Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutHeritage Kitchener - 2004-12-07HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES DECEMBER 77 2004 CITY OF KITCHENER The Heritage Kitchener Committee met this date, commencing at 4:05 p.m. Present: Mr. Z. Janecki, Co-Chair Ms. J. Armstrong Ms. L. Harris Ms. D. Kuehl Mr. J. Countryman Mr. K. Kirby Mr. M. Stranz Mr. J. Law Mr. G. Yeates Staff: Mr. L. Bensason, Heritage Planner Ms. D. Gilchrist, Supervisor, Legislated Services Mr. C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator 1. APPOINTMENT OF CO-CHAIR Mr. C. Goodeve opened the floor for nominations. Ms. A. Moore and Mr. Z. Janecki were nominated and agreed to stand for appointment. No other nominations were forthcoming. Prior to voting, the Committee considered whether or not the appointment should be one or two years and it was agreed that the term would expire November 30, 2005. On motion by Mr. K. Kirby - it was resolved: "That Mr. Z. Janecki be appointed citizen Co-Chair of Heritage Kitchener for a term to expire November 30, 2005." Mr. Janecki then assumed the Chair. DTS-04-181 HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION HPA 2004-1V-011 -410 KING STREET WEST (FORMER KAUFMAN FOOTWEAR FACTORY) - WINDOW ALTERATION AND INSTALLATION OF FOUR VINYL BANNER SIGNS The Committee was in receipt of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-04-181, dated November 19, 2004 regarding Heritage Permit Application HPA 2004-1V- 011. The purpose of the application is to request approval to make alterations to the window openings of the 1908 and 1920 building phases and affix 4 vinyl banner signs to the former Kaufman Footwear Factory. Mr. L. Bensason advised Council designated the former Kaufman Footwear Factory (410 King Street West) under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act on March 25, 1996. The designation was undertaken with the full understanding and expectation that the property would require alteration in order to accommodate an adaptive re-use. In 1996, the owner altered the window openings of the 1908 and 1920 phases of the building, loosing the symmetry of that fagade. Mr. Bensason noted the window openings are included in the reasons for designation, but the window units themselves are not. The proposed alterations are to increase the size of the original openings and decrease the size of the brick infill panels by approximately 12" increasing the field of view and improving site lines looking out from inside the units. Staff were of the opinion that the proposed alterations will improve the King Street elevation of the building from both an urban design and heritage perspective. Mr. Bensason further advised the second aspect of the alteration application is to permit the installation of 4 vinyl banner signs on the King Street fagade, subject to the method of attaching the banner signs not being invasive to the historic masonry. Further, the banner signs must be capable of being removed in future without causing permanent damage to historic building fabric. Mr. Bensason stated this application was considered by the City's Committee of Adjustment this date and approved subject to the signs being removed within 18 months of installation, and the method of affixing the signs allows removal without causing permanent damage. HERITAGE KITCHENER DECEMBER 77 2004 - 33 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2. DTS-04-181 HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION HPA 2004-1V-011 -410 KING STREET WEST (FORMER KAUFMAN FOOTWEAR FACTORY) - WINDOW ALTERATION AND INSTALLATION OF FOUR VINYL BANNER SIGNS (CONT'D) Ms. Anne Marchildon, 410 King Properties Limited, advised the vinyl banner signs are being installed as part of a marketing campaign for adaptive re-use of the building. If approved, the majority of the alterations will take place between August and September 2005. Members voiced concerns regarding the use of salvageable bricks; the proposed colour and style of the alterations to ensure they match the historical characteristics of the building; and the method of affixing the vinyl banner signs allows removal without damage to the building's historic fabric. Ms. Marchildon advised that her company is planning to use the salvageable bricks where possible and the colours have yet to be determined. Ms. J. Armstrong recommended the application be approved subject to the salvageable bricks being used where possible, and the new windowsills be consistent with the original building style. Mr. K. Kirby asked that the vinyl banner signs be permitted only for a period not to exceed 18 months and be removed using the techniques outlined in staff report DTS-04-181. On motion by Ms. J. Armstrong - it was resolved: "That pursuant to Section 33 of the Ontario Heritage Act, Heritage Permit Application HPA 2004-1V-011 (410 King Street West) be approved to permit an alteration to the window openings of the 1908 building phase, and to the window openings, concrete lintels and sills, and brick and concrete infill panels (spandrels) of the 1920 building phase of the former Kaufman Footwear Factory, to permit the installation of four vinyl banner signs on the King Street fa~;ade of the 1908 and 1920 building phases of the former Kaufman Footwear Factory, subject to the following conditions: (a) that the method of attaching the banner signs shall not be invasive to the historic masonry; (b) that the banner signs and affixing brackets shall be removed by June 30, 2006, and shall be capable of being removed without causing permanent damage to the historic building fabric; (c) that the banner signs shall be as shown on the plans and specifications submitted with the application attached as Appendix 'A' to Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-04-181, dated November 19, 2004; and, (d) that the alterations to the window openings, concrete lintels and sills, and brick and concrete spandrels are subject to the re-use of salvageable brick from the existing building where possible, and the windowsills shall be in keeping with the original building style." 3. DESIGNATED HERITAGE PROPERTY GRANT PROGRAM The Committee was in receipt of an excerpt from the October 5, 2004 minutes of Heritage Kitchener and a copy of a presentation prepared by Mr. L. Bensason proposing revisions to the guidelines for the Designated Heritage Property Grant Program. Mr. Bensason advised staff wish to address concerns regarding the Committee's October 5, 2004 resolution. He advised the amendment to the 'Maintenance Section' regarding the replacement or repair of items with a limited life span is too broad in scope. A number of items, such as the replacement of windowsills which are currently covered by this grant, would be disallowed under this definition. He suggested the Committee revise their resolution to specifically address their concern regarding asphalt roofs. Mr. Bensason stated under the current system some people are awarded funds and are not following through on their projects. These funds then go unused, while they could have been reallocated to another applicant. He proposed that if an application is accepted for the full HERITAGE KITCHENER DECEMBER 77 2004 - 34 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. DESIGNATED HERITAGE PROPERTY GRANT PROGRAM (CONT'D) grant amount and no work has commenced by the end of the calendar year or there has not been a request for an extension, the owner should not qualify to re-apply the following year. He noted the deadline for applications is March 1st of every year and the minimum grant award is $500. The approval of a grant request rests with staff; however, if advice is needed regarding a particular application it will be brought before the Committee. Mr. Bensason advised he will contact the applicants who do not receive the full grant amount by telephone and request they confirm in writing whether they wish to proceed. If an applicant fails to confirm, that money will be re-allocated to another applicant. Mr. Bensason asked the Committee to consider whether or not to waive the application fee in the event an applicant should re-apply the following year. Members agreed the application fee should be waived. In response to questions, Mr. Bensason advised that subject to the Committee's recommendations he will revise the grant guidelines and bring the revisions to the attention of City Council. On motion by Mr. K. Kirby - it was resolved: "That the Committee's resolution of October 5, 2004 regarding the Designated Heritage Property Grant Program be modified to delete the phrase 'parts of the properties that have a limited life span, such as' and the phrase 'and driveways', so that it now reads: 'That the following be added to 'Maintenance' under the guidelines of the Designated Heritage Property Grant Program: that replacement or repair of asphalt shingles is not eligible under this program.'" 4. MIKE WAGNER HERITAGE AWARDS The Committee was in receipt of an excerpt from the October 5, 2004 minutes of Heritage Kitchener, attached memorandum (L. Bensason) and supporting material, dated September 23, 2004, regarding the 2005 Mike Wagner Heritage Awards. Mr. L. Bensason stated at the October 5th Heritage Kitchener meeting, the Committee was advised of the City's intent to alternate celebrating the Mike Wagner Heritage Awards with the Urban Design Awards. The Heritage Awards would be presented on odd numbered years and the Urban Design Awards on even numbered years. He informed the Committee Councillor C. Weylie has since proposed the Mike Wagner Heritage Awards, the Urban Design Awards and the Environmental Awards be presented annually at a combined design related awards ceremony in the Fall of each year. He noted the Heritage Awards would continue to be a stand-alone award. In response to questions, Mr. Bensason advised that by packaging the awards together the Heritage Awards may receive a higher profile and attract better quality submissions. He noted Pat Wagner was contacted and she advised she does not have any concerns regarding the proposal, as long as it remains a stand-alone award. Mr. Bensason added that presenting the award in the Fall rather than in February during Heritage Week, provides applicants with a greater amount of time to prepare their submissions. Concerns were raised regarding the prominence of Heritage Week without the awards and he advised the City will continue to celebrate Heritage Week. Staff agreed to provide Members with the theme and date of Heritage Week prior to the January meeting. Further, Mr. Bensason was asked to investigate the possibility of creating a design for the award brochure that could be used for five years. CiViC CENTRE HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT - HERITAGE KITCHENER REPRESENTATIVE Ms. J. Armstrong declared a pecuniary interest and obstained from all discussion and voting with respect to this matter, as she is planning to bid on the study. HERITAGE KITCHENER DECEMBER 77 2004 - 35 - CITY OF KITCHENER 5. CIVIC CENTRE HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT- HERITAGE KITCHENER REPRESENTATIVE (CONT'D) The Committee was in receipt of excerpts from the September 7, 2004 minutes of Heritage Kitchener and September 27, 2004 minutes of the Development and Technical Services Committee, regarding the Civic Centre Heritage Conservation District. Mr. Bensason advised City Council approved funding to designate the Civic Centre Heritage Conservation District in 2005-2006 and a revised boundary. He will draft a Terms of Reference for the District, which will be sent out for public input in the new year. He requested two members of Heritage Kitchener be a part of the Steering Committee and participate in the public meetings. Mr. Bensason advised he will circulate material to all affected property owners to seek representation from various aspects of the study area and is moving forward with the consultant selection process. He advised his goal is to have a consultant, staff and two Heritage Kitchener representatives participate in a public meeting in the latter part of January 2005. Mr. K. Kirby and Mr. Z. Janecki volunteered to participate on the Steering Committee. Ms. D. Kuehl asked that if she participated on the Steering Committee as a property owner representative if there would be a conflict of interest, as she is a member of Heritage Kitchener. In response to questions, she advised that she would not gain financially from the creation of the Heritage District. It was agreed that Ms. Kuehl may seek appointment as a property owner representative to the Steering Committee. On motion by Mr. M. Stranz - it was resolved: "That Mr. K. Kirby and Mr. Z. Janecki be appointed, as Heritage Kitchener representatives, to the Civic Centre Heritage Conservation District Steering Committee." 6. 237 FREDERICK STREET (THE FREDERICK LEWIS NELL HOUSE) The Committee received this date a copy of a Heritage Property report for 237 Frederick Street (The Frederick Lewis Nell House), dated September 1998 and elevation drawings. Mr. Bensason advised that the Heritage Property report was drafted in response to a demolition application for the foundation (east elevation) which had collapsed. He advised that the subject property has both architectural and historic significance and up to 1998, no other home from this period had been demolished on Frederick Street. In 1998, Council decided against designation and granted approval to demolish the one and half storey addition to the rear of the house. Mr. Bensason advised that the current owner has submitted a draft site plan showing replacement of the existing building, with the new structure to be in keeping with the historic streetscape. If structurally feasible, the owner will incorporate the existing front fa~;ade into his proposed design. The Building Division has not received a demolition application; however, the site plan anticipates removal of most of the building. Mr. Bensason advised that he will speak to the property owner prior to the end of December about the salvage and re-use of existing materials. Ms. J. Armstrong stated that many of the reasons for designation still apply and it is important that the owner salvage the front fa~;ade. She noted a number of problems with the proposed design, being: · window arrangement and detail of sills are not in keeping with historical style of that area; · the gables are badly proportioned; · the roof line is not in keeping with the rest of the streetscape; · triangular bay / detailing around the front porch is not in keeping with the historic style of the area; · the front porch is not in line with the front door; · the building should have bracketed corners; · proportions of the design are not in keeping with the Queen Anne style. Mr. J. Law voiced concern that the front fa~;ade still sits upon the bricks that are made from the same material as the ones that fell apart in the back of the house. The use of the front fa~;ade should be subject to an engineer determining its structural stability and the owner's willingness to keep it. HERITAGE KITCHENER DECEMBER 77 2004 - 36 - CITY OF KITCHENER DTS-04-193 - 381 PIONEER TOWER ROAD - DESIGNATION OF SCHOERG BARN UNDER PART IV OF THE ONTARIO HERITAGE ACT The Committee was in receipt this date of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-04-193, dated December 3, 2004, concerning the designation of the Schoerg Bank Barn located at 381 Pioneer Tower Road, under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. Mr. Bensason advised the Pioneer Tower West area is regarded as the birthplace of Waterloo County and the first permanent non-native settlement in the area. Two of the original farmsteads remain, which are adjacent to the Pioneer Tower Monument. He advised that the City had agreements in place with the developers and invested a large sum of money to preserve this area. Land exchanges took place to ensure the lands were free from development. Mr. Bensason advised that the legal description of the subject property is divided into three parts of which Part I, containing the Schoerg Farmhouse was designated in 2003. Staff are now requesting designation of Part 3 on the basis that it holds significant heritage and cultural value. He noted the whole of the property was designated, however, on appeal the designation was limited to Part I on the basis that the Springhouse and Bank Barn located on Parts 2 and 3 would be preserved through conditions in the plan of subdivision, as contained in a Heritage Impact Assessment, and on good faith of the owner. Mr. Bensason advised that at the beginning of November 2004 he discovered that the Springhouse structure had been demolished without notice. He subsequently wrote a letter to the owner and received no explanation as to why this had happened. On December 3, 2004 the City received a demolition application for the Bank Barn, with the owner stating that he had concerns with safety and security. Mr. Bensason asked that the Committee recommend to Council that Part 3 of the subject property (the Bank Barn) be designated. He explained that once the Notice of Intent to Designate is passed by Council, served to the owner and published in the newspaper, the barn would be protected as if it was designated. The earliest that the Intent to Designate could be passed by Council is December 13, 2004, and the owner can appeal within 30 days of being served. Mr. Bensason advised that the owner can demolish the barn prior to December 13, 2004 if he is issued a demolition permit. Questions were raised concerning the possibility of holding a Special Council meeting and the Committee was advised that December 13, 2004 is the earliest Council could hear this matter. Mr. Bensason advised that an e-mail was sent by a representative of the property owner to the City's Chief Building Official questioning whether a demolition permit would be required if the barn is being used for agricultural purposes. The Chief Building Official advised the applicant the use of the barn for agricultural purposes was in question and present circumstances indicate the barn is not in use. Accordingly, he requested the owner submit an application for a demolition permit. On motion by Mr. K. Kirby- it was resolved: "That pursuant to Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, the Clerk be directed to publish a Notice of Intention to designate part of the property known municipally as 381 Pioneer Tower Road, described as Part 3, Reference Plan 58R-10533, on which the Schoerg bank barn is located, as being of cultural heritage value or interest; and further, That the designation includes the following specific features: all elevations; fieldstone foundation; vertical board siding; roof and roofline; concrete silo; old hay rack lift and original ladders." HERITAGE KITCHENER DECEMBER 77 2004 - 37 - 8. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m. CITY OF KITCHENER Colin Goodeve Committee Administrator