HomeMy WebLinkAboutDSD-2024-022 - Municipal Heritage Register Review - January 2024 Update
Development Services Department www.kitchener.ca
REPORT TO: Heritage Kitchener
DATE OF MEETING: January 9, 2024
SUBMITTED BY: Garett Stevenson, Director of Development and Housing Approvals,
519-741-2200 ext. 7070
PREPARED BY: Jessica Vieira, Heritage Planner, 519-741-2200 ext. 7041
DATE OF REPORT: December 14, 2023
REPORT NO.: DSD-2024-022
SUBJECT: Municipal Heritage Register Review January 2024 Update
RECOMMENDATION:
That pursuant to Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, the cultural heritage value or
interest be recognized, and designation pursued for the following properties:
33 Eby Street South
72 Victoria Street South
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS:
The purpose of this report is to recommend pursuing designation under Part IV of the
Ontario Heritage Act for two properties that are currently listed as non-designated
properties of cultural heritage value or interest on the Municipal Heritage Register.
The key finding of this report is that the properties possess design/physical,
historical/associative, and contextual value and meet the criteria for designation under
Ontario Regulation 9/06 (amended through Ontario Regulation 569/22).
There are no financial implications.
Community engagement included consultation with the Heritage Kitchener Committee.
This report supports the delivery of core services.
BACKGROUND:
st
On January 1, 2023 amendments to the Ontario Heritage Act (OHA) came into effect
through Bill 23, the More Homes Build Faster Act. One of the primary changes introduced
Municipal
Heritage Register to be evaluated to determine if they meet the criteria for heritage
st
designation before January 1, 2025. Listed properties are properties that have not been
designated, but that the municipal Council believes to be of cultural heritage value or
interest. The criterion for designation is established by the Provincial Government (Ontario
Regulation 9/06, which has now been amended through Ontario Regulation 569/22) and a
minimum of two must be met for a property to be eligible for designation.
*** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. ***
Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance.
A work plan to address these changes has been developed by Heritage Planning Staff with
th
consultation from the Heritage Kitchener Committee on February 7, 2023. Implementation
of the work plan has now commenced. The Architectural Conservancy Ontario North
Waterloo Branch have offered assistance in conducting the Municipal Heritage Register
Review and have aided Heritage Planning Staff in a review of the properties subject to this
report. Below is a summary of the findings for the properties recently reviewed, and
recommendations for next steps.
REPORT:
Ontario Regulation 569/22 (Amended from Ontario Regulation 9/06)
Among the changes that were implemented through Bill 23, the Ontario Regulation 9/06
which is a regulation used to determine the cultural heritage value or interest of a property,
was amended through Ontario Regulation 569/22 (O. Reg. 569/22). Where the original
regulation had three main categories design/physical, historical/associative and contextual
- with three (3) sub-categories for determining cultural heritage value, the amended
regulation now lists all nine (9) criteria independently.
The new regulation has been amended to the following:
1. The property has design value or physical value because it is a rare, unique,
representative or early example of a style, type, expression, material or construction
method.
2. The property has design value or physical value because it displays a high degree of
craftsmanship or artistic merit.
3. The property has design value or physical value because it demonstrates a high
degree of technical or scientific achievement.
4. The property has historical value or associative value because it has direct
associations with a theme, event, belief, person, activity, organization or institution
that is significant to a community.
5. The property has historical or associative value because it yields, or has the potential
to yield, information that contributes to an understanding of a community or culture.
6. The property has historical value or associative value because it demonstrates or
reflects the work or ideas of an architect, artist, builder, designer or theorist who is
significant to a community.
7. The property has contextual value because it is important in defining, maintaining or
supporting the character of an area.
8. The property has contextual value because it is physically, functionally, visually or
historically linked to its surroundings.
9. The property has contextual value because it is a landmark.
Also, among the changes brought about by Bill 23 are how properties can now be listed or
designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. They include:
met one or more criteria of O. Reg 9/06 (amended through O. Reg. 569/22).
Properties could be designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act if they meet
two or more criteria of O. Reg 9/06 (amended through O. Reg. 569/22).
Pursuant to O. Reg 9/06 (amended through O. Reg. 569/22), the subject properties meet
the following criteria for determining cultural heritage value or interest:
33 Eby Street South
The subject property municipally addressed as 33 Eby Street South meets five of the nine
criteria of O. Reg 9/06 (amended through O. Reg. 569/22)
The property has design value or physical value because it is a rare, unique,
representative or early example of a style, type, expression, material or construction
method.
The property has historical value or associative value because it has direct
associations with a theme, event, belief, person, activity, organization or institution
that is significant to a community.
The property has historical or associative value because it yields, or has the potential
to yield, information that contributes to an understanding of a community or culture.
The property has contextual value because it is important in defining, maintaining or
supporting the character of an area.
The property has contextual value because it is physically, functionally, visually or
historically linked to its surroundings.
72 Victoria Street South
The subject property municipally addressed as 72 Victoria Street South meets six of the
nine criteria of O. Reg 9/06 (amended through O. Reg. 569/22)
The property has design value or physical value because it is a rare, unique,
representative or early example of a style, type, expression, material or construction
method.
The property has design value or physical value because it displays a high degree of
craftsmanship or artistic merit.
The property has historical value or associative value because it has direct
associations with a theme, event, belief, person, activity, organization or institution
that is significant to a community.
The property has historical or associative value because it yields, or has the potential
to yield, information that contributes to an understanding of a community or culture.
The property has contextual value because it is important in defining, maintaining or
supporting the character of an area.
The property has contextual value because it is physically, functionally, visually or
historically linked to its surroundings.
Heritage Kitchener Committee Options
Option 1 Pursuing Designation for these properties
Should Heritage Kitchener committee vote to start pursuing designation for these properties,
staff will then contact the respective property owners to inform them and to start working
with them towards designation. Staff will then bring Notices of Intention to Designate back
to the Committee to initiate the designation process. Should a property owner object to their
property being designated, they can submit an appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT)
to rule on the decision. If the OLT determines that the propertyshould not be designated but
remain listed, it will be removed from the Municipal Heritage Register on January 1, 2025.
Option 2 Deferring the Designation Process
Should Heritage Kitchener vote to defer the designation process for these properties, they
until January 1, 2025, after which
they will have to be removed. The process of designating these properties can be started at
any time until January 1, 2025.
Option 3 Not Pursuing Designation for these properties
Should Heritage Kitchener vote not to pursue the designation of these properties, they will
they will be removed. Once removed, these properties will not be able to be re-listed for the
next five (5) years i.e. January 1, 2030.
It should be noted that, per the endorsed work plan, staff are currently undertaking
evaluations for high priority properties that are in located in areas of the City that are
experiencing significant redevelopment.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
This report supports the delivery of core services.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Capital Budget The recommendation has no impact on the Capital Budget.
Operating Budget The recommendation has no impact on the Operating Budget.
INFORM
the council / committee meeting.
CONSULT AND COLLABORATE The Municipal Heritage Committee (Heritage Kitchener)
have been consulted at previous meetings regarding the proposed strategy to review the
Municipal Heritage Register of Non-designated Properties and participated in the
assessment of the properties subject to this report.
PREVIOUS REPORTS/AUTHORITIES:
Heritage Kitchener Committee Work Plan 2022-2024 DSD-2023-053
Bill 23 Municipal Heritage Register Review DSD-2023-225
Kitchener Municipal Heritage register Review August Update DSD-2023-309
Ontario Heritage Act, 2022
REVIEWED BY: Natalie Goss, Manager of Policy and Research
Rosa Bustamante, Director of Planning and Housing Policy/City
Planner
APPROVED BY: Justin Readman, General Manager, Development Services
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A 33 Eby Street South Statement of Significance
Attachment B 72 Victoria Street South Statement of Significance
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
33 EBY STREET SOUTH
Summary of Significance
Design/Physical Value Social Value
Historical Value Economic Value
Contextual Value
Environmental Value
Municipal Address: 33 Eby St S
Legal Description: Plan 367 Pt Lt 10 GCT Sub Lt 2 & 1
Year Built: c. 1850
Architectural Style: Ontario Gothic Revival
Original Owner: Henry Eby
Original Use: Residential
Condition: Good
Description of Cultural Heritage Resource
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33 Eby Street South is a one-and-one-half storey mid-19 century brick house built in the Ontario
Gothic Revival cottage style. The house is situated on a 0.09 acre parcel of land located on the south
east corner of Charles Street East and Eby Street South, within the City of Kitchener, Region of
Waterloo. The principal resource that contributes to the heritage value is the house.
