HomeMy WebLinkAboutDSD-2024-340 - Notice of Intention to Designate, 148 Madison Avenue South
Development Services Department www.kitchener.ca
REPORT TO: Heritage Kitchener
DATE OF MEETING: August 6, 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 9
DATE OF REPORT: July 4, 2024
REPORT NO.: DSD-2024-340
SUBJECT: Notice of Intention to Designate 148 Madison Avenue South 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 148
Madison Avenue South 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 148 Madison Avenue South Under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act.
An updated Statement of Significance describing the cultural heritage value or interest
of 148 Madison Avenue South has been drafted by Heritage Planning staff.
The key finding of this report is that 148 Madison Avenue South meets eight (8) 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, historical/associative, and
contextual 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 at their
August 6, 2024 committee meeting. Should Council choose to give Notice of Intention
to Designate, such notice shall be served to the property owner and the Ontario
Heritage Trust.
This report supports the delivery of core services.
BACKGROUND:
148 Madison Avenue South is a mid-20th century brick church built in the Romanesque
architectural style. The church is situated on a 0.68 acre parcel of land located on the north
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west corner of Courtland Avenue East and Madison Avenue South in the Mill Courtland
Woodside Park Planning Community of the City of Kitchener within the Region of Waterloo.
The principal resource that contributes to the heritage value is the church.
Figure 1.0: Location Map of Subject Property (148 Madison Avenue South)
A full assessment of 148 Madison Avenue South has been completed, including: field
evaluation and archival research. The findings concluded that the subject property meets
eight (8) 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 May 7, 2024. The Committee recommended that pursuant to
Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, the cultural heritage value or interest of 148
Madison Avenue South 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
sponse to amendments to the Ontario Heritage Act introduced
in January of 2023 through Bill 23, the More Homes Built Faster Act. Bill 200, the
Homeowner Protect Act, 2024, extended the time municipalities have to designate
properties listed on their municipal heritage registers until January 1, 2027. 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 148 Madison Avenue South was
contacted via second letter sent by mail dated May 17, 2024. This letter was accompanied
by the updated Statement of Significance and a
prepared in June 2023. The letter invited property owners to contact the
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: Front Elevation (South Façade)
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
importance of a property to the local community
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
heritage value or interest.
148 Madison Avenue South is recognized for its design/physical, historical/associative,
and contextual values. It satisfies eight (8) 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 Unknown
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 Yes
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 Yes
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 Yes
defining, maintaining or supporting the character of an area.
8. The property has contextual value because it is physically, Yes
functionally, visually, or historically linked to its surroundings.
9. The property has contextual value because it is a landmark. Yes
Table 1: Criteria for Designation under Ontario Regulation 9/06 (Amended by Ontario
Regulation 569/22)
Design/Physical Value
The property demonstrates design/physical value as a rare and unique example of a mid-
th
20 century church built in the Romanesque architectural style. The building has many
intact heritage attributes in good condition.
Front (South) Façade
The front façade of the building faces Madison Avenue South and is comprised of three
irregular bays.
The centre bay projects forward and features: a front-facing ridged gable roofline; rose
window; ribbon of three window openings with semi-circular arches containing stained
glass windows that are separated by round stone columns with Corinthian capitals and a
simple base; the windows are surrounded by stone arches, quoining and a single sill; the
upper half of the façade is stone while the lower half is semi-rugged buff (yellow) brick;
there are two one-storey buttresses at each end of the centre bay primarily constructed
with buff (yellow) brick with stone at top; decorative stone crosses are inset within the
semi-rugged buff (yellow) brick; the main entrance features primarily plain archivolts with
one decorative floral arch resting on round embedded stone columns with Corinthian
capitals and a simple base; a pair of stained glass windows with semi-circular arches flank
each side of the main entrance and are surrounded stone; and, a wide concrete/stone
staircase with metal railings leads to the main entrance.
The left (west) bay is setback from the centre bay and features: an octagon plan with only
six visible sides; a flat roof with copper trim; semi-rugged buff (yellow) brick; one flat head
stained glass window with a stone lintel, quoins and sill; a pair of windows with semi-
circular arches containing stained glass windows that are separated by round stone
columns with Corinthian capitals and a simple base and surrounded by stone arches,
quoining and a single sill; and, a rusticated stone foundation.
