HomeMy WebLinkAboutDSD-2024-247 - Notice of Intention to Designate 11-15 Pandora Avenue North under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act
Development Services Department www.kitchener.ca
REPORT TO: Heritage Kitchener
DATE OF MEETING: June 11, 2024
SUBMITTED BY: Garett Stevenson, Director of Development and Housing Approvals,
519-741-2200 ext. 7070
PREPARED BY: Michelle Drake, Senior Heritage Planner, 519-741-2200 ext. 7839
WARD(S) INVOLVED: Ward 10
DATE OF REPORT: May 13, 2024
REPORT NO.: DSD-2024-247
SUBJECT: Notice of Intention to Designate 11-15 Pandora Avenue North under
Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act
RECOMMENDATION:
That pursuant to Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, the Clerk be directed to
publish a Notice of Intention to Designate the property municipally addressed as 11-
15 Pandora Avenue North as being of cultural heritage value or interest.
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS:
The purpose of this report is to request that Council publish a Notice of Intention to
Designate 11-15 Pandora Avenue North Under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act.
An updated Statement of Significance describing the cultural heritage value or interest
of 11-15 Pandora Avenue North was taken to the Heritage Kitchener Committee on
April 2, 2024. The Committee recommended that pursuant to Section 29 of the Ontario
Heritage Act, the cultural heritage value or interest of 11-15 Pandora Avenue North
should be confirmed by pursuing designation of the property under Part IV of the
Ontario Heritage Act.
The key finding of this report is that 11-15 Pandora Avenue North meets three (3) of
nine (9) criteria for designation under Ontario Heritage Act Regulation 9/06 (amended
by Ontario Regulation 569/22) and has been confirmed to be a significant cultural
heritage resource recognized for its design/physical and historical/associative values.
There are no financial implications.
Community engagement included informing residents by posting this report with the
agenda in advance of the Heritage Kitchener Committee meeting, providing written
correspondence to the property owner, and consulting with Heritage Kitchener. Should
Council choose to give Notice of Intention to Designate, such notice shall be served
on the property owner and the Ontario Heritage Trust.
This report supports the delivery of core services.
*** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. ***
Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance.
BACKGROUND:
th
11-15 Pandora Avenue North is a two-storey 19century building 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.
Figure 1.0: Location Map of Subject Property (11-15 Pandora Avenue North)
A full assessment of 11-15 Pandora Avenue North has been completed, including: field
evaluation and archival research. The findings concluded that the subject property meets
three (3) of nine (9) criteria for designation under Ontario Heritage Act Regulation 9/06
(amended by Ontario Regulation 569/22). An updated Statement of Significance
describing or interest was presented to the Heritage
Kitchener Committee on April 2, 2024. The Committee recommended that pursuant to
Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, the cultural heritage value or interest of 11-15
Pandora Avenue North should be confirmed by pursuing designation of the subject
property under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. This work was undertaken as part of
the CityMunicipal Heritage Register (MHR) Review, initiated in February of 2023. The
to amendments to the Ontario Heritage Act introduced
in January of 2023 through Bill 23, the More Homes Built Faster Act. The City contacted
owners of listed properties through an initial letter dated May 23, 2023, to inform them of
this undertaking. Owners of properties recommended for designation were contacted via a
second letter. The property owner for 11-15 Pandora Avenue North was contacted via
second letter sent by mail dated April 9, 2024. This letter was accompanied by the
updated Statement of Significance and a
Senior Heritage Planner with any comments, questions, or concerns.
Per standard procedure, should Council support the Notice of Intention to Designate
(NOID), the property owner will be contacted a third time through a letter advising of the
served on the property owner and the Ontario Heritage Trust, and the newspaper ad is
posted, there will be a 30-day appeal period in which the property owner may object to the
designation.
Figure 2.0: Current Front (West Façade) Elevation
REPORT:
Identifying and protecting cultural heritage resources within our City is an important part of
planning for the future, and helping to guide change while conserving the buildings,
structures, and landscapes that give the City of Kitchener its unique identity. The City
plays a critical role in the conservation of cultural heritage resources. The designation of
property under the Ontario Heritage Act is the main tool to provide long-term conservation
of cultural heritage resources for future generations. Designation recognizes the
value or interest; encourages good stewardship and conservation; and, promotes
knowledge and understanding about the property. Designation not only publicly recognizes
and promotes awareness, but it also provides a process for ensuring that changes to a
tural
heritage value or interest.
11-15 Pandora Avenue North is recognized for its design/physical and
historical/associative, values. It satisfies three (3) of nine (9) criteria for designation under
the Ontario Heritage Act Regulation 9/06 (amended by Ontario Regulation 569/22). A
summary of the criteria that is or is not met is provided in the table below.