Heritage Value
33 Eby Street South is recognized for its design/physical, historical/associative, and contextual
values.
Design/Physical Value
The design value relates to the architecture of the house as an early and rare example of the Ontario
Gothic Revival cottage style in Kitchener. The house is in good condition. It is one-and-a-half storeys
in height and features a side gable roof with a centred gable with pointed arch door located above the
front door; a symmetrical front façade with a central front door flanked by windows on either side;
yellow brick construction; original window openings with brick soldier course headings; stone
foundation; and, a sympathetic one-storey board and batten rear addition. The building is a typical late
th
19Century example without the original embellishments typical of the style.
Front (West) Façade
The front of the building is symmetrical in massing, with a pitched gable centered above the entrance.
There is a single arched window within the gable and rectangular 12-pane windows are located to
either side of the front door on the ground floor. A decorative transom window and sidelites surround
the entrance, though the door appears to be a modern addition. The tops of the windows and the
entrance opening are adorned with soldier course heading.
Side (North) Façade
The original portion of the north side façade includes two second-storey windows and two first-storey
windows, spaced equidistance apart. The windows are rectangular in shape and 12-pane with soldier
course heading, matching the ground-floor windows on the front. A small portion of the foundation is
visible. From the side façade the one-storey rear addition is also visible. The addition is clad in board
and batten and includes one rectangular 12-pane window and one casement window as well as three
skylights.
Side (South) Façade
The second storey of the south side façade includes one window opening and one door opening that
may have original been another window. There are two more windows on the ground floor, and all
openings are spaced symmetrically. The windows are rectangular in shape and 12-pane. The second
storey door is 15-pane and leads to a wood fire-escape. There is soldier course headings above each
opening in the façade.
Rear (East) Façade
There is one original window opening with brick soldier course heading and a 12-pane window in the
original portion of the rear façade. The rest of the rear façade is covered by the board and batten
addition, the massing of which is off-centered to the south. There is a dormer with a semi-circular
window and board and batten cladding located above the rear addition on the original roof.
Modifications
The original door has been replaced by a steel door with side windows. A modern porch hides much
of the arched façade. A symmetrical front façade with a central front door is flanked by original
window openings with modern windows with brick voussoirs; stone foundation. Additional decorative
elements typical to the Ontario Gothic Revival Cottage style may have been present, such as barge
boards and scalloping under the eaves. The current portico is not a sympathetic design. A West
elevation fire escape is a recent addition.
Historical/Associative Values
Henry Eby was the son of Bishop Benjamin Eby. He was born on January 25, 1820. In December
1837 Eby began an active role in journalism, working at Canada Museum, und Allgemeine Zeitung.
Eby was a former apprentice at the Canada Museum, a short-lived German weekly, published in
Waterloo. Thomas Enslin and Henry Eby acquired a subscription list and they founded Der Deutsche
Canadier und Neuigkeitsbote in September 1841. They may have acquired some equipment from
publisher Benjamin Burkholder. As the sole German-language newspaper published in British North
America from 1841 to 1848, the Deutsche Canadier was more successful than its short-lived rival, Der
Morgenstern (1839-1841), and it continued in print until January 1865.
home. Eby printed a number of books and pamphlets in German during the 1840s (Bloomfield 1993).
Henry was one of the first trustees of the public school board. (Uttley, 1937: 217). The first grammar
and common school opened in the printing office before Suddaby School was built on Frederick
Street. Henry was also one of the first school trustees. Henry built the house at 33 Eby Street in 1850
(Waterloo Region Generations, 2013).
The historical and associative values relate to the original owner of the property Henry Eby as well as
the Eby family. Henry Eby was the son of Bishop Benjamin Eby. He was born on January 25, 1820
and Der Deutsche Canadier,
which became the most successful and widely read German newspaper in the country (English &
McLaughlin, 1983). Having a broadly read German newspaper and various books and pamphlets set
the German speaking people of Kitchener apart from the largely rural and Mennonite community in
surrounding areas. Berlin was a vibrant and economically progressive community unlike any other in
Ontario. According to various directories the house remained in the Eby family from 1820 to 1946,
including Louisa Eby, Menno Eby, and Ilda Eby.
Contextual Value
The contextual value relates to the buildings functional, physical, and visual link to the surrounding
area as well as the contribution that the house makes to the continuity and character of the Eby Street
streetscape. The building is located in-situ along the intersection of Charles Street East and Eby
Street South. It is within the Cedar Hill Neighbourhood Cultural Heritage Landscape (CHL), which is
home to a wide variety of some of the earlier homes of Kitchener. The CHL is further characterized by
the elevated topography, narrow street widths, and dramatically long views.
Heritage Attributes
The heritage value of 33 Eby Street South resides in the following Ontario Gothic Revival cottage
style, including:
One-and-one-half storey height of the house;
Side gable roof with a centred gable with pointed arch door located above the front door;
Symmetrical front façade with central front door flanked by windows on either side;
Yellow brick construction;
Original window openings with brick voussoirs;
Stone foundation; and
Sympathetic one-storey board and batten rear addition.
References
Bloomfield, Elizabeth (1993) Waterloo County to 1972: an annotated bibliography of regional history.
Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation: Waterloo, Ontario.
Eadie, Tom. nslin, ChristianDictionary of Canadian Biography, Vol. 8, University of
Toronto/Université Laval, 2003
http://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/enslin_christian_8E.html Accessed November 24, 2023.
Eby, Ezra E 1978 \[1895\] A biographical history of early settlers and their descendants in Waterloo
Township. AlJon Print-Craft, Ltd.: Waterloo.
English, J. & K. McLaughlin. (1983). Kitchener: An Illustrated History. Wilfrid Laurier University Press:
Waterloo, Ontario. Vernon, Henry (1908-09) Berlin, Waterloo and Bridgeport Directory. Vernon
Directories Limited: Hamilton, Ont.
Uttley, W. V. (Ben) (1937) A History of Kitchener, Ontario. Waterloo: The Chronicle Press.
Vernon, Henry (1908-1909) Vernon's Berlin, Waterloo and Bridgeport Directory
Vernon Directories Limited: Hamilton, Ont.
Vernon, Henry (1921) Vernon Directories
Limited.: Hamilton.
Vernon, Henry (1932) Kitchener City Directory and Town of Waterloo.
Note: Digitized City Directories are available online at the Kitchner Public Library.
https://makinghistory.kpl.org/en/list?q=city+directory&p=1&ps=20 Accessed December 5, 2023.
https://makinghistory.kpl.org/en/list?p=1&ps=20&collection_facet=City%20and%20County%20Directo
ries%20Collection Accessed December 5, 2023.
Waterloo Region Generations. (2013). Waterloo Region Generations: A
record of the people of Waterloo Region, Ontario. Retrieved from
https://generations.regionofwaterloo.ca/getperson.php?personID=I21144&tree=generations,
November 27, 2023
Photos
CULTURAL HERITAGE EVALUATION FORM
Gail Pool
33 Eby Street South
Address: Recorder:
1 ½ Storey Residence
December 5, 2023
Description: Date:
Ontario Gothic Revival Cottage. Built c. 1850
Photographs Attached:
Front Facade Left Façade Right Façade Rear Facade Details Setting
Recorder Heritage Kitchener Heritage Planning Staff
Designation Criteria
Committee
1.This property has
design value or
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
physical value
Yes Yes
because it is a rare,
unique,
representative or
early example of a
style, type,
expression, material
or construction
method.
2.The property has
design value or
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
physical value
Yes Yes
because it displays a
high degree of
craftsmanship or
artistic merit.
3.The property has
design value or
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
physical value
Yes Yes
because it
demonstrates a high
degree of technical or
scientific
achievement.
* E.g. - constructed with a
unique material
combination or use,
incorporates challenging
geometric designs etc.
4.The property has
historical value or
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
associative value
Yes Yes
because it has direct
associations with a
theme, event, belief,
person, activity,
organization or
institution that is
significant to a
community.
* Additional archival work
may be required.
5.The property has
historical or
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
associative value
Yes Yes
because it yields, or
has the potential to
yield, information
that contributes to an
understanding of a
community or
culture.
* E.g - A commercial
building may provide an
understanding of how the
economic development of
the City occured.
