Estate are also in the area covered by this Technical Review. Mr. Coo advised that he is waiting to see the new concept plan which should be ready at the beginning of February. He would like to make a presentation to the Technical Review Committee concerning these heritage matters and the Committee agreed with Mr. Coo's concerns and it was generally in agreement that he make a presentation in this regard. 8. DEMOLITION - 1610 WESTMOUNT ROAD EAST As an inspection of the property this date was not possible, Mr. L. Bensason advised that he would ask the owner to hold back on his request for demolition until L.A.C.A.C. has had an opportunity to view the property. 9. HERITAGESHOWCASE Ms. E. Essenberg advised that the Heritage Showcase will take place on February 17, 1996. The display this year will promote designated property. She requested some assistance from the members in working at the display. Ms. Essenberg also advised that the sub-committee would like to promote the free seminar series being conducted by Mr. N. Hill at the end of February/beginning of March. The sub-committee would like to prepare a letter to be sent to owners of designated properties, properties in the areas of the proposed Heritage Conservation Districts and other L.A.C.A.C.'s in the Region, inviting them to attend. Further, the sub-committee will prepare an article for "Kitchener This Week". The Committee generally was in agreement with this proposal. LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMI1-FEE MINUTES JAN UARY 12, 1996 -5- CITY OF KITCHENER 10. INVENTORY Mr. L. Bensason advised that he is ready to pass on the evaluation forms to the Historical Research Sub-Committee. The building permit review is to be done by Mr. M. Badran and Mr. E. Bow. Photographs will be taken by Ms. B. Buchanan. The information is to be ready by early February so that these properties can be considered at a meeting of the evaluation sub- committee. 11. SONNECK HOUSE Mr. L. Bensason gave a brief verbal report on a meeting he had attended with the Mayor and owner concerning the state of the Sonneck House. L.A.C.A.C.'s concerns were explained to the owner. The owner has advised that he is intending to pursue a multiple residential development on this site but it will not be the retirement home originally anticipated. 12. TOUR OF GOVERNOR'S HOUSE AND GAOL Councillor M. Wagner then reminded the Committee of the tours of the Governor's House and Gaol to take place on Friday January 19, 1996, commencing at 3:30 p.m.. He reminded the members to wear warm clothing and take a flashlight. 13. ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 3:05 p.m.. Dianne H. Gilchrist