The right (east) bay is setback from the centre bay and features: square plan; flat roof;
prominent square bell tower (decorative floral stone motifs; cornice with small stone
dentils; a pair of semi-circular arches that are separated by round stone columns with
Corinthian capitals and a simple base and surrounded by stone; heavy cornice beneath
the bell with larger stone dentils); stone and semi-rugged buff (yellow) brick; semi-circular
stained glass window and window opening with stone surround; flathead stained glass
window and window opening with stone surround; a pair of windows with semi-circular
arches containing stained glass windows that are separated by round stone columns with
Corinthian capitals and a simple base and surrounded by stone arches, quoining and a
single sill; and, a rusticated stone foundation.
Side (West) Façade
Only a partial view of the
side façade is visible from the public realm. The most prominent feature is the protruding
octagon with only six visible sides, which features a flat roof with copper trim; semi-rugged
buff (yellow) brick; flat head stained glass windows with a stone lintels, quoins and sills;
pairs of windows with semi-circular arches containing stained glass windows that are
separated by round stone columns with Corinthian capitals and a simple base and
surrounded by stone arches, quoining and a single sill; and, a rusticated stone foundation.
Other visible heritage attributes include: the flat roof with copper trim; semi-rugged buff
(yellow) brick; flat head stained glass windows with a stone lintels, quoins and sills; large
semi-circular stained glass windows and window openings with stone surrounds; and, a
rusticated stone foundation.
Side (East) Façades
The side façade faces Madison Avenue South and is comprised of several irregular bays.
The left (south) bay features: square plan; flat roof with copper trim; prominent square bell
tower (decorative floral stone motifs; cornice with small stone dentils; a pair of semi-
circular arches that are separated by round stone columns with Corinthian capitals and a
simple base and surrounded by stone; heavy cornice beneath the bell with larger stone
dentils); stone and semi-rugged buff (yellow) brick; flathead stained glass window and
window opening with stone surround; semi-circular stained glass window and window
opening with stone surround; side entrance with plain archivolts resting on round
embedded stone columns with Corinthian capitals and a simple base; and, a rusticated
stone foundation.
The central bay is inset and features: gable roof with copper trim; semi-rugged buff
(yellow) brick; semi-circular stained-glass windows and window openings with stone
surround; flat head 1/1 basement windows and window openings with stone lintels and
sills; and, rusticated stone foundation.
The right (north) bay features: prominent gable with copper trim; a plain vertical stone
rectangle with stone surround (perhaps once a cast stone gable vent); a pair of windows
with semi-circular arches containing stained glass windows that are separated by round
stone columns with Corinthian capitals and a simple base and surrounded by stone
arches, quoining and a single sill; flat head 1/1 basement windows and window openings
with stone lintels and sills; and, rusticated stone foundation. To the right of the gable is a
one-storey section that features: flat roof with copper trim; flat head stained-glass windows
and window openings with stone surround; entrance door with rectangular stone surround;
and, rusticated stone foundation.
The Parish House also faces Madison Avenue South and features: hip roof with a cross on
the front; brick construction; symmetrical façade with a central main entrance door and
window above flanked by a single window and a pair of windows on both the first and
second storey; front door and door opening with side lites; flat head 1/1 windows and
window openings with stone sills; and, concrete foundation.
Rear (South) Façade
The rear (north) façade faces the Parish House and only a portion of this façade is visible
from the public realm. The prominent feature on this façade is the semi-circular plan with
round copper dome. Other heritage attributes include: semi-rugged buff (yellow) brick; flat
head stained-glass windows and window openings with stone sills; flat head basement
windows with stone lintels; and, rusticated stone foundation.
Historical/Associative Value
The historical and associative values relate to the original owner, congregation, original
pastor, architect and builder. The St. Joseph website (https://stjosephkitchener.org/history)
th
contains a detailed Parish Timeline, history of Priests of St Joseph, 50 Anniversary
Booklet (1980), 60 Years Working Together (1990), 75 Year Directory Our History
(2005), and 85 Year Directory Our History (2015). Most of the following information was
obtained from the St. Joseph website.
The lands were secured from the school board in 1930 for $3000. The congregation was
formed in 1930 when Monsignor Reuben M. Haller was assigned the task of building a
was he
the first diocesan priest to serve Kitchener; the first priest of the City to be made a
Monsignor while serving the community; and, the first living person to have a new
separate school named in his honour. Construction of the basement began in the fall of
1930 with church services being held in the basement by Christmas. Due to a steel
shortage during the depression the remainder of the church was not built until 1952. The
church was dedicated on April 12, 1953 by Bishop J.F. Ryan of Hamilton and the
Rev. R.M. Haller and Rev. H.B. Smith. According to an article in the KW Record (April 11,
The rectory was built on Madison Avenue South in 1958, a plaque in memory of
Monsignor Haller was unveiled in 1980, the sanctuary was renovated in 1986, some
brickwork was redone in 1988 and some of the brick on the tower was replaced with stone
in 1996.
The church was designed by Bernal A. Jones. B.A. Jones attended the Toronto Technical
School and worked as a draftsman for Frank Darling, in the office of Darling and Pearson,
between 1908 and 1922. B.A. Jones moved to Kitchener in 1922 and worked with W.H.E.
Schmalz until opening his own office in 1926. During that time B.A. Jones assisted W.H.E.
Schmalz design the 1922-23 Kitchener City Hall. B.A. Jones is also responsible for the
design of several other important buildings in Kitchener such as the 1932 Public Utilities
Building and the 1936-37 Church of the Good Shepherd.
The church was constructed by Ball Brothers Ltd. Ball Brothers Ltd. were general
contractors formed by the partnership of Harold and Frank Ball in 1923. Ball Brothers Ltd.
was a local based company but known across the province. Local examples of their work
Square; various buildings at Conestoga College, Wilfrid Laurier University, the University
of Waterloo and the University of Guelph; the former Budd automative plant (demolished);
and, the Kitchener railway barns (demolished). The company is now known as Ball
Construction.
Heritage Attributes
The heritage value of 148 Madison Avenue South resides in the following heritage
attributes:
All elements related to the design/physical value of the church built in the
Romanesque architectural style, including:
o All elements of the front (south) façade, including:
three irregular bays;
the centre bay that projects forward and features:
a front-facing ridged gable roofline;
rose window;
ribbon of three window openings with semi-circular arches
containing stained glass windows that are separated by round
stone columns with Corinthian capitals and a simple base;
windows surrounded by stone arches, quoining and a single
sill;
stone and semi-rugged buff (yellow) brick;
two one-storey buttresses at each end of the centre bay
primarily constructed with buff (yellow) brick with stone at top;
decorative stone crosses are inset within the semi-rugged buff
(yellow) brick;
main entrance features primarily plain archivolts with one
decorative floral arch resting on round embedded stone
columns with Corinthian capitals and a simple base;
pair of stained glass windows with semi-circular arches flanking
each side of the main entrance and stonesurround; and,
wide concrete/stone staircase with metal railings.
the left (west) bay that is setback from the centre bay and features:
octagon plan with only six visible sides;
flat roof with copper trim;
semi-rugged buff (yellow) brick;
one flat head stained glass window with stone lintel, quoins and
sill;
pair of windows with semi-circular arches containing stained
glass windows that are separated by round stone columns with
Corinthian capitals and a simple base and surrounded by stone
arches, quoining and a single sill; and,
rusticated stone foundation.
the right (east) bay is setback from the centre bay and features:
square plan;
flat roof;
prominent square bell tower (decorative floral stone motifs;
cornice with small stone dentils; a pair of semi-circular arches
that are separated by round stone columns with Corinthian
capitals and a simple base and surrounded by stone; heavy
cornice beneath the bell with larger stone dentils);
stone and semi-rugged buff (yellow) brick;
semi-circular stained-glass window and window opening with
stone surround;
flathead stained-glass window and window opening with stone
surround;
pair of windows with semi-circular arches containing stained
glass windows that are separated by round stone columns with
Corinthian capitals and a simple base and surrounded by stone
arches, quoining and a single sill; and,
rusticated stone foundation.
o All elements of the side (West) façade, including:
protruding octagon with only six visible sides, including:
copper trim;
semi-rugged buff (yellow) brick;
flat head stained-glass windows with stone lintels, quoins and
sills;
pairs of windows with semi-circular arches containing stained-
glass windows that are separated by round stone columns with
Corinthian capitals and a simple base and surrounded by stone
arches, quoining and a single sill; and,
rusticated stone foundation.
other visible heritage attributes include:
the flat roof with copper trim;
semi-rugged buff (yellow) brick;
flat head stained glass-windows with stone lintels, quoins and
sills;
large semi-circular stained-glass windows and window
openings with stone surrounds; and,
rusticated stone foundation.
o All elements of the side (East) façade, including:
several irregular bays;
the left (south) bay features:
square plan;
flat roof with copper trim;
prominent square bell tower (decorative floral stone motifs;
cornice with small stone dentils; a pair of semi-circular arches
that are separated by round stone columns with Corinthian
capitals and a simple base and surrounded by stone; heavy
cornice beneath the bell with larger stone dentils);
stone and semi-rugged buff (yellow) brick;
flathead stained-glass window and window opening with stone
surround;
semi-circular stained-glass window and window opening with
stone surround;
side entrance with plain archivolts resting on round embedded
stone columns with Corinthian capitals and a simple base; and,
rusticated stone foundation.
The central bay is inset and features:
gable roof with copper trim;
semi-rugged buff (yellow) brick;
semi-circular stained-glass windows and window openings with
stone surround;
flat head 1/1 basement windows and window openings with
stone lintels and sills; and,
rusticated stone foundation.
The right (north) bay features:
prominent gable with copper trim;
plain vertical stone rectangle with stone surround (perhaps
once a cast stone gable vent);
pair of windows with semi-circular arches containing stained-
glass windows that are separated by round stone columns with
Corinthian capitals and a simple base and surrounded by stone
arches, quoining and a single sill;
flat head 1/1 basement windows and window openings with
stone lintels and sills; and,
rusticated stone foundation;
to the right of the gable is a one-storey section that features:
flat roof with copper trim;
flat head stained-glass windows and window openings with
stone surrounds;
entrance door with rectangular stone surround; and,
rusticated stone foundation.
the Parish House features:
hip roof with a cross on the front;
brick construction;
symmetrical façade with a central main entrance door and
window above flanked by a single window and a pair of
windows on both the first and second storey;
front door and door opening with side lites;
flat head 1/1 windows and window openings with stone sills;
and,
concrete foundation.
o All elements of the rear (South) façade including:
semi-circular plan with round copper dome;
semi-rugged buff (yellow) brick;
flat head stained-glass windows and window openings with stone sills;
flat head basement windows with stone lintels; and,
rusticated stone foundation.
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 May 17, 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. 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 will remain on
7, after which it will be
removed in accordance with the legislative changes enacted by Bill 200. Once removed
from the MHR, it cannot be re-listed on the MHR for five (5) years (i.e., January 1, 2032).
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)
Bill 200, Homeowners Protection Act, 2024
Municipal Heritage Register Review June 2024 Update (DSD-2024-250)
APPROVED BY: Justin Readman, General Manager, Development Services Department
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A Statement of Significance for 148 Madison Avenue South
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
148 Madison Avenue South
Summary of Significance
Design/Physical Value Social Value
Historic/Associative Value Economic Value
Contextual Value
Environmental Value
Municipal Address: 148 Madison Avenue South
Legal Description: Plan 395 Part Lot 1, 2 & 7
Year Built: 1930 & 1952
Architectural Style: Romanesque
Original Owner:
Original Use: Religious
Condition: Good
Description of Cultural Heritage Resource
The property municipally addressed as 148 Madison Avenue South is a mid-20th century brick church
built in the Romanesque architectural style. The church is situated on a 0.68 acre parcel of land
located on the north west corner of Courtland Avenue East and Madison Avenue South in the Mill
Courtland Woodside Park Planning Community of the City of Kitchener within the Region of Waterloo.
The principal resource that contributes to the heritage value is the church.
Heritage Value
The property municipally addressed as 148 Madison Avenue South is recognized for its
design/physical, historic/associative, and contextual values.
Design/Physical Value
th
The property demonstrates design/physical value as a rare and unique example of a mid-20 century
church built in the Romanesque architectural style. The building has many intact heritage attributesin
good condition.
Front (South) Façade
The front façade of the building faces Madison Avenue South and is comprised of three irregular
bays.
The centre bay projects forward and features: a front-facing ridged gable roofline; rose window; ribbon
of three window openings with semi-circular arches containing stained glass windows that are
separated by round stone columns with Corinthian capitals and a simple base; the windows are
surrounded by stone arches, quoining and a single sill; the upper half of the façade is stone while the
lower half is semi-rugged buff (yellow) brick; there are two one-storey buttresses at each end of the
centre bay primarily constructed with buff (yellow) brick with stone at top; decorative stone crosses
are inset within the semi-rugged buff (yellow) brick; the main entrance features primarily plain
archivolts with one decorative floral arch resting on round embedded stone columns with Corinthian
capitals and a simple base; a pair of stained glass windows with semi-circular arches flank each side
of the main entrance and are surrounded stone; and, a wide concrete/stone staircase with metal
railings leads to the main entrance.
The left (west) bay is setback from the centre bay and features: an octagon plan with only six visible
sides; a flat roof with copper trim; semi-rugged buff (yellow) brick; one flat head stained glass window
with a stone lintel, quoins and sill; a pair of windows with semi-circular arches containing stained glass
windows that are separated by round stone columns with Corinthian capitals and a simple base and
surrounded by stone arches, quoining and a single sill; and, a rusticated stone foundation.
The right (east) bay is setback from the centre bay and features: square plan; flat roof; prominent
square bell tower (decorative floral stone motifs; cornice with small stone dentils; a pair of semi-
circular arches that are separated by round stone columns with Corinthian capitals and a simple base
and surrounded by stone; heavy cornice beneath the bell with larger stone dentils); stone and semi-
rugged buff (yellow) brick; semi-circular stained glass window and window opening with stone
surround; flathead stained glass window and window opening with stone surround; a pair of windows
with semi-circular arches containing stained glass windows that are separated by round stone
columns with Corinthian capitals and a simple base and surrounded by stone arches, quoining and a
single sill; and, a rusticated stone foundation.
Side (West) Façade
The side façade . Only a partial view of the side façade
is visible from the public realm. The most prominent feature is the protruding octagon with only six
visible sides, which features a flat roof with copper trim; semi-rugged buff (yellow) brick; flat head
stained glass windows with a stone lintels, quoins and sills; pairs of windows with semi-circular arches
containing stained glass windows that are separated by round stone columns with Corinthian capitals
and a simple base and surrounded by stone arches, quoining and a single sill; and, a rusticated stone
foundation. Other visible heritage attributes include: the flat roof with copper trim; semi-rugged buff
(yellow) brick; flat head stained glass windows with a stone lintels, quoins and sills; large semi-circular
stained glass windows and window openings with stone surrounds; and, a rusticated stone
foundation.
Side (East) Façades
The side façade faces Madison Avenue South and is comprised of several irregular bays.
The left (south) bay features: square plan; flat roof with copper trim; prominent square bell tower
(decorative floral stone motifs; cornice with small stone dentils; a pair of semi-circular arches that are
separated by round stone columns with Corinthian capitals and a simple base and surrounded by
stone; heavy cornice beneath the bell with larger stone dentils); stone and semi-rugged buff (yellow)
brick; flathead stained glass window and window opening with stone surround; semi-circular stained
glass window and window opening with stone surround; side entrance with plain archivolts resting on
round embedded stone columns with Corinthian capitals and a simple base; and, a rusticated stone
foundation.
The central bay is inset and features: gable roof with copper trim; semi-rugged buff (yellow) brick;
semi-circular stained-glass windows and window openings with stone surround; flat head 1/1
basement windows and window openings with stone lintels and sills; and, rusticated stone foundation.
The right (north) bay features: prominent gable with copper trim; a plain vertical stone rectangle with
stone surround (perhaps once a cast stone gable vent); a pair of windows with semi-circular arches
containing stained glass windows that are separated by round stone columns with Corinthian capitals
and a simple base and surrounded by stone arches, quoining and a single sill; flat head 1/1 basement
windows and window openings with stone lintels and sills; and, rusticated stone foundation. To the
right of the gable is a one-storey section that features: flat roof with copper trim; flat head stained-
glass windows and window openings with stone surround; entrance door with rectangular stone
surround; and, rusticated stone foundation.
The Parish House also faces Madison Avenue South and features: hip roof with a cross on the front;
brick construction; symmetrical façade with a central main entrance door and window above flanked
by a single window and a pair of windows on both the first and second storey; front door and door
opening with side lites; flat head 1/1 windows and window openings with stone sills; and, concrete
foundation.
Rear (South) Façade
The rear (north) façade faces the Parish House and only a portion of this façade is visible from the
public realm. The prominent feature on this façade is the semi-circular plan with round copper dome.
Other heritage attributes include: semi-rugged buff (yellow) brick; flat head stained-glass windows and
window openings with stone sills; flat head basement windows with stone lintels; and, rusticated stone
foundation.
Historical/Associative Value
The historical and associative values relate to the original owner, congregation, original pastor,
architect and builder. The St. Joseph website (https://stjosephkitchener.org/history) contains a
th
detailed Parish Timeline, history of Priests of St Joseph, 50 Anniversary Booklet (1980), 60 Years
Working Together (1990), 75 Year Directory Our History (2005), and 85 Year Directory Our
History (2015). Most of the following information was obtained from the St. Joseph website.
The lands were secured from the school board in 1930 for $3000. The congregation was formed in
1930 when Monsignor Reuben M. Haller was assigned the task of building a church due to the
d Sacred Heart. The first mass was held on October 26, 1930 in
the first priest of the City to be made a Monsignor while serving the community; and, the first living
person to have a new separate school named in his honour. Construction of the basement began in
the fall of 1930 with church services being held in the basement by Christmas. Due to a steel
shortage during the depression the remainder of the church was not built until 1952. The church was
dedicated on April 12, 1953 by Bishop J.F. Ryan of Hamilton and the cornerstone was laid on July 20,
According to an
plaque in memory of Monsignor Haller was unveiled in 1980, the sanctuary was renovated in 1986,
some brickwork was redone in 1988 and some of the brick on the tower was replaced with stone in
1996.
The church was designed by Bernal A. Jones. B.A. Jones attended the Toronto Technical School and
worked as a draftsman for Frank Darling, in the office of Darling and Pearson, between 1908 and
1922. B.A. Jones moved to Kitchener in 1922 and worked with W.H.E. Schmalz until opening his own
office in 1926. During that time B.A. Jones assisted W.H.E. Schmalz design the 1922-23 Kitchener
City Hall. B.A. Jones is also responsible for the design of several other important buildings in
Kitchener such as the 1932 Public Utilities Building and the 1936-37 Church of the Good Shepherd.
The church was constructed by Ball Brothers Ltd. Ball Brothers Ltd. were general contractors formed
by the partnership of Harold and Frank Ball in 1923. Ball Brothers Ltd. was a local based company but
and Grand River Hospital; Centre in the Square; various buildings at Conestoga College, Wilfrid
Laurier University, the University of Waterloo and the University of Guelph; the former Budd
automative plant (demolished); and, the Kitchener railway barns (demolished). The company is now
known as Ball Construction.
Contextual Value
The contextual values relate to the contribution that the building makes to the continuity and
character of the Courtland Avenue East and Madison Avenue South streetscapes. The church and
parish house are physically, functionally, visually and historically linked to each other. The church is
physically, visually and historically linked to the former . The prominence
of the church on a corner lot with a grand square bell tower make the building a recognizable
neighbourhood landmark.
Heritage Attributes
The heritage value of 148 Madison Avenue South resides in the following heritage attributes:
All elements related to the design/physical value of the church built in the Romanesque
architectural style, including:
o All elements of the front (south) façade, including:
three irregular bays;
the centre bay that projects forward and features:
a front-facing ridged gable roofline;
rose window;
ribbon of three window openings with semi-circular arches containing
stained glass windows that are separated by round stone columns with
Corinthian capitals and a simple base;
windows surrounded by stone arches, quoining and a single sill;
stone and semi-rugged buff (yellow) brick;
two one-storey buttresses at each end of the centre bay primarily
constructed with buff (yellow) brick with stone at top;
decorative stone crosses are inset within the semi-rugged buff (yellow)
brick;
main entrance features primarily plain archivolts with one decorative floral
arch resting on round embedded stone columns with Corinthian capitals
and a simple base;
pair of stained glass windows with semi-circular arches flanking each side
of the main entrance and stone surround; and,
wide concrete/stone staircase with metal railings.
the left (west) bay that is setback from the centre bay and features:
octagon plan with only six visible sides;
flat roof with copper trim;
semi-rugged buff (yellow) brick;
one flat head stained glass window with stone lintel, quoins and sill;
pair of windows with semi-circular arches containing stained glass
windows that are separated by round stone columns with Corinthian
capitals and a simple base and surrounded by stone arches, quoining and
a single sill; and,
rusticated stone foundation.
the right (east) bay is setback from the centre bay and features:
square plan;
flat roof;
prominent square bell tower (decorative floral stone motifs; cornice with
small stone dentils; a pair of semi-circular arches that are separated by
round stone columns with Corinthian capitals and a simple base and
surrounded by stone; heavy cornice beneath the bell with larger stone
dentils);
stone and semi-rugged buff (yellow) brick;
semi-circular stained-glass window and window opening with stone
surround;
flathead stained-glass window and window opening with stone surround;
pair of windows with semi-circular arches containing stained glass
windows that are separated by round stone columns with Corinthian
capitals and a simple base and surrounded by stone arches, quoining and
a single sill; and,
rusticated stone foundation.
o All elements of the side (West) façade, including:
protruding octagon with only six visible sides, including:
copper trim;
semi-rugged buff (yellow) brick;
flat head stained-glass windows with stone lintels, quoins and sills;
pairs of windows with semi-circular arches containing stained-glass
windows that are separated by round stone columns with Corinthian
capitals and a simple base and surrounded by stone arches, quoining and
a single sill; and,
rusticated stone foundation.
other visible heritage attributes include:
the flat roof with copper trim;
semi-rugged buff (yellow) brick;
flat head stained glass-windows with stone lintels, quoins and sills;
large semi-circular stained-glass windows and window openings with
stone surrounds; and,
rusticated stone foundation.
o All elements of the side (East) façade, including:
several irregular bays;
the left (south) bay features:
square plan;
flat roof with copper trim;
prominent square bell tower (decorative floral stone motifs; cornice with
small stone dentils; a pair of semi-circular arches that are separated by
round stone columns with Corinthian capitals and a simple base and
surrounded by stone; heavy cornice beneath the bell with larger stone
dentils);
stone and semi-rugged buff (yellow) brick;
flathead stained-glass window and window opening with stone surround;
semi-circular stained-glass window and window opening with stone
surround;
side entrance with plain archivolts resting on round embedded stone
columns with Corinthian capitals and a simple base; and,
rusticated stone foundation.
The central bay is inset and features:
gable roof with copper trim;
semi-rugged buff (yellow) brick;
semi-circular stained-glass windows and window openings with stone
surround;
flat head 1/1 basement windows and window openings with stone lintels
and sills; and,
rusticated stone foundation.
The right (north) bay features:
prominent gable with copper trim;
plain vertical stone rectangle with stone surround (perhaps once a cast
stone gable vent);
pair of windows with semi-circular arches containing stained-glass
windows that are separated by round stone columns with Corinthian
capitals and a simple base and surrounded by stone arches, quoining and
a single sill;
flat head 1/1 basement windows and window openings with stone lintels
and sills; and,
rusticated stone foundation;
to the right of the gable is a one-storey section that features:
flat roof with copper trim;
flat head stained-glass windows and window openings with stone
surrounds;
entrance door with rectangular stone surround; and,
rusticated stone foundation.
the Parish House features:
hip roof with a cross on the front;
brick construction;
symmetrical façade with a central main entrance door and window above
flanked by a single window and a pair of windows on both the first and
second storey;
front door and door opening with side lites;
flat head 1/1 windows and window openings with stone sills; and,
concrete foundation.
o All elements of the rear (South) façade including:
semi-circular plan with round copper dome;
semi-rugged buff (yellow) brick;
flat head stained-glass windows and window openings with stone sills;
flat head basement windows with stone lintels; and,
rusticated stone foundation.
References
Ball Brothers. (1957). . City of Kitchener:
Kitchener, ON.
Ball Construction. (2013). History. Retrieved from http://www.ballcon.com/index.php/about-us/history/
on October 21, 2013.
Hill, R. (2009). Biographical Dictionary of Architects in Canada 1800-1950. Retrieved from
http://www.dictionaryofarchitectsincanada.org/architects/view/173 on October 4, 2013.
th
1930-1990: Celebrating Our 60 Anniversary.
St. Joseph Parish Roman Catholic Church. (2010). . Retrieved from
http://stjosephkitchener.org/parishlife/history.htm on October 21, 2013.
https://stjosephkitchener.org/history on April 12, 2024.
Photographs
Front Elevation (South Façade) & Side Elevation (East Façade) 148 Madison Avenue South
Front Elevation (South Façade) 148 Madison Avenue South
Front Elevation Entrance (South Façade) Bell Tower
Side Elevation (East Façade) 148 Madison Avenue South
Side Elevation (East Façade) 148 Madison Avenue South
Side Elevation (East Façade) 148 Madison Avenue South
Side Elevation Entrance (East Façade) 148 Side Elevation Window Detail (East Façade)
Madison Avenue South 148 Madison Avenue South
Rear Elevation (North Façade) 148 Madison Avenue South
Side Elevation (East Façade) 148 Madison Avenue South
CULTURAL HERITAGE EVALUATION FORM
148 Madison Avenue South
Michelle Drake
Address: Recorder:
March 26, 2024
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
Page 13 of 20
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
Page 14 of 20
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
Page 15 of 20
Additional Recorder Heritage Kitchener Committee
Criteria
Interior: Is the
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No Yes
interior
Yes
arrangement,
finish,
craftsmanship
and/or detail
noteworthy?
Completeness:
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No Yes
Does this
Yes
structure have
other original
outbuildings,
notable
landscaping or
external
features that
complete the
site?
Site Integrity:
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No Yes
Does the
Yes
structure
occupy its
original site?
* If relocated, is it
relocated on its
original site,
moved from
another site, etc.
Alterations:
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No Yes
Does this
Yes
building retain
most of its
original
materials and
design
features?
Please refer to
the list of
heritage
attributes
within the
Page 16 of 20
Statement of
Significance
and indicate
which
elements are
still existing
and which
ones have
been
removed.
Alterations:
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No Yes
Are there
Yes
additional
elements or
features that
should be
added to the
heritage
attribute list?
Condition: Is
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No Yes
the building in
Yes
good
condition?
*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
N/A Unknown No Yes N/A Unknown No Yes
this site be of
Additional Research Required Additional Research Required
importance to
Indigenous
heritage and
history?
*E.g. - Site within
300m of water
sources, near
N/A Unknown No Yes N/A Unknown No Yes
distinct
Page 17 of 20
topographical
Additional Research Required Additional Research Required
land, or near
cemeteries might
have
archaeological
potential and
indigenous
heritage
potential.
Could there be
any urban
Indigenous
history
associated
with the
property?
* Additional
archival work may
be required.
Function:
Unknown Residential Unknown Residential Commercial
What is the
Commercial
Office Other - Religious
present
Office Other -
function of the
________________
subject
property?
* Other may
include vacant,
social,
institutional, etc.
and important for
the community
from an equity
building
perspective.
Diversity and
N/A Unknown No Yes N/A Unknown No Yes
Inclusion:
Additional Research Required Additional Research Required
Does the
subject
property
contribute to
N/A Unknown No Yes N/A Unknown No Yes
the cultural
Additional Research Required Additional Research Required
heritage of a
community of
people?
Page 18 of 20
Does the
subject
property have
intangible
value to a
specific
community of
people?
* E.g.- Waterloo
Masjid (Muslim
Society of
Waterloo &
Wellington
Counties) was the
first established
Islamic Center
and Masjid in the
Region and
contributes to the
history of the
Muslim
community in the
area.
Notes about Additional Criteria Examined
St. Joseph Facebook Page has excellent photos of the interior of the church
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
Page 19 of 20
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:
Page 20 of 20