Additional archival work
may be required.
6.The property has
historical value or
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
associative value
Yes Yes
because it
demonstrates or
reflects the work or
ideas of an architect,
artist, builder,
designer or theorist
who is significant to a
community.
* Additional archival work
may be required.
7.The property has
contextual value
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
because it is
Yes Yes
important in defining,
maintaining or
supporting the
character of an area.
* E.g. - It helps to define
an entrance point to a
neighbourhood or helps
establish the (historic)
rural character of an area.
8.The property has
contextual value
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
because it is
Yes Yes
physically,
functionally, visually
or historically linked
to its surroundings.
* Additional archival work
may be required.
9.The property has
contextual value
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
because it is a
Yes Yes
landmark.
*within the region, city or
neighborhood.
Notes
Additional Criteria Recorder Heritage Kitchener Committee
Interior: Is the interior
arrangement, finish,
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No Yes
craftsmanship and/or
Yes
detail noteworthy?
Completeness: Does this
structure have other
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No Yes
original outbuildings,
Yes
notable landscaping or
external features that
complete the site?
Site Integrity: Does the
structure occupy its
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No Yes
original site?
Yes
* If relocated, is it relocated on
its original site, moved from
another site, etc.
Alterations: Does this
building retain most of its
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No Yes
original materials and
Yes
design features? Please
refer to the list of heritage
attributes within the
Statement of Significance
The two storey portico is modern
and indicate which
and obscures the good features of
elements are still existing the style. The front door is also
modern. It is unknown whether
and which ones have been
there was an original portico.
removed.
Alterations: Are there
additional elements or
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No Yes
features that should be
Yes
added to the heritage
attribute list?
Condition: Is the building
in good condition?
N/AUnknownNoN/AUnknownNoYes
Yes
*E.g. - Could be a good
candidate for adaptive re-use if
possible and contribute towards
equity-building and climate
change action.
Indigenous History: Could
this site be of importance
N/A Unknown No Yes N/A Unknown No Yes
to Indigenous heritage and
history?
Additional Research Required Additional Research Required
*E.g. - Site within 300m of water
sources, near distinct
topographical land, or near
cemeteries might have
archaeological potential and
indigenous heritage potential.
Could there be any urban
Indigenous history
associated with the
property?
N/A Unknown No Yes N/A Unknown No Yes
* Additional archival work may
Additional Research Required Additional Research Required
be required.
Function: What is the
Unknown Residential Unknown Residential
present function of the
Commercial
Commercial
subject property?
Office Other -
Office Other
________________
* Other may include vacant,
social, institutional, etc. and
important for the community
from an equity building
perspective.
Diversity and Inclusion:
N/A Unknown No Yes N/A Unknown No Yes
Does the subject property
contribute to the cultural
heritage of a community of
Additional Research Required Additional Research Required
people?
Does the subject property
have intangible value to a
specific community of
N/A Unknown No Yes N/A Unknown No Yes
people?
Additional Research Required Additional Research Required
* E.g.- Waterloo Masjid (Muslim
Society of Waterloo &
Wellington Counties) was the
first established Islamic Center
and Masjid in the Region and
contributes to the history of the
Muslim community in the area.
Notes about Additional Criteria Examined
Recommendation
Does this property meet the definition of a significant built heritage resource, and should it be designated
under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act? (Does it meet two or more of the designation criteria?)
N/A Unknown No Yes
If not, please select the appropriate action for follow-up
Remove from the Municipal Heritage Register
Additional Research Required
Other:
General / Additional Notes
TO BE FILLED BY HERITAGE PLANNING STAFF:
Date of Property Owner Notification
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
72 VICTORIA STREET SOUTH
Summary of Significance
Design/Physical Value Social Value
Historical Value Economic Value
Contextual Value
Environmental Value
Municipal Address: 72 Victoria St S, Kitchener
Legal Description: Plan 421 Lots A to H; Plan 421 Lot 34 Part Lots 34 & 41; STS & LNS Part Lot 25
TOG with ROW
Year Built: 1903
Architectural Style: Berlin Industrial Vernacular
Original Owner: The Berlin Interior Hardwood Company
Original Use: Industrial
Condition: Excellent
Description of Cultural Heritage Resource
72 Victoria Street South is an early 20th century building built in the Berlin Industrial Vernacular
architectural style. The building is situated on a 2.51 acre parcel of land located on the south west
corner of Joseph Street and Victoria Street South. The principal resource that contributes to the
heritage value is the former industrial building.