Criteria Criteria Met
(Yes/No)
1. The property has design value or physical value because it is a Yes
rare, unique, representative or early example of a style, type,
material, or construction method.
2. The property has design value or physical value because it Yes
displays a high degree of craftsmanship or artistic merit.
3. The property has design or physical value because it No
demonstrates a high degree of technical or scientific
achievement.
4. The property has historical value or associative value because it Yes
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 No
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 No
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 No
defining, maintaining or supporting the character of an area.
8. The property has contextual value because it is physically, No
functionally, visually, or historically linked to its surroundings.
9. The property has contextual value because it is a landmark. No
Table 1: Criteria for Designation under Ontario Regulation 9/06 (Amended by Ontario
Regulation 569/22)
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.
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-
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.
Figure 3.0: 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. (Google
Streetview, 2020)
Side (North) Façade
The north façade was originally the rear of the house. This elevation features the 1.5
stoThis 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
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.
Figure 4.0: Side Elevation (South Detailing of original front entrance (City
Façade) (originally the front elevation of Kitchener, 2024)
off of King Street East) (City of
Kitchener, 2024)
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
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 lar
his father in 1867. 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 JournMenno Erb had built
for $2500 on King Street end of town, a two storey brick house in the Italianate style
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.
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
of the Heritage Kitchener committee meeting.
CONSULT Heritage Planning staff have consulted with the Heritage Kitchener committee
regarding designation under the Ontario Heritage Act. Property owners were invited to
consult via two separate letters dated May 23, 2023 and April 9, 2024.
Section 29(2) of the Ontario Heritage Act requires Council to consult with the Municipal
Heritage Committee (Heritage Kitchener) before giving Notice of Intention to Designate
(NOID) a property. Heritage Kitchener will be consulted via circulation and consideration of
this report (see INFORM above). Members of the community will be informed via
circulation of this report to Heritage Kitchener and via formal consideration by Council.
Should Council choose to proceed with a NOID, such notice will be served on the property
owner, the Ontario Heritage Trust, and published in the local newspaper (The Record).
Once notice has been served, the property owner has the right of appeal to the Ontario
Land Tribunal (OLT). Should Council decide not to proceed with a NOID then the building
which it will be removed in accordance with the legislative changes enacted by Bill 23.
Once removed from the MHR, it cannot be re-listed on the MHR for five (5) years (i.e.,
January 1, 2030).
PREVIOUS REPORTS/AUTHORITIES:
Ontario Heritage Act, 2022
Ontario Regulation 9/06 (Amended by Ontario Regulation 569/22)
Bill 23 Municipal Heritage Register Review (DSD-2023-225)
Municipal Heritage Register Review August 2023 Update (DSD-2023-309)
Municipal Heritage Register Review January 2024 Update (DSD-2024-022)
Municipal Heritage Register Review February 2024 Update (DSD-2024-056)
Municipal Heritage Register Review March 2024 Update (DSD-2024-093)
Municipal Heritage Register Review April 2024 Update (DSD-2024-131
Municipal Heritage Register Review May 2024 Update (DSD-2024-194)
APPROVED BY: Justin Readman, General Manager, Development Services Department
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A Statement of Significance for 11-15 Pandora Avenue North
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
11-15 Pandora Avenue North
Summary of Significance
Design/Physical Value Social Value
Historical Value Economic Value
Contextual Value Environmental Value
Municipal Address: 11-15 Pandora Avenue North
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
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
Rosenberger iin 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) (Google Streetview, 2020)
Front Elevation (West Façade) (originally a side elevation) (City of Kitchener, 2024)
Side Elevation (South Façade) (originally Side Elevation (South Façade) (originally
the front elevation off of King Street East) the front elevation off of King Street East)
(Google Streetview, 2023) (City of Kitchener, 2024)
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. (Google Streetview, 2020)
Detailing of original front entrance (City of Kitchener, 2024)
CULTURAL HERITAGE EVALUATION FORM
P. Ciuciura
11-15 Pandora Avenue North
Address: Recorder:
1878 home of Menno Erb
Aug. 1/23
Description: Date:
(date of construction, architectural style, etc)
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 N/A Unknown No Yes
Yes
Indigenous heritage and
Additional Research Additional Research Required
history?
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
N/A Unknown No
with the property?
Yes
Additional Research Required
Additional Research
* Additional archival work may be
Required
required.
Function: What is the present
Unknown Residential Unknown Residential Co
function of the subject
Commercial mmercial
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 N/A Unknown No Yes
the subject property
Yes
contribute to the cultural
Additional Research Additional Research Required
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
specific community of people?
Yes
Additional Research Required
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
Building is located within 180 metres of a cemetery, and within 480 metres of a source of water
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
Exterior paint on brick has been removed; extensive renovations underway
TO BE FILLED BY HERITAGE PLANNING STAFF:
Date of Property Owner Notification: