HomeMy WebLinkAboutDSD-2024-131 - Municipal Heritage Register Review April 2024 Update
Development Services Department www.kitchener.ca
REPORT TO: Heritage Kitchener
DATE OF MEETING: April 2, 2024
SUBMITTED BY: Garett Stevenson, Director of Development and Housing Approvals,
519-741-2200 ext. 7070.
PREPARED BY: Deeksha Choudhry, Heritage Planner, 519-741-2200 ext. 7602.
DATE OF REPORT: March 8, 2024
REPORT NO.: DSD-2024-131
SUBJECT: Municipal Heritage Register Review
April 2024 Update
RECOMMENDATION:
The pursuant to Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, the cultural heritage value or
interest be recognized, and designation be pursued for the following properties:
56 Duke Street West
156 Duke Street West
7 Fischer Court
11-15 Pandora Avenue North
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS:
The purpose of this report is to recommend pursuing designation under Part IV of the
Ontario Heritage Act for four 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
was the imposition of a new timeline which requires 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. This report contains a summary of the findings for
the properties recently reviewed, and recommendations for next steps.
Progress on Work Plan Implementation
As part of the work plan proposed in February 2023, Heritage Planning Staff committed to
the review of 80 properties listed on the Municipal Heritage Register prior to January 1,
2025. As of the date of this report, a review has been complete for 51 properties. 22
properties have fully undergone the designation process. 14 properties are currently
undergoing the designation process and are at various stages of completion. 15 properties
have been reviewed and determined that no action should be taken at this time.
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).
The following four properties were reviewed and meet the following criteria:
56 Duke Street West
The subject property municipally addressed as 56 Duke Street West meets four (4) of the
nine (9) 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 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.
156 Duke Street West
The subject property municipally addressed as 156 Duke Street West meets five (5) of the
nine (9) 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.
7 Fischer Court
The subject property municipally addressed as 7 Fischer Court meets three (3) of the nine
(9) 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.
11-15 Pandora Avenue North
The subject property municipally addressed 11-15 Pandora Avenue North meets three (3)
of the nine (9) 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.
Heritage Kitchener Committee Options
Option 1 Pursuing Designation for this property
Should Heritage Kitchener committee vote to start pursuing designation for this property,
staff will then contact the respective property owner to inform them and to start working with
them towards designation. Staff will then bring a Notice 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 property should 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 this property, it will
Heritage Register until January 1, 2025, after which it
will have to be removed. The process of designating this property can be started at any time
until January 1, 2025.
Option 3 Not Pursuing Designation for this property
Should Heritage Kitchener vote not to pursue the designation of this property, it will remain
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.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
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
Municipal Heritage Register Review January 2024 Update DSD-202-022
Municipal Heritage Register Review March 2024 Update DSD-2024-093
Ontario Heritage Act, 2022
REVIEWED BY: Garett Stevenson, Director of Development and Housing Approvals
APPROVED BY: Justin Readman, General Manager, Development Services
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A - Updated Statement of Significance 56 Duke Street West
Attachment B - Updated Statement of Significance 156 Duke Street West
Attachment C - Updated Statement of Significance 7 Fischer Court
Attachment D - Updated Statement of Significance 11-15 Pandora Avenue North
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
56 Duke Street West
Summary of Significance
Social Value
Design/Physical Value
Historical Value Economic Value
Contextual Value
Environmental Value
Municipal Address: 56 Duke Street West
Legal Description: Plan 399 Lot 7
Year Built: 1922
Architectural Styles: Gothic
Original Owner:
Original Use: Rectory
Condition: Good
Description of Cultural Heritage Resource
56 Duke Street West is an early 20th century building built in the Gothic architectural style. The building
is situated on a 0.34 acre parcel of land located on the north side of Duke Street between Young Street
and Ontario Street in the City Commercial Core Planning Community of the City of Kitchener within the
Region of Waterloo. The principal resource that contributes to the heritage value is the presbytery.
Heritage Value
56 Duke Street West is recognized for its design/physical, historic/associative, and contextual values.
Design/Physical Value
The design and physical values relate to the notable, rare and unique Gothic architectural style of the
building. The building is two-and-a-half-storeys in height and features: hip roof with wall dormers; red
brick; paired two storey projecting bays on front elevation; flattened gothic arch windows; segmental
window openings with false wood shaping around the windows; gothic pointed arch windows with
tracery; round windows with quatrefoils; dentils on the dropped cornice; and, wood doors with transom
and sidelights.
Front Façade (South Elevation)
The front façade of the building has a brick portico with voussoirs, and two projecting bays with gothic
arched windows and voussoirs on either side on each storey with decorative dentil moulding.The
projecting entrance has brick pillars on each side with steps leading down to the main street. There
are three gabled parapet dormers above the second storey, with arched windows with tracery and
voussoirs.
Side Elevation (East Elevation)
The side façade also has a brick portico and voussoirs, and decorative dentil moulding. The first and
second storey of the building has 6 gothic arched double windows with voussoirs, 4 on the left side of
the entrance and 2 on the right side of the entrance. There is additional tripartite window above the
main entrance, in a three-by-three orientation with sash windows on lower half and tracery on the
upper half. All the windows have voussoirs and sills. There is also decorative dentil moulding with a
dropped cornice on the upper storey and 4 gabled parapet dormers, with gothic arched windows and
voussoirs and tracery, a round window with tracery, and a double window with tracery. Due to the
topography of the hill the building is located on, part of the stone foundation can be seen with double
windows on the lower level.
Rear Elevation (North Elevation)
The rear elevation of the building has an irregular fenestration pattern, with arched windows and
voussoirs. There are also projecting entrances on the façade that provide an alternate entrance to the
building, as well as connect it to the church.
Side Elevation (West Elevation)
The side façade also has a brick portico and voussoirs, and decorative dentil moulding. The first and
second storey of the building has 6 gothic arched double windows with voussoirs, 4 on the left side of
the entrance and 2 on the right side of the entrance. There is additional tripartite window above the
main entrance, in a three-by-three orientation with sash windows on lower half and tracery on the
upper half. All the windows have voussoirs and sills. There is also decorative dentil moulding with a
dropped cornice on the upper storey and 4 gabled parapet dormers, with gothic arched windows and
voussoirs and tracery, a round window with tracery, and a double window with tracery. Due to the
topography of the hill the building is located on, part of the stone foundation can be seen with double
windows on the lower level.
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 (now Kitchener). The original owner of the
original use of the property was a
presbytery. The building also has associative value for being designed by Charles Knetchel, a
prominent architect in Berlin (now Kitchener) for more than 40 years.
The historic and associative values
73 Young Street) relate to the original owner and use of the property and buildings, and the
contributions they made to . This land has always been used a church and contains
one of the oldest churches in Kitchener.
The church today sits on land that was purchased on August 16, 1854 from David Weber for $200.00.
hurch to
attend mass. In 1852, Kitchener (Berlin) was chosen to be the county seat. Since this was chosen to
be the leading community, the Jesuits chose the this area to make a community centre. Father Rupert
Ebner S.J., who was the spiritual leader from 1848 to 1856, encouraged the Catholics of Strassburg
Williamsburg, Bridgeport, and Lexington to unite with those of Berlin to build a church, and the group
agreed. On September 17, 1854, the cornerstone was laid by Bishop DeCharbonnel of the Toronto
Diocese. The church was completed in 1856, blessed by Bishop Farell, the first Bishop of Hamilton,
and was given the title of St. Mary of the Seven Dolors. The original church measured 80 by 40 feet
with additions being constructed in the next few years.
On June 26, 1892, a meeting held in the church resulted in a discussion for funding the construction
of a new church because of crowding and it was decided that the church would collect monthly
funding to fund the new church. By 1899, the church had sufficient funds to purchase the adjoining
land from John Fennell for $7,500.00. On September 30, 1900, Bishop T. J. Downing laid the
cornerstone and in the late autumn of 1903, the church was completed. It had been planned by Arthur
William Holmes of Toronto. Ite of construction, having been built at a time when Kitchener was
Berlin, makes this church one of the oldest churches and buildings in Kitchener, thus having
significant historical and associative value.
The Rectory
Father Laufhuber S. J. began a house-to-house canvass for funds to build a sacristy and rectory
shortly after his arrival as a pastor in 1857. The sacristy was built first, and he lived there until the
rectory was completed, and took an active role in planning and directing the construction of the
building. The first floor became the first separate school and the rooms on the second floor became
This building was situated immediately infront of where the
present church stands, and was torn down in 1897.
College, and was rented to the parish priests. Since the rectory was urgently needed to keep the
school functioning, the Fathers immediately took up residence in the new rectory.
A parish meeting was called on March 14, 1915 to discuss a new rectory, with a delegation being sent
to the Bishop to enquire about placing a mortgage on the church for this purpose. It took until August
22, 1921 to release the contract to build the new rectory. The Rectory (located at 56 Duke Street
West) was completed in October 1922, at the cost of $46,000. The Fathers moved into the rectory on
st
from 19-21 of October. The new rectory was designed by Charles Knetchel and Reitzel Brothers
from Waterloo were the builders.
The
Holy name Society and the Young Ladies Society. Mr. and Mrs. Hartman Krug, owner of the
prominent Krug Furniture Company, presented the furniture for the office and waiting rooms. In 1939,
the exterior of the rectory was painted, and in 1944 repairs were made to the interior and exterior of
the rectory. In 1956, the Church briefly hosted a distinguished visitor at the rectory, His Excellency
Archbishop Giovanni Panico, D.D. representative of His Holiness Pope Pius XII, and head of the
Apostolic Delegation to Canada on October 25, 1956. Today, the building is still used as a residence
and an office.
Charles Knetchel
Charles Knetchel was born in Mannheim, Waterloo County, Ontario on November 22, 1869. He never
formally studied architecture but instead received much of his knowledge of design and construction
from his father, Jonas Knetchel,
Knetchel then opened his own office in Kitchener (then Berlin) in 1895 and continued to practice until
after 1930.
He has worked on more than a 100 buildings in the Waterloo Region, including churches, schools,
commercial offices, factories,, and private residences as far away as Galt and Durham in Ontario. He
remained active in the profession for nearly 40 years until 1928, and later died in Kitchener on
October 5, 1951.
Contextual Value
The contextual value of 56 Duke Street West relates to the physical, historical, functional and visual
links to the buildings surroundings. The building is located on the block bounded by Duke Street West,
Young Street, Weber Street West and Ontario Street, and is related
Church. The west portion of this block has been historically owned by the church. Historic buildings still
ntre (historically known as the Notre
Dame Convent). In addition, the Presbytery has a strong visual presence, including important views,
on Duke Street as the building occupies a large site slightly elevated on a hill.
Other Values
Social Value
St. Ma
Kitchener for over a century. This building has been supporting these services for over 100 years and
has become a landmark and a place of importance in the community. Places of worship often provide
intangible community value as a place where people gather and are often a central piece of a
community.
Heritage Attributes
The heritage attributes of 56 Duke Street West resides in the following heritage attributes:
All elements related to the construction and architectural style of the building, including:
o The location, massing and scale of the building;
o all elevations of the building;
o The roofline, including wall dormers;
o red brick construction;
o paired two storey projecting bays on front elevation;
o all windows openings and decorative details, including:
flattened gothic arch windows;
segmental window openings with false wood shaping;
gothic pointed arch windows with tracery;
round windows with quatrefoils;
o dentils on the dropped cornice; and,
o all door openings, including transom and sidelights
All elements related to the contextual value of the building;
o The original location of the building on Duke Street West
Photos
56 Duke Street West
56 Duke Street West
56 Duke Street West
56 Duke Street West
References
Vernon, H. & Son. (1910).
th
Miscellaneous Directory: For the Years 1910-1911 (8 Ed.). Hamiltion, ON: Griffen & Richmond.
Centennial 1857-1957 Issue, accessed from The Kitchener Public Library
Archives, pp. 9-34
Town of Berlin Fire Insurance Maps 1904
N/A, Some Facts about
CULTURAL HERITAGE EVALUATION FORM
Deeksha Choudhry
56 Duke Street West
Address: Recorder:
March 1, 2024
Description: Date:
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/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
historical value or
Yes
Yes
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
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 YN/A Unknown No Yes
Indigenous heritage and
Additional Research Required
es
history?
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
N/A Unknown No Yes
Indigenous history associated
Additional Research Required
with the property?
N/A Unknown No Y
es
* Additional archival work may be
Additional Research
required.
Required
Function: What is the present
Unknown Residential Unknown Residential Com
function of the subject
Commercial
mercial
property?
Office Other Church
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 YN/A Unknown No Yes
the subject property
es
contribute to the cultural
Additional Research Required
Additional Research
heritage of a community of
Required
people?
Does the subject property
N/A Unknown No Yes
have intangible value to a
N/A Unknown No Y
specific community of people?
Additional Research Required
es
Additional Research
* E.g.- Waterloo Masjid (Muslim
Required
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
156 DUKE STREET WEST
Summary of Significance
Design/Physical Value Social Value
Economic Value
Historical Value
Contextual Value Environmental Value
Municipal Address: 156 Duke Street West
Legal Description: Plan 374 Lot 159 Part Lot 158 & 160
Year Built: c. 1893
Architectural Style: Renaissance Revival
Original Owner: August & Charles Boehmer
Original Use: Industrial
Condition: Good
Description of Cultural Heritage Resource
th
156 Duke Street West is a three-storey late 19 century brick building built in the Renaissance Revival
architectural style. The building is situated on a 0.44-acre parcel of land located on the north side of
Duke Street West between Water Street North and College Street in the City Commercial Core Planning
Community of the City of Kitchener within the Region of Waterloo. The principal resource that
contributes to the heritage value is the former industrial building.
Heritage Value
156 Duke Street West is recognized for its design, physical, contextual, historical and associative
values. In addition the building also possesses economical and environmental values.
Design/Physical Value
The property municipally addressed as 156 Duke Street West demonstrates design or physical value
as a representative and notable example of the Renaissance Revival architectural style in an
industrial building. The original building is in good condition and features an L-shape plan with three
bays along Duke Street; yellow brick laid in the American bond style; decorative brickwork, including
pilasters, belt courses, cornice, and corbels; front door opening with radiating brick voussoirs and
narrow label moulds; flat, semi-circular and segmentally arched window openings; brick voussoirs;
label moulds; and concrete lintels and windowsills.
Front Façade
The existing building is three storeys in height with a flat roof. The first two storeys are yellow brick
construction, and the third storey is clad in grey vertical siding. The front façade is symmetrical in
design and divided vertically by two piers, two storeys in height, which creates three bays. Each of
outside bays contain a large, square segmented window on the ground floor and two semi-circular
segmented windows on the second floor. The central bay contains the main entrance fronting directly
onto the sidewalk, and two semi-circular segmented windows on the second floor. All openings
contain voussoirs or brick headers. The first floor is divided horizontally from the second floor by a belt
course. A second belt course visually divides the second floor into two horizontal halves.
West Side Façade
The west side façade is comprised of 10 bays separated by yellow brick pilasters. The first two
storeys of the first four bays from the front are constructed from yellow brick, while the third floor is
clad in grey vertical siding. Each of the first four bays contain two arched segmented windows on the
ground floor and two arched segmented windows on the second floor. The windows are capped by a
brick voussoir and contain concrete sills and lintels. The third floor is clad in vertical board and
contains rectangular segmented windows that align with the windows on the lower floors. The
remaining six bays are also three storeys in height and are constructed entirely of yellow brick. The
pattern of two arched segmented windows continues along the ground floor of these remaining bays
except for the ninth and tenth, while the second and third floors for all bays each contain one large
square segmented window with concrete lentils and sills. The ninth bay contains an additional
covered entrance, while the tenth contains a ground-floor window that matches those of the second
and third floor.
Historical/Associative Value
The property municipally addressed as 156 Duke Street West has historical and associative value
due to its original use and the connection it has to the theme of economic development within the
downtown area, as well as the potential it has to contribute to an understanding of the community.
The existing building was originally home to A. & C. Boehmer Box Company and was constructed by
the founders of the company August and Charles Boehmer. Originally the owners of a hardware
store, the brothers established the A. & C. Boehmer Box Company in 1874 to provide boxes for a
local button manufactu and for a period of time until the mid-
major paper box factory in the area. The boxes were originally made by hand and delivered via a
team of heavy horses and huge wagons, stabled behind the existing building. The company serviced
a number of notable local companies, including the Arrow Company, John Forysth Shirt Company,
Rumple Felt. In 1952 the company expanded from set-up and permanent boxes into the larger market
of folding boxes, which necessitated the construction of an addition to the Duke Street building in
1954. In 1963 a new plant was constructed at 460 Belmont Avenue West and replaced the original
Duke Street plant as the headquarters, though the company continued to utilize a portion
of the old factory for storage.
The company remained in the Boehmer family for a period of 100 years. In 1928 George Boehmer,
son of August Boehmer, became the head of the company. He was later succeeded by Carlo
Boehmer followed by Floyd Boehmer. At the end of 1974, a Mr. Alvin Besant purchased all shares of
the company and became the owner and president, and in 1976 the name of the company was
changed to Boehmer Box Corporation. Also in 1976 the company employed the only known female
comptroller in the twin-city area.
Beyond being a lucrative business model, box companies also serve as good barometers for
economic conditions. This is due to the fact that practically everything sold needs to be packaged. As
such, the continual growth and success of the A. & C. Boehmer Box Company can serve as a direct
reflection of the successful economic development of the City.
Contextual Value
The building has contextual value, being historically, physically, and visually linked to the streetscape
of Duke Street West in its scale and massing. It supports and maintains the character of the area, as
it is located in-situ within the City Commercial Core and in proximity to a number of other historic
commercial and industrial buildings. The location of 156 Duke Street West was necessary for its
historical function, as it provided the surrounding commercial area with paper boxes necessary for
packaging products.
Economic Value
The existing building has economic value due to its history and contribution towards the economic
thth
development of what was then Berlin in the late 18 and early 20 century. In 1928 the company
employed 75 people, and it has grown to employ approximately 470-480 in 2016 with the
consolidation of a Hamilton folding carton plant. The company remains active within Kitchener as of
2024.
Environmental Value
The existing building has environmental value, being an early example of adaptive re-use within
Kitchener. Adaptive re-use refers to the process of repurposing an existing building for a use other
than that which it was originally constructed for. In 1987 the former industrial building was converted
to an apartment containing 39 dwelling units, and the building still operates as an apartment in 2024.
This is a sustainable development method which reduces the amount of energy consumption and
carbon emissions produced in association with construction and keeps materials out of landfills.
Heritage Attributes
The heritage value of 156 Duke Street West resides in the following heritage attributes:
All elements related to the construction and Classic Revival architectural style of the original 1893
building and the 1954 addition, including:
o L-shape plan with three bays along Duke Street;
o yellow brick laid in the American bond style;
o decorative brickwork, including pilasters, belt courses, cornice, and corbels;
o front door opening with radiating brick voussoirs and narrow label moulds;
o flat, semi-circular and segmentally arched window openings;
o brick voussoirs;
o label moulds;
o stone foundation;
o concrete lintels; and,
o concrete windowsills
Photographs
Front Elevation
Side Elevation (Direction Façade)
CULTURAL HERITAGE EVALUATION
FORM
Jessica Vieira
156 Duke Street West
Address: Recorder:
Description: Date:
(date of construction, architectural style, etc)
Photographs Attached:
Front Facade Left Façade Right Façade Rear Facade Details Setting
Heritage Kitchener Committee Recorder - Heritage Planning Staff
Designation Criteria
Њ͵ ŷźƭ ƦƩƚƦĻƩƷǤ ŷğƭ
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No Yes
ķĻƭźŭƓ ǝğƌǒĻ ƚƩ
Yes
ƦŷǤƭźĭğƌ ǝğƌǒĻ
ĬĻĭğǒƭĻ źƷ źƭ ğ ƩğƩĻͲ
ǒƓźƨǒĻͲ
ƩĻƦƩĻƭĻƓƷğƷźǝĻ ƚƩ
ĻğƩƌǤ ĻǣğƒƦƌĻ ƚŅ ğ
ƭƷǤƌĻͲ ƷǤƦĻͲ
ĻǣƦƩĻƭƭźƚƓͲ ƒğƷĻƩźğƌ
ƚƩ ĭƚƓƭƷƩǒĭƷźƚƓ
ƒĻƷŷƚķ͵
Ћ͵ ŷĻ ƦƩƚƦĻƩƷǤ ŷğƭ
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No Yes
ķĻƭźŭƓ ǝğƌǒĻ ƚƩ
Yes
ƦŷǤƭźĭğƌ ǝğƌǒĻ
ĬĻĭğǒƭĻ źƷ ķźƭƦƌğǤƭ ğ
ŷźŭŷ ķĻŭƩĻĻ ƚŅ
ĭƩğŅƷƭƒğƓƭŷźƦ ƚƩ
ğƩƷźƭƷźĭ ƒĻƩźƷ͵
Ќ͵ ŷĻ ƦƩƚƦĻƩƷǤ ŷğƭ
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No Yes
ķĻƭźŭƓ ǝğƌǒĻ ƚƩ
Yes
ƦŷǤƭźĭğƌ ǝğƌǒĻ
ĬĻĭğǒƭĻ źƷ
ķĻƒƚƓƭƷƩğƷĻƭ ğ ŷźŭŷ
ķĻŭƩĻĻ ƚŅ ƷĻĭŷƓźĭğƌ ƚƩ
ƭĭźĻƓƷźŅźĭ
ğĭŷźĻǝĻƒĻƓƷ͵
* E.g. - constructed with a
unique material
combination or use,
incorporates challenging
geometric designs etc.
Ѝ͵ ŷĻ ƦƩƚƦĻƩƷǤ ŷğƭ
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No Yes
ŷźƭƷƚƩźĭğƌ ǝğƌǒĻ ƚƩ
Yes
ğƭƭƚĭźğƷźǝĻ ǝğƌǒĻ
ĬĻĭğǒƭĻ źƷ ŷğƭ ķźƩĻĭƷ
ğƭƭƚĭźğƷźƚƓƭ ǞźƷŷ ğ
ƷŷĻƒĻͲ ĻǝĻƓƷͲ ĬĻƌźĻŅͲ
ƦĻƩƭƚƓͲ ğĭƷźǝźƷǤͲ
ƚƩŭğƓźǩğƷźƚƓ ƚƩ
źƓƭƷźƷǒƷźƚƓ ƷŷğƷ źƭ
ƭźŭƓźŅźĭğƓƷ Ʒƚ ğ
ĭƚƒƒǒƓźƷǤ͵
* Additional archival work
may be required.
Ў͵ ŷĻ ƦƩƚƦĻƩƷǤ ŷğƭ
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No Yes
ŷźƭƷƚƩźĭğƌ ƚƩ
Yes
ğƭƭƚĭźğƷźǝĻ ǝğƌǒĻ
ĬĻĭğǒƭĻ źƷ ǤźĻƌķƭͲ ƚƩ
ŷğƭ ƷŷĻ ƦƚƷĻƓƷźğƌ Ʒƚ
ǤźĻƌķͲ źƓŅƚƩƒğƷźƚƓ
ƷŷğƷ ĭƚƓƷƩźĬǒƷĻƭ Ʒƚ ğƓ
ǒƓķĻƩƭƷğƓķźƓŭ ƚŅ ğ
ĭƚƒƒǒƓźƷǤ ƚƩ
ĭǒƌƷǒƩĻ͵
* E.g - A commercial
building may provide an
understanding of how the
economic development of
the City occured.
Additional archival work
may be required.
Џ͵ ŷĻ ƦƩƚƦĻƩƷǤ ŷğƭ
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No Yes
ŷźƭƷƚƩźĭğƌ ǝğƌǒĻ ƚƩ
Yes
ğƭƭƚĭźğƷźǝĻ ǝğƌǒĻ
ĬĻĭğǒƭĻ źƷ
ķĻƒƚƓƭƷƩğƷĻƭ ƚƩ
ƩĻŅƌĻĭƷƭ ƷŷĻ ǞƚƩƉ ƚƩ
źķĻğƭ ƚŅ ğƓ ğƩĭŷźƷĻĭƷͲ
ğƩƷźƭƷͲ ĬǒźƌķĻƩͲ
ķĻƭźŭƓĻƩ ƚƩ ƷŷĻƚƩźƭƷ
Ǟŷƚ źƭ ƭźŭƓźŅźĭğƓƷ Ʒƚ ğ
ĭƚƒƒǒƓźƷǤ͵
* Additional archival work
may be required.
А͵ ŷĻ ƦƩƚƦĻƩƷǤ ŷğƭ
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No Yes
ĭƚƓƷĻǣƷǒğƌ ǝğƌǒĻ
Yes
ĬĻĭğǒƭĻ źƷ źƭ
źƒƦƚƩƷğƓƷ źƓ ķĻŅźƓźƓŭͲ
ƒğźƓƷğźƓźƓŭ ƚƩ
ƭǒƦƦƚƩƷźƓŭ ƷŷĻ
ĭŷğƩğĭƷĻƩ ƚŅ ğƓ ğƩĻğ͵
* E.g. - It helps to define
an entrance point to a
neighbourhood or helps
establish the (historic)
rural character of an area.
Б͵ ŷĻ ƦƩƚƦĻƩƷǤ ŷğƭ
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No Yes
ĭƚƓƷĻǣƷǒğƌ ǝğƌǒĻ
Yes
ĬĻĭğǒƭĻ źƷ źƭ
ƦŷǤƭźĭğƌƌǤͲ
ŅǒƓĭƷźƚƓğƌƌǤͲ ǝźƭǒğƌƌǤ
ƚƩ ŷźƭƷƚƩźĭğƌƌǤ ƌźƓƉĻķ
Ʒƚ źƷƭ ƭǒƩƩƚǒƓķźƓŭƭ͵
* Additional archival work
may be required.
В͵ ŷĻ ƦƩƚƦĻƩƷǤ ŷğƭ
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No Yes
ĭƚƓƷĻǣƷǒğƌ ǝğƌǒĻ
Yes
ĬĻĭğǒƭĻ źƷ źƭ ğ
ƌğƓķƒğƩƉ͵
*within the region, city or
neighborhood.
Notes
Additional Criteria Heritage Kitchener Recorder - Heritage Planning
Committee Staff
Interior: Is the interior
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No Yes
arrangement, finish, craftsmanship
and/or detail noteworthy?
Yes
Completeness: Does this structure
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No Yes
have other original outbuildings,
notable landscaping or external
Yes
features that complete the site?
Site Integrity: Does the structure
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No Yes
occupy its original site?
Yes
* 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 Yes
retain most of its original
materials and design features?
Yes
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 additional
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No Yes
elements or features that should be
added to the heritage attribute list?
Yes
- Stone foundation
Condition: Is the building in good
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No Yes
condition?
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 N/A Unknown No Yes
Indigenous heritage and history?
Yes Additional Research Required
Additional Research
*E.g. - Site within 300m of water
Required
sources, near distinct topographical
land, or near cemeteries might have
archaeological potential and
indigenous heritage potential.
Could there be any urban
N/A Unknown No Yes
Indigenous history associated with
Additional Research Required
the property?
N/A Unknown No
* Additional archival work may be
Yes
required.
Additional Research
Required
Function: What is the present
Unknown Residential Unknown Residential Commerc
function of the subject property?
Commercial ial
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 N/A Unknown No Yes
the subject property contribute to
Yes Additional Research Required
the cultural heritage of a
Additional Research
community of people?
Required
Does the subject property have
N/A Unknown No Yes
intangible value to a specific
Additional Research Required
community of people?
N/A Unknown No
Yes
* E.g.- Waterloo Masjid (Muslim
Additional Research
Society of Waterloo & Wellington
Counties) was the first established
Required
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
7 Fischer Court
Summary of Significance
Design/Physical Value Social Value
Associative/Historical Value Economic Value
Contextual Value Environmental Value
Municipal Address: 7 Fischer Court
Legal Description: Reg Plan 58M-316 Lot 148
Year Built: c. 1860
Architectural Style: Log
Original Owner: William Fischer
Original Use: Residential
Condition: Good
Description of Cultural Heritage Resource
7 Fischer Court (previously 1 Oregon Drive) is a three-storey mid-19th century log house. The house is
situated on a 0.29-acre parcel of land located on the south side of Fischer Court at the intersection of
Fischer Court and Pine Valley Drive in the Doon South Neighbourhood of the City of Kitchener within
the Region of Waterloo. The house is the principal resource that contributes to the heritage value.
Heritage Value
7 Fischer Court is recognized for its design/physical, and associative/historic values.
Design/Physical Value
The property municipally addressed as 7 Fischer Court demonstrates design/physical value as a rare,
th
unique and unexpected example of a late 19-.
According to the late Nicholas Hill, Architect Planner,
commissioned by a client with adventurous taste. The building significantly altered over the years;
however, it was rehabilitated in the late 1990s/early 2000s. The building has both original and
rehabilitated heritage attributes in good condition including: 2.5 storey square plan; log construction
with a pyramidal roof with glass roof lantern; pine fascia and
frieze; prefinished metal covered wood windows with muntins; wraparound verandah; and, a stone
foundation under a portion of the house. The original smokehouse was relocated and reconstructed on
this lot in the new subdivision.
Front (East) Façade
The front of the building faces Pine Valley Drive and is comprised of three somewhat irregular bays.
The centre bay features the front door and a prefinished metal covered wood window on the first floor
while the two end bays on this floor feature matching prefinished metal covered wood windows with
muntins. The first floor also features a reconstructed wraparound verandah, which is slightly off centre
(closer to the east façade). The verandah displays a hip roof with cedar shingles, six pine posts and
pine railings. The second storey features three prefinished metal covered wood windows with muntins
while the two end windows align with the windows on the first floor. The third floor features the pyramidal
cedar shingle roof, pine fascia and frieze and glass roof lantern with prefinished metal covered wood
windows with muntins.
Side (North) Façade
The north side façade faces Fischer Court and features two bays. The first floor contains two doors and
one prefinished metal covered wood window with muntins near the north-west corner of the house. This
floor also features a reconstructed wraparound verandah, which unlike the front façade is symmetrical.
The verandah displays a hip roof with cedar shingles, six pine posts and pine railings. The second floor
features two prefinished metal covered wood windows with muntins along with one window aligning
with a door on the first floor while the other window aligns with the window on the first floor. The third
storey features the pyramidal cedar shingle roof, pine fascia and frieze and glass roof lantern with
prefinished metal wood windows with muntins.
Side (South) Façade
The south side façade faces the surrounding subdivision and features two bays. The first and second
floor both display two matching prefinished metal covered wood windows with muntins that are aligned
above/below one another. The third storey features the pyramidal cedar shingle roof, pine fascia and
frieze and glass roof lantern with prefinished metal covered wood windows with muntins.
Rear (West) Façade
The rear façade faces the surrounding subdivision and features two bays. The first floor displays one
door and one prefinished metal covered wood window with muntins. This floor also features a
wraparound verandah that extends across approximately half of the rear façade. The verandah displays
a hip roof with cedar shingles, four pine posts and pine railings. The second floor features two
prefinished metal covered wood windows with muntins that are aligned with the door and window on
the first floor. The third storey features the pyramidal cedar shingle roof, pine fascia and frieze and glass
roof lantern with prefinished metal covered wood windows with muntins.
Interior
The interior features a central circular staircase from the basement leading up to the glass roof lantern
on the third floor. In 1997, this staircase was nearly original including treads, risers, side panels, handrail
and spindles (Hill, 1997).
Historical/Associative Value
The property municipally addressed as 7 Fischer Court has historical/associative value due to history
and association with early settlement, Richard Beasley, John Biehn, the Stauffer family, and the
Fisher/Fischer family.
Ownership through the 1800s is difficult to confirm. However, the lands are associated with early
settlement, Richard Beasley, John Biehn, and the Fisher/Fischer family.
Richard Beasley sold land in the Lower Block between 1800 and 1803 (Bloomfield et al., 1994).
Research completed in 1996-97 by Nicholas Hill, Architect Planner, suggested that the house was built
.
et al, 19940.
). The assessment roll also indicated that William Fischer was 46 years old and a farmer with 148 acres
of land, of which 110 were cultivated, and he had four horses, eight cattle, 18 sheep, and five hogs. The
value of the land in 1881 was $3,300.
Meorge Fischer, George W.
Fischer, John Fischer, Nelson Fischer, Philip Fischer, and William Fischer.
parents were Father John Burnham Fischer and Ida May Wismer.
Contextual Value (Historic)
Historically, the house was located on an active farm. The glass roof lantern on the third floor was used
to check on the ploughing of the fields (Hill, 1997). It was also a great place for artists to set up their
canvases (Hill, 1997).
Heritage Attributes
The heritage value of 7 Fischer Court resides in the following heritage attributes:
th
late 19-
2.5 storey square plan;
log construction;
cedar shingles;
pyramidal roof with glass roof lantern;
pine fascia and frieze;
prefinished metal covered wood windows with muntins;
wraparound verandah; and,
a stone foundation under a portion of the house;
the relocated and reconstructed original smokehouse;
the front façade with three somewhat irregular bays:
o the centre bay front door and prefinished metal covered wood window on the first floor;
o the two end bays with matching prefinished metal covered wood windows with muntins;
o the reconstructed wraparound verandah with hip roof covered by cedar shingles, six pine
posts and pine railings;
o the three prefinished metal covered wood windows with muntins on the second floor;
o the third floor pyramidal cedar shingle roof, pine fascia and frieze and glass roof lantern
with prefinished metal covered wood windows with muntins.
The north side façade with two bays:
o the two doors and prefinished metal covered wood window with muntins near the north-
west corner of the house on the first floor;
o the reconstructed wraparound verandah with hip roof covered by cedar shingles, six pine
posts and pine railings;
o the two prefinished metal covered wood windows with muntins;
o the third floor pyramidal cedar shingle roof, pine fascia and frieze and glass roof lantern
with prefinished metal covered wood windows with muntins.
The south side façade with two bays:
o the two matching prefinished metal covered wood windows with muntins that are aligned
above/below one another;
o the third storey pyramidal cedar shingle roof, pine fascia and frieze and glass roof lantern
with prefinished metal covered wood windows with muntins.
The rear façade with two bays:
o the door and prefinished metal covered wood window with muntins on the first floor;
o the wraparound verandah with hip roof covered by cedar shingles, four pine posts and
pine railings;
o the prefinished metal covered wood windows with muntins;
o the third storey pyramidal cedar shingle roof, pine fascia and frieze and glass roof lantern
with prefinished metal covered wood windows with muntins.
References
Bergey, L., (1977). A history of the Stauffers Families Who Came to Ontario. Stauffer Family
Historical Committee: Kitchener-Waterloo, ON.
Bloomfield, E., L. Foster & L.W. Laliberte. (1994). The Waterloo Township Cadastre in 1861. Guelph:
Department of Geography, University of Guelph.
Hill, N. (1997). Wyldwoods Neighbourhood Doon South Community City of Kitchener Heritage Impact
Assessment. Kitchener ON: Nicolas Hill & Green Scheels and Pidgeon.
Photographs
Context: Front Elevation (East Façade) of 7 Fischer Court located on a corner lot within a
suburban subdivision
Front Elevation (East Façade) Side Elevation (North Façade) & Rear
Elevation (West Façade)
Side Elevation (South Façade) Detail of the pyramidal cedar shingle roof,
pine fascia and frieze and glass roof lantern
with prefinished metal covered wood
windows with muntins
Detail of first storey covered verandah
with cedar shingle roof, pine posts and
pine railings
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
11-15 Pandora Avenue
Summary of Significance
Design/Physical Value Social Value
Historical Value Economic Value
Contextual Value Environmental Value
Municipal Address: 11-15 Pandora Avenue
Legal Description: GCT Sub of Lot 2 Lot 74
Year Built: 1878
Architectural Style: Italianate
Original Owner: Menno Erb
Original Use: Residential
Condition: Good
Description of Cultural Heritage Resource
th
11-15 Pandora Avenue North is a two-storey 19-cenutry building. The building is constructed in the
Italianate architectural style. The building is situated on a 0.18 acre parcel of land located on the east
side of Pandora Avenue North between Duke Street East and King Street East in the King East
Planning Community of the City of Kitchener within the Region of Waterloo. The principal resource
that contributes to the heritage value is the residential building.
Heritage Value
11-15 Pandora Avenue North is recognized for its design/physical and historical/associative values.
Design/Physical Value
The design and physical value relate to the building and the Italianate architectural style. The building
has many intact original elements in good condition. Features that represent the Italianate architectural
style include: asymmetrical plan in a modified L-shape; two storey height plus attic; truncated hip roof
with cross gables; central hip roof that leads to the clerestory windows; moulded fascia, plain cornice,
and panelled frieze with paired brackets; a segmentally arched door on the south elevation features two
elongated windows with etched bevelled lites and wood panelling as well as a decorative hood crown;
projecting centre bay on west elevation with bay window; 1.5 storey addition (original use was the
servant quarters); double (suspected) yellow brick construction; corner brick quoins; segmentally hung
wood windows with decorative hood crowns, or brick voussoirs, and stone sills; and, rubble stone
foundation.
Front (West) Façade
The current front of the building faces Pandora Avenue North. The building generally depicts an
asymmetrical plan in a modified L-shape. The truncated hip roof features cross gables that contribute
to the modified L-shape plan. The central hip roof leads to the rooftop clerestory windows. The roofline
features moulded fascia, plain cornice, and panelled frieze with decorative paired brackets.
The front gable projects out and features a one-storey bay window on the main floor. The bay window
displays a hip roof with decorative brackets and panelled frieze. Each bay contains an 8-pane
segmentally arched wood window with brick voussoirs and stone sills. A group of two segmentally
arched 4/4 wood windows with decorative hood crowns and stone sills is featured on the second storey.
A circular wood window with a decorative hood crown is in the upper gable end. The corners of the
projecting front gable display brick quoins.
The modified L-shape features one bay with a hipped roof with a moulded fascia, plain cornice, and
panelled frieze with decorative paired brackets. The first storey contains a wraparound porch
constructed circa 2009-2011, which does not detract from the Italianate architectural style. The 1924
Fire Insurance Plan shows that the original porch was confined to the original front (south) façade. Both
the first storey and the second storey display a segmentally arched 4/4 wood window with decorative
hood crown and stone sill. The third storey is comprised of the hip roof leading to the rooftop clerestory
windows. The third storey was rebuilt in 2022. The corners of this bay display brick quoins.
The side elevation of the cross gable features a moulded fascia, plain cornice, and panelled frieze with
decorative paired brackets. The corners of this bay display brick quoins. There are no doors or windows
on this elevation.
A 1.5-storey side-gable addition is located on the north side of the
projecting front gable. This addition was built as early as 1924. The yellow brick elevation facing
Pandora Avenue North is setback approximately 3 metres from the projecting front gable. This elevation
demonstrates a simple design with no ornate details. One four-pane segmentally arched wood window
with stone sill is located on the upper half storey. A 1-storey addition, in front of the 1.5-storey side-
gable addition, features a simple design with a shed roof, painted vertical board siding (possibly board
and batten), a new front door, and three 1/1 windows.
Side (North) Façade
The north façade was originally the rear of the house. This elevation features the 1.5 storey side gable
This addition was built as early as 1924. This
elevation demonstrates a simple design with no ornate details. A chimney stack is visible on the hip
roof of the main building.
Side (South) Façade
The original front of the building faced King Street East. At present, this façade faces a vacant lot
oof is cross gabled with a central hip
roof leading to the rooftop clerestory windows. The roofline features moulded fascia, plain cornice, and
paneled frieze with decorative paired brackets.
The side gable projects out and features a group of two segmentally arched 4/4 wood windows with
decorative hood crowns and stone sills on both the first and second storey. A circular wood window
with a decorative hood crown is in the upper gable end. The corners of the projecting front gable display
brick quoins.
The recessed bay to the left of the projecting side gable features the main entrance to the building with
a wraparound porch constructed circa 2009-2011, which does not detract from the Italianate
architectural style. The single segmentally arched door with decorative hood crown features two
elongated windows with etched and bevelled lite and wood paneling below on the first storey. A group
of two segmentally arched 4/4 wood windows with decorative hood crowns and stone sills is featured
on the second storey. The corners of the projecting side gable display brick quoins.
Rear (East) Facade
The current rear elevation was originally the east side elevation. At present, the east elevation is not
visible from the public realm. According to a 1996 Local Architectural Conservancy Advisory Committee
Heritage Property Report (Bensason, 1996), this elevation consisted of three bays. The left bay
contained a bricked-in segmentally arched window opening. Dividing the left and centre bay was a
chimney projection that ended at the fascia. The centre bay displayed a segmentally arched 1/1 wood
window followed by a pair of segmentally arched 4/4 wood windows on the first storey. The second
storey displayed a segmentally arched 1/1 wood window followed by a pair of segmentally arched 1/1
wood windows. The third bay contained an entrance porch with door that projects from the main
structure, and a 4/4 wood window. The upper half storey contained a 1/1 segmentally arched wood
window. These heritage attributes may still exist.
Bensason (1996) also identified notable interior heritage attributes including: a flying wood (probably
pine) staircase which winds from the main floor to the attic; the original main front entrance carved wood
doors with original hardware, etched and bevelled glass lites; original bay window on Pandora Avenue
North elevation; pine board floors; and, 12- and 14-foot ceilings with detailed plaster work and
centrepiece in the living room. These heritage attributes may still exist.
Historical/Associative Value
The property municipally addressed as 11-15 Pandora Avenue North has historical/associative value
due to history and association with early settlement; prominent pioneer Mennonite families the Ebys
and the Erbs including Bishop Benjamin Eby, Rev. Moses Erb, and Menno Erb; and early industries
including Erb & Co. Glove Works, Brown & Erb, and the Huck Glove Company Limited (Bensason,
1996).
Bishop Benjamin Eby and his wife Marie (nee Brubacher) bought Lot 2, G.C.T. when they came to
Canada in 1807. The first building on the property was a log house that stood west of the First Mennonite
Church where Bishop Eby was a spiritual leader, teacher and first preacher. By 1830, he had built a
frame house. A fine lawn surrounded the frame house with a spacious verandah between the house
and King Street. There was also a large barn and a cider mill operated by Ely Eby, son of Bishop Eby
(Stroh, 1931). Over the years, Bishop Eby and his descendants sold off parcels of Lot 2.
One parcel of Lot 2 was purchased by Rev. Moses Erb in 1862 from the executors of Rev. Christian
Erb, son of Bishop Eby. Moses Erb was born in Waterloo County in 1821. He was an ordained
Mennonite minister for the Martin and Bloomingdale fields of labour. He married Susannah
in 1860 when he was placed on the
Berlin Circuit. They moved along with their children Menno, Aaron, and Moses.
The oldest son of Rev. Erb and Susannah was Menno Erb (b. 1842, d. 1906). He married Lydia Bricker
and together they had four children Malinda, Ephraim, Maggie and Edward. Menno became a large
landowner when he He continued to operate the
cider mill, with a large orchard being located between the farm buildings and the Mennonite Meeting
House and cemetery (Stroh, 1931). The Berliner Journal of October 31, 1878 Menno Erb
had built for $2500 on King Street end of town, a two storey brick house in the Italianate style The
house originally faced King Street (264 King Street).
Menno Erb was the head of M. Erb & Co. Glove Works on King Street and the largest shareholder in
Erb Glove. He was also in partnership with C.F. Brown one of the finest and most
prominent furniture houses in the country. In the 1860s, Brown & Erb commenced the manufacture of
gloves. Menno Erb was a member of the Town Council in 1868 and 1871. Menno Erb and his family
sold the building in 1881 when they moved to the corner of Foundry (Ontario) and Weber Streets. After
his death in 1906 a foreman, Joseph Huck, bought Brown & Erb and established the Huck Glove
Company Limited. And the furniture business became Quality Mattress located at 87 King Street West.
Over the years the house was owned by various families including, but not limited to, Moses Betzner,
Samuel Brubacher, Bennie Persin, Henry Knell William Smyth, Carl Pritschau, Christian Huehn, James
Bowers, Joseph Payne, Charles Miehm, Milton Huehn, and Ivan & Doris Gascho.
Heritage Attributes
The heritage value of 11-15 Pandora Avenue North resides in the following heritage attributes:
asymmetrical plan in a modified L-shape;
two storey height plus attic;
truncated hip roof with cross gables;
central hip roof that leads to the clerestory windows;
moulded fascia, plain cornice, and panelled frieze with paired brackets;
segmentally arched door features two elongated windows with etched bevelled lites and wood
panelling as well as a decorative hood crown;
projecting centre bay on west elevation with bay window;
1.5 storey addition (original use was the servant quarters);
double (suspected) yellow brick construction;
corner brick quoins;
segmentally hung wood windows with decorative hood crowns, or brick voussoirs, and stone
sills; and,
rubble stone foundation.
the current front façade faces Pandora Avenue North and features four irregular bays:
o an asymmetrical plan in a modified L-shape;
o a truncated hip roof with cross gables that contribute to the modified L-shape plan;
o a central hip roof that leads to the rooftop clerestory windows;
o the roofline features moulded fascia, plain cornice, and panelled frieze with decorative
paired brackets;
o the front gable projects out and features a one-storey bay window on the main floor;
the bay window displays a hip roof with decorative brackets and panelled frieze;
each bay contains an 8-pane segmentally arched wood window with brick
voussoirs and stone sills;
a group of two segmentally arched 4/4 wood windows with decorative hood crowns
and stone sills are featured on the second storey;
a circular wood window with a decorative hood crown is in the upper gable end;
the corners of the projecting front gable display brick quoins;
o the modified L-shape features one bay with a hipped roof with a moulded fascia, plain
cornice, and panelled frieze with decorative paired brackets;
the first storey contains a wraparound porch (c. 2009-2011);
both the first storey and the second storey display a segmentally arched 4/4 wood
window with decorative hood crown and stone sill;
the third storey is comprised of the hip roof leading to the rooftop clerestory
windows;
the corners of this bay display brick quoins;
o the side elevation of the cross gable features a moulded fascia, plain cornice, and
panelled frieze with decorative paired brackets;
o the corners of this bay display brick quoins;
o a 1.5-storey side-gable addition;
the yellow brick elevation facing Pandora Avenue North is setback approximately
3 metres from the projecting front gable;
this elevation demonstrates a simple design with no ornate details;
one four-pane segmentally arched wood window with stone sill is located on the
upper half storey;
o a 1-storey addition, in front of the 1.5-storey side-gable addition, features a simple design
with a shed roof, painted vertical board siding (possibly board and batten), a new front
door, and three 1/1 windows.
the north façade features a 1.5 storey side gable addition;
o this elevation demonstrates a simple design with no ornate details;
o a chimney stack is visible on the hip roof of the main building;
the south façade was once the original front of the building and it features:
o a cross-gabled roof with a central hip roof leading to the rooftop clerestory windows;
o moulded fascia, plain cornice, and paneled frieze with decorative paired brackets;
o the side gable projects out and features:
a group of two segmentally arched 4/4 wood windows with decorative hood crowns
and stone sills on both the first and second storey;
a circular wood window with a decorative hood crown in the upper gable end;
the corners of the projecting front gable display brick quoins;
o a recessed bay to the left of the projecting side gable features the main entrance to the
building with a wraparound porch (c. 2009-2011);
o the single segmentally arched door with decorative hood crown features two elongated
windows with etched and bevelled lite and wood paneling below on the first storey;
o a group of two segmentally arched 4/4 wood windows with decorative hood crowns and
stone sills is featured on the second storey;
o the corners of the projecting side gable display brick quoins.
References
Bensason, L. (1996). 11-15 Pandora Avenue Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee
(LACAC) Heritage Property Report. LACAC: Kitchener, Ontario.
Stroh, J. (1931). Reminiscences of Berlin (now Kitchener). Waterloo Historical Society: Volume 19
Photographs
Front Elevation (West Façade) (originally a side elevation)
Side Elevation (South Façade) (originally the front elevation off of King Street East)
Detailing of truncated hip roof with cross gables; central hip roof that leads to the
clerestory windows; moulded fascia, plain cornice, and panelled frieze with paired
brackets; projecting centre bay on west elevation with bay window; double (suspected)
yellow brick construction; corner brick quoins; segmentally hung wood windows with
decorative hood crowns, and stone sills.