Heritage Value
72 Victoria Street South is recognized for its design/physical, historical/associative, and contextual
values.
Design/Physical Value
The design and physical values relate to the Berlin Industrial Vernacular architectural style of the
building. The building is four storeys in height with an elevated stone foundation, and features: red
brick walls with common bond; yellow brick; brick pilasters that separate bays; stone foundation
covered by concrete; 10 (east) by 18 (north) bays; flat roof with brick corbelling at roofline; concrete
corner; Doric columned portico with simple cornice at main entrance; semi-elliptical main entrance
door opening with red brick voussoirs; tie rods and anchors between each storey on the north
elevation; yellow brick walls; semi-circular glass block window; red brick voussoirs; red brick chimney;
and, chimney clean out.
Front Façade
In proportion to the rest of the building, the front of 72 Victoria Street is extremely narrow in width and
set at an angle to both Victoria Street South and Joseph Street. It is composed of one bay with brick
pilasters on each side. There is one window on the second, third, and fourth floors and each
possesses a concrete sill and lintel. The entrance on the ground floor is within a semi-elliptical
opening with a red brick voussoir and is framed by a Doric columned portico with a simple cornice. It
is accessed by a set of concrete stairs, the first three steps of which have a curved shape.
Side (North) Façade
The north side façade fronts onto Joseph Street and is comprised of eighteen bays separated by brick
pilasters. Each bay contains one window opening on each of the four floors, and each window has a
concrete sill and lintel. The fourth-storey windows have additional masonry detailing above the
concrete lintel. Tie rods and anchors are also visible between each storey on each pilaster. The stone
foundation covered by concrete is visible along the side façade. The first and second bay from the
front façade differ in that there are additional window openings and windows cut into the foundation.
The third and fourth bay from the front differ in that there are additional entrances on the ground floor;
the entrance in the third bay is recessed within an alcove, while the entrance of the fourth bay fronts
directly onto the sidewalk.
Side (East) Façade
The east side façade fronts onto Victoria Street South, and is comprised of ten bays separated by
brick pilasters. The bays are reflective of those on the north side façade. The east side differs,
however, in that within each bay except for the tenth from the opening, there is also a narrow window
opening and 3-pane window in the foundation. The first-storey window of the tenth bay is also unlike
those in the rest of the façade, being greater in height and lacking a concrete lintel.
Interior Features
There are a number of original interior elements that remain as well. This includes but is not limited to:
exposed heavy timber (post and beam) construction with 4-way steel post caps and metal stirrups,
timber capital and support members; original hardwood and concrete floors; concrete and brick walls;
original wood ceilings; original window on interior wall located at the ground floor loading entrance;
original freight elevator; column base with concrete casings in basement; original metal door and
hardware in basement leading to storage units; exposed cast iron sprinkler system; and, interior
foundation wall in basement.
Modifications
All the windows do not appear to be original, as they are metal and glass with few openings. The
front doorway also appears to be a newer addition, as it is a glass and steel door with multi-framed
side and upper panels.
Historical/Associative Value
The historic and associative values relate to the original owner and use of the property and buildings
and the contribution they made to the history of Berlin. The following information is taken from the
Heritage Property Report for 72 Victoria Street South prepared by Stacey Laughlin in 2002:
In 1901, William T. Sass founded The Berlin Interior Hardwood Company, which was originally
located behind the Dunker building (now Manulife Financial) on King Street West in Berlin. William T.
Sass had previously been a foreman at Krug Furniture and received financial backing from Hartman
Krug, founder of Krug Furniture to establish The Berlin Interior Hardwood Company.
Mr. Sass served on Kitchener City Council in 1917, 1918 and 1919, and for four years was a member
of the K.-W. Collegiate Board. From 1922 to 1924, he was chairman of the Kitchener Board of Trade.
On the wane at the time, rejuvenation of the board was said due solely to Mr. Sass' initiative. Under
his term of office, membership of the all important group grew to over 300.
Sass served as president of the Kitchener-Waterloo Manufacturers' Association and was a director of
Queen-Lebel Mines Ltd He was a charter member of the First English Lutheran Church as well as a
past grand of the Grand Union Lodge, I.O.O.F.
In 1903, John A. Long, Homer Ford, and Peter Hummen became partners in The Berlin Interior
Hardwood Company and the business moved to 72 Victoria Street South. This location was chosen
due to its proximity to the railroad and local hardwood trees. Homer Ford lived at the property now
addressed 150 Water Street South/72 Heins Avenue in the Victoria Park neighbourhood in close
proximity to the factory, in keeping with the Berlin tradition of manufacturers and workers living close
to each other and their work place.
The original building was only three storeys high and half of the current length of the building. In 1914,
the building doubled in size with a massive addition to the front portion (north west elevations) of the
its name to become the Interior Hardwood Company. In 1929, a fourth storey was added to the
building. William T. Sass died in 1938 and his son Arthur Sass became President of the company.
The company initially made furniture for banks, as well as interior trim and office partitions. Later, it
made roll-top desks, other furniture, counters, and cupboards for banks, and the Canadian House of
Commons, as well as wooden seats for arenas, theatres and auditoriums. Some arena seats are
displayed inside the building. The Montreal Forum was one of the many arenas that had wooden
seats manufactured by the company. The Kitchener-Waterloo Auditorium also had seats
manufactured by the company, which were only replaced in 1994. At its peak, the company employed
80 people, but orders began to decline in the late 1950s and the company closed in 1960. In 1961,
the building was sold to Victoria Industries and Warehousing, who rented space to other firms
including Terry Williams Knitters who occupied the second floor for 23 years from 1968 until it closed
in 1991. The building was renovated in 2000 to accommodate office space.
Contextual Value
The contextual value relates to physical, historical, functional and visual link to its
surroundings. The building is representative of the ties among industrial entrepreneurs in the early
1900s and it illustrates the connections between industry and the railroad as well as between industry
and workers housing. Originally, a spur line went along the East elevation to Victoria, currently
Joseph Street since it was important to have rail access close to the point of manufacture.
72 Victoria Street South also has contextual value in that it maintains and supports the character of
the area. The subject property is located within the Warehouse District Cultural Heritage Landscape
(CHL). This CHL is the result of the rapid industrial growth and subsequent rapid population growth
experienced within the City in the early twentieth century. Supported by the convergence of the rail
lines in the area, the Warehouse District contains a number of large, historic warehouse and factory
buildings formerly used for the manufacturing, storage, and exportation of raw material and products
across Canada. These original factory complexes include the Huck Glove Factory, located to the
south, and the Lang Tanning Company, located to the east.
Heritage Attributes
The heritage value of 72 Victoria Street South resides in the following heritage attributes:
Exterior heritage attributes:
o All elevations of the building and additions; red brick walls; brick pilasters that separate
the bays;
o Roof and roofline, including: flat roof; brick corbelling at the roofline;
o Window openings; concrete sills and lintels; brick voussoirs;
o Main entrance portico, including Doric columns; brick voussoirs; semi-elliptical opening;
rounded concrete steps
References:
https://www.ourcommons.ca/heritage/en/collection/search?artist=2034 Accessed November 27,
2023
Waterloo Chronicle 22 July, 1938, 1,5.
https://generations.regionofwaterloo.ca/getperson.php?personID=I136045&tree=generations&fbclid
=IwAR15n35awhJeVnedQl6hqCiK3MnZMJgdIbqKZ8x7uMYpcpOR_31Yvnzh1zY Accessed
December 5, 2023.
Photographs
Front Elevation
Rear Elevation
Side Elevation
Interior attribute
CULTURAL HERITAGE EVALUATION FORM
Gail Pool
72 Victoria Street South
Address: Recorder:
Industrial Building
December 5, 2023
Description: Date:
1903 Berlin Industrial Vernacular
Photographs Attached:
Front Facade Left Façade Right Façade Rear Facade Details Setting
Recorder Heritage Kitchener Heritage Planning Staff
Designation Criteria
Committee
1. This property has
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
design value or
Yes Yes
physical value
because it is a rare,
unique,
representative or
early example of a
style, type,
expression, material
or construction
method.
2. The property has
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
design value or
Yes Yes
physical value
because it displays a
high degree of
craftsmanship or
artistic merit.
3. The property has
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
design value or
Yes Yes
physical value
because it
demonstrates a high
degree of technical or
scientific
achievement.
* E.g. - constructed with a
unique material
combination or use,
incorporates challenging
geometric designs etc.
4.The property has
N/AUnknownNoN/AUnknownNo
historical value or
YesYes
associative value
because it has direct
associations with a
theme, event, belief,
person, activity,
organization or
institution that is
significant to a
community.
* Additional archival work
may be required.
5. The property has
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
historical or
Yes Yes
associative value
because it yields, or
has the potential to
yield, information
that contributes to an
understanding of a
community or
culture.
* E.g - A commercial
building may provide an
understanding of how the
economic development of
the City occured.
Additional archival work
may be required.
6. The property has
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
historical value or
Yes Yes
associative value
because it
demonstrates or
reflects the work or
ideas of an architect,
artist, builder,
designer or theorist
who is significant to a
community.
* Additional archival work
may be required.
7. The property has
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
contextual value
Yes Yes
because it is
important in defining,
maintaining or
supporting the
character of an area.
* E.g. - It helps to define
an entrance point to a
neighbourhood or helps
establish the (historic)
rural character of an area.
8. The property has
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
contextual value
Yes Yes
because it is
physically,
functionally, visually
or historically linked
to its surroundings.
* Additional archival work
may be required.
9. The property has
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
contextual value
Yes Yes
because it is a
landmark.
*within the region, city or
neighborhood.
Notes
Additional Criteria Recorder Heritage Kitchener
Committee
Interior: Is the interior
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
arrangement, finish,
Yes Yes
craftsmanship and/or detail
noteworthy?
Completeness: Does this
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
structure have other original
Yes Yes
outbuildings, notable
landscaping or external
The chimney is rare.
features that complete the
site?
Site Integrity: Does the
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
structure occupy its original
Yes Yes
site?
* If relocated, is it relocated on its
original site, moved from another site,
etc.
Alterations: Does this building
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
retain most of its original
Yes Yes
materials and design features?
Please refer to the list of
heritage attributes within the
Statement of Significance and
indicate which elements are
still existing and which ones
have been removed.
Alterations: Are there
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
additional elements or
Yes Yes
features that should be added
to the heritage attribute list?
Condition: Is the building in
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
good condition?
Yes Yes
*E.g. - Could be a good candidate for
adaptive re-use if possible and
contribute towards equity-building
and climate change action.
Indigenous History: Could this
site be of importance to
N/A Unknown No Yes N/A Unknown No Yes
Indigenous heritage and
history?
Additional Research Required Additional Research Required
*E.g. - Site within 300m of water
sources, near distinct topographical
land, or near cemeteries might have
archaeological potential and
indigenous heritage potential.
Could there be any urban
Indigenous history associated
N/A Unknown No Yes N/A Unknown No Yes
with the property?
Additional Research Required Additional Research Required
* Additional archival work may be
required.
Function: What is the present
Unknown Residential Unknown Residential Com
function of the subject
Commercial mercial
property?
Office Other -Office Other -
________________ ________________
* Other may include vacant, social,
institutional, etc. and important for
the community from an equity
building perspective.
Diversity and Inclusion: Does
N/A Unknown No Yes N/A Unknown No Yes
the subject property
contribute to the cultural
Additional Research Required Additional Research Required
heritage of a community of
people?
Does the subject property
N/A Unknown No Yes N/A Unknown No Yes
have intangible value to a
specific community of people?
Additional Research Required Additional Research Required
* E.g.- Waterloo Masjid (Muslim
Society of Waterloo & Wellington
Counties) was the first established
Islamic Center and Masjid in the
Region and contributes to the history
of the Muslim community in the area.
Notes about Additional Criteria Examined
Recommendation
Does this property meet the definition of a significant built heritage resource, and should it be designated
under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act? (Does it meet two or more of the designation criteria?)
N/A Unknown No Yes
If not, please select the appropriate action for follow-up
Remove from the Municipal Heritage Register
Additional Research Required
Other:
General / Additional Notes
TO BE FILLED BY HERITAGE PLANNING STAFF:
Date of Property Owner Notification: