HomeMy WebLinkAboutDSD-2026-006 - Municipal Heritage Register Review - January 2026 Update
Development Services Department www.kitchener.ca
REPORT TO: Heritage Kitchener
DATE OF MEETING: January 6, 2026
SUBMITTED BY: Garett Stevenson, Director of Development and Housing Approvals,
519-783-8922
PREPARED BY: Deeksha Choudhry, Heritage Planner, 519-783-8906
Victoria Grohn, Heritage Planner, 519-783-8912
Michelle Drake, Senior Heritage Planner, 519-783-8909
DATE OF REPORT: December 8, 2025
REPORT NO.: DSD-2026-006
SUBJECT: Municipal Heritage Register Review Î January 2026 Update
RECOMMENDATION:
The pursuant to Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, the cultural heritage value or
interest be recognized, and designation be pursued for the following properties:
156 Benton Street
42 Francis Street North
53-61 King Street East
4336 King Street East
8-24 King Street East
33 Ontario Street North
182 Victoria Street North
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS:
The purpose of this report is to recommend pursuing designation under Part IV of the
Ontario Heritage Act for seven (7) properties that are currently listed as non-
designated properties of cultural heritage value or interest on the Municipal Heritage
Register.
The key finding of this report is that the properties possess design/physical,
historical/associative, and contextual value and meet the criteria for designation under
Ontario Regulation 9/06 (amended through Ontario Regulation 569/22).
There are no financial implications.
Community engagement included consultation with the Heritage Kitchener Committee.
This report supports the delivery of core services.
BACKGROUND:
st
On January 1, 2023, amendments to the Ontario Heritage Act (OHA) came into effect
through Bill 23, the More Homes Build Faster Act. One of the primary changes introduced
was the imposition of a new timeline which requires ÐlistedÑ properties on the Municipal
*** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. ***
Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance.
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Heritage Register to be evaluated to determine if they meet the criteria for heritage
st
designation before January 1, 2025. Bill 200, the Homeowners Protection Act, 2024,
extended the time municipalities must designate properties listed on their municipal
heritage registers until January 1, 2027. Listed properties are properties that have not
been designated, but that the municipal Council believes to be of cultural heritage value or
interest. The criteria for designation is established by the Provincial Government (Ontario
Regulation 9/06, which has now been amended through Ontario Regulation 569/22) and a
minimum of two must be met for a property to be eligible for designation.
A work plan to address these changes has been developed by Heritage Planning Staff
th
with consultation from the Heritage Kitchener Committee on February 7, 2023.
Implementation of the work plan has now commenced. This report contains a summary of
the findings for the properties recently reviewed, and recommendations for next steps.
Progress on Work Plan Implementation
As part of the work plan proposed in February 2023, Heritage Planning Staff committed to
the review of 80 properties listed on the Municipal Heritage Register prior to January 1,
2025. As of the date of this report, a review has been completed for 108 listed properties.
7 properties are before the Committee as of the date of this report to be considered for
designation. 56 properties have fully undergone the designation process. 32 properties are
currently undergoing the review and designation process and are at various stages of
completion. 2 properties are still being reviewed as of the date of this report. 12 properties
have been reviewed and determined that no action should be taken at this time, and 1
NOID has been withdrawn by Council.
REPORT:
Ontario Regulation 569/22 (Amended from Ontario Regulation 9/06)
Among the changes that were implemented through Bill 23, the Ontario Regulation 9/06 Î
which is a regulation used to determine the cultural heritage value or interest of a property,
was amended through Ontario Regulation 569/22 (O. Reg. 569/22). Where the original
regulation had three main categories Î design/physical, historical/associative and
contextual - with three (3) sub-categories for determining cultural heritage value, the
amended regulation now lists all nine (9) criteria independently.
The new regulation has been amended to the following:
1. The property has design value or physical value because it is a rare, unique,
representative or early example of a style, type, expression, material or construction
method.
2. The property has design value or physical value because it displays a high degree
of craftsmanship or artistic merit.
3. The property has design value or physical value because it demonstrates a high
degree of technical or scientific achievement.
4. The property has historical value or associative value because it has direct
associations with a theme, event, belief, person, activity, organization or institution
that is significant to a community.
Page 134 of 215
5. The property has historical or associative value because it yields, or has the
potential to yield, information that contributes to an understanding of a community
or culture.
6. The property has historical value or associative value because it demonstrates or
reflects the work or ideas of an architect, artist, builder, designer or theorist who is
significant to a community.
7. The property has contextual value because it is important in defining, maintaining or
supporting the character of an area.
8. The property has contextual value because it is physically, functionally, visually or
historically linked to its surroundings.
9. The property has contextual value because it is a landmark.
Also, among the changes brought about by Bill 23 are how properties can now be listed or
designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. They include:
Properties would warrant being listed on the CityÓs Municipal Heritage R egister if
they met one or more criteria of O. Reg 9/06 (amended through O. Reg. 569/22).
Properties could be designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act if they
meet two or more criteria of O. Reg 9/06 (amended through O. Reg. 569/22).
The following properties were evaluated to determine their cultural heritage value:
156 Benton Street
The subject property municipally addressed as 156 Benton meets four (4) of the nine (9)
criteria of O. Reg. 9/06 (amended through O. Reg. 569/22):
The property has design or physical value because it is a rare, unique, representative
or early example of a style, type, expression, material, or construction method.
The property has historical value or associative value because it has direct
associations with a theme, event, belief, person, activity, organization or institution
that is significant to a community.
The property has contextual value because it is important in defining, maintaining, or
supporting the character of an area.
The property has contextual value because it is physically, functionally, visually, or
historically linked to its surroundings.
42 Francis Street North
The subject property municipally addressed as 42 Francis Street North meets five (5) of the
nine (9) criteria of O. Reg. 9/06 (amended through O. Reg. 569/22):
The property has design value or physical value because it is a rare, unique,
representative or early example of a style, type, expression, material or construction
method.
The property has historical value or associative value because it has direct
associations with a theme, event, belief, person, activity, organization or institution
that is significant to a community.
The property has historical value or associative value because it demonstrates or
reflects the work or ideas of an architect, artist, builder, designer or theorist who is
significant to a community.
The property has contextual value because it is important in defining, maintaining or
supporting the character of an area.
Page 135 of 215
The property has contextual value because it is physically, functionally, visually or
historically linked to its surroundings.
53-61 King Street East
The subject property municipally addressed as 53-61 King Street East meets four (4) of the
nine (9) criteria of O. Reg. 9/06 (amended through O. Reg. 569/22):
The property has design or physical value because it is a rare, unique, representative
or early example of a style, type, expression, material, or construction method.
The property has historical value or associative value because it has direct
associations with a theme, event, belief, person, activity, organization or institution
that is significant to a community.
The property has contextual value because it is important in defining, maintaining, or
supporting the character of an area.
The property has contextual value because it is physically, functionally, visually, or
historically linked to its surroundings.
8-24 King Street East
The subject property municipally addressed as 8-24 King Street East meets (5) of the
nine (9) criteria of O. Reg. 9/06 (amended through O. Reg. 569/22):
The property has design or physical value because it is a rare, unique, representative
or early example of a style, type, expression, material, or construction method.
The property has historical value or associative value because it has direct
associations with a theme, event, belief, person, activity, organization or institution
that is significant to a community.
The property has historical or associative value because it yields, or has the potential
to yield, information that contributes to an understanding of a community or culture.
The property has contextual value because it is important in defining, maintaining, or
supporting the character of an area.
The property has contextual value because it is physically, functionally, visually, or
historically linked to its surroundings.
4336 King Street East
The subject property municipally addressed as 4336 King Street East meets two (2) of the
nine (9) criteria of O. Reg 9/06 (amended through O. Reg. 569/22):
The property has design or physical value because it is a rare, unique, representative
or early example of a style, type, expression, material, or construction method.
The property has historical value or associative value because it has direct
associations with a theme, event, belief, person, activity, organization or institution
that is significant to a community.
33 Ontario Street North
The subject property municipally addressed as 33 Ontario Street North meets four (4) of the
nine (9) criteria of O. Reg 9/06 (amended through O. Reg. 569/22):
The property has design or physical value because it is a rare, unique, representative
or early example of a style, type, expression, material, or construction method.
Page 136 of 215
The property has historical value or associative value because it has direct
associations with a theme, event, belief, person, activity, organization or institution
that is significant to a community.
The property has historical value or associative value because it demonstrates or
reflects the work or ideas of an architect, artist, builder, designer or theorist who is
significant to a community.
The property has contextual value because it is physically, functionally, visually, or
historically linked to its surroundings.
182 Victoria Street North
The subject property municipally addressed as 182 Victoria Street North meets four (4) of
the nine (9) criteria of O. Reg 9/06 (amended through O. Reg. 569/22):
The property has design or physical value because it is a rare, unique, representative
or early example of a style, type, expression, material, or construction method.
The property has historical value or associative value because it has direct
associations with a theme, event, belief, person, activity, organization or institution
that is significant to a community.
The property has historical or associative value because it yields, or has the
potential to yield, information that contributes to an understanding of a community
or culture.
The property has historical or associative value because it demonstrates or reflects
the work or ideas of an architect, artist, builder, designer, or theorist who is significant
to a community.
Heritage Kitchener Committee Options
Option 1 Î Pursuing Designation for this property
Should Heritage Kitchener committee vote to start pursuing designation for these
properties, staff will then contact the respective property owners to inform them and to
start working with them towards designation. Staff will then bring a Notice of Intention to
Designate back to the Committee to initiate the designation process. Should a property
owner object to their property being designated, they can submit an appeal to the Ontario
Land Tribunal (OLT) to rule on the decision. If the OLT determines that the property should
not be designated but remain listed, it will be removed from the Municipal Heritage
Register on January 1, 2027.
Option 2 Î Deferring the Designation Process
Should Heritage Kitchener vote to defer the designation process for these properties, they
will remain listed on the CityÓs Municipal Heritage Register until January 1, 2027, after
which they will have to be removed. The process of designating these properties can be
started at any time until January 1, 2027.
Option 3 Î Not Pursuing Designation for these properties
Should Heritage Kitchener vote not to pursue the designation of these properties, they will
remain listed on the CityÓs Municipal Heritage Register until January 1, 2027, afte r which
Page 137 of 215
they will be removed. Once removed, these properties will not be able to be re-listed for
the next five (5) years i.e. Î January 1, 2032.
It should be noted that, per the endorsed work plan, staff are currently undertaking
evaluations for high priority properties that are in located in areas of the City that are
experiencing significant redevelopment.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
This report supports the delivery of core services.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Capital Budget Î The recommendation has no impact on the Capital Budget.
Operating Budget Î The recommendation has no impact on the Operating Budget.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
INFORM Î This report has been posted to the CityÓs website with the agenda in advance
of the council / committee meeting.
CONSULT AND COLLABORATE Î The Municipal Heritage Committee (Heritage
Kitchener) have been consulted at previous meetings regarding the proposed strategy to
review the Municipal Heritage Register of Non-designated Properties and participated in
the assessment of the properties subject to this report.
PREVIOUS REPORTS/AUTHORITIES:
Heritage Kitchener Committee Work Plan 2022-2024 Î DSD-2023-053
Bill 23 Î Municipal Heritage Register Review Î DSD-2023-225
Kitchener Municipal Heritage Register Review Î August Update 2023 Î DSD-2023-
309
Municipal Heritage Register Review Î January 2024 Update Î DSD-2024-022
Municipal Heritage Register Review Î March 2024 Update Î DSD-2024-093
Municipal Heritage Register Review Î April 2024 Update Î DSD-2024-131
Municipal Heritage Register Review Î May 2024 Update Î DSD-2024-194
Municipal Heritage Register Review Î June 2024 Update Î DSD-2024-250
Municipal Heritage Register Review Î August 2024 Update Î DSD-2024-333
Municipal Heritage Register Review Î September 2024 Update Î DSD-2024-361
Municipal Heritage Register Î October 2024 Update Î DSD-2024-426
Municipal Heritage Register- November 2024 Update Î DSD-2024-444
Municipal Heritage Register Review Î March 2025 Update Î DSD-2025-031
Municipal Heritage Register Review Î April 2025 Update Î DSD-2025-108
Municipal Heritage Register Review Î August 2025 Update Î DSD-2025-317
Municipal Heritage Register Review Î October 2025 Update Î DSD-2025-357
Municipal Heritage Register Review Î December 2025 Update Î DSD-2025-467
Ontario Heritage Act, 2022
Page 138 of 215
REVIEWED BY: Sandro Bassanese, Manager of Site Plan
APPROVED BY: Justin Readman, General Manager, Development Services
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A Î Statement of Significance Î 156 Benton Street
Attachment B Î Statement of Significance Î 42 Francis Street North
Attachment C Î Statement of Significance Î 53-61 King Street East
Attachment D Î Statement of Significance Î 4336 King Street East
Attachment E Î Statement of Significance Î 8-24 King Street East
Attachment F Î Statement of Significance Î 33 Ontario Street North
Attachment G Î Statement of Significance Î 182 Victoria Street North
Page 139 of 215
Statement of Significance
156 BENTON STREET
Summary of Significance
Design/Physical Value Social Value
Historical/Associative Value Economic Value
Contextual Value Environmental Value
Municipal Address: 156 Benton Street, Kitchener
Legal Description: Plan 397 Part Lot 6
Year Built: 1895
Architectural Style: Decorative Berlin Vernacular
Original Owner: Unknown
Original Use: Residential
Condition: Good
Description of Cultural Heritage Resource
th
156 Benton Street is a one storey early 20 century brick building built in the Decorative Berlin
Vernacular architectural style. The building is situated on a 0.13 acre parcel of land located on
Page 140 of 215
the west side of Benton Street between Courtland Avenue and Martin Street in the Cedar Hill
Schneider Creek Neighbourhood Cultural Heritage Landscape 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
156 Benton Street West is recognized for its design/physical, historical/associative, and
contextual values.
Design/Physical Value
The design/physical value relates to the building that is a representative example of the
Decorative Berlin Vernacular architectural style that is in good condition with many intact
heritage attributes. The building features: brick construction; front gable roofline with shingle
gabled ends; decorative brickwork; verandah with brick piers, tapered square columns and
shingle handrail; pediment above verandah leading to front door; 3/1 and 1/1 hung windows;
front picture window with stained glass; and, wood work including brackets and sunburst. The
building suffered significant damage due to neglect but was rehabilitated into a four-unit
residential building while still maintaining the design elements that contribute to the Decorative
Berlin Vernacular style. Work includes the replacement of windows and repainting of wood work
on the facades. Internal work is described as including the uncovering and displaying the
original internal brick walls throughout the house, preserving the stained-glass window, and
preserving much of the ornamental wood work.
Historical/Associative Value
The associative and historic values relate to one significant property owner: Harry W. Brown.
Harry W. Brown was a teacher who taught at Natchez School, Berlin Central School (now
Suddaby Public School), the Model School and the Berlin Collegiate (later known as the
Kitchener-Waterloo Collegiate and Technical School and now known as Kitchener Collegiate
Institute). He also served as the secretary for both the Board and Advisory Committee for the
Kitchener-Waterloo Collegiate and Technical School. He was a member of the Library Board,
Kitchener-Waterloo Rotary Club, Kitchener Horticultural Society of which he spent time as the
president, and the Waterloo Historical Society. Harry W. Brown lived in the building until his
death in August, 1943. After his death, his wife continued to live in the building until 1962.
In addition, Captain Douglas Harley of the Highland Light Infantry spent a two-week furlough at
156 Benton Street with his wife and son in June 1943 before going back overseas. Harley was
born in Ireland, came to Canada in 1930 and settled in Waterloo. He was among the first
Kitchener-Waterloo men to join the Highland Light Infantry when they mobilized in Galt, and he
spent time in England beginning in 1941. He was promoted overseas to the rank of acting major
the following year.
Contextual Value
The contextual value relates to the buildings contribution to the character of the Benton Street
streetscape. ItÓs location, orientation and setback are similar to adjacent buildings helping to
define the street edge and contribute to architectural rhythm on the street. The building is the
same architectural style as the building municipally addressed 158-160 Benton Street. It is also
a part of the resident-formed Schneider Creek community, which is located in the Cedar Hill
Schneider Creek Neighbourhood Cultural Heritage Landscape, and is adjacent to the Victoria
Park Area Heritage Conservation District.
Page 141 of 215
Heritage Attributes
The heritage value of 156 Benton Street resides in the following heritage attributes:
All elements related to the construction and Decorative Berlin Vernacular architectural style
of the building, including:
o brick construction;
o front gable roofline with shingle gabled ends;
o decorative brickwork;
o verandah with brick piers, tapered square columns and shingle hand rail;
o pediment above verandah leading to front door;
o windows and window openings, including:
3/1 and 1/1 hung windows; and,
front picture window with stained glass; and,
o wood work including brackets and sunburst.
References
Harley, Douglas T. | History in the Making | Kitchener Public Library
RFB Development. (n.d.). 156 Benton Street. https://www.rfbdevelopment.com/156-benton
Photographs
Front Elevation (South East Façade)
Page 142 of 215
Front Elevation (South East Façade)
Front and Side Elevation (South East and North East Façade)
Page 143 of 215
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes Yes
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes Yes
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes Yes
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes Yes
Page 144 of 215
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes Yes
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes Yes
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes Yes
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes Yes
Page 145 of 215
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes Yes
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes Yes
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes Yes
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes Yes
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes Yes
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes Yes
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes Yes
Page 146 of 215
N/A Unknown No Yes N/A Unknown No Yes
Additional Research Required Additional Research Required
N/A Unknown No Yes N/A Unknown No Yes
Additional Research Required Additional Research Required
Unknown Residential Unknown Residential
Commercial Commercial
Office OtherOffice Other
________________ ________________
N/A Unknown No Yes N/A Unknown No Yes
Additional Research Required Additional Research Required
N/A Unknown No Yes N/A Unknown No Yes
Additional Research Required Additional Research Required
Page 147 of 215
N/A Unknown No Yes
If not, please select the appropriate action for follow-up
Keep on the Municipal Heritage Register
Remove from the Municipal Heritage Register
Additional Research Required
Other:
General / Additional Notes
TO BE FILLED BY HERITAGE PLANNING STAFF
Page 148 of 215
Statement of Significance
42 Francis Street North
Municipal Address: 42 Francis Street North
Legal Description: Plan 374 Part Lot 120 & 121
Year Built: 1901
Architectural Style: Queen Anne
Original Owner: Daniel Hibner
Original Use: Residential
Condition: Good
Description of Historic Place
th
42 Francis Street North is a two-storey early 20 century brick house built in the Queen Anne
architectural style. The house is situated on a 0.17-acre parcel of land located on the corner of
Francis Street North and Duke Street West adjacent to the Warehouse District Cultural Heritage
Landscape in the City of Kitchener within the Region of Waterloo. The principal resource that
contributes to the heritage value is the house.
Page 149 of 215
Heritage Value
42 Francis Street North is recognized for its design/physical, historic/associative and contextual
values.
Design/Physical Value
The design/physical value relates to the house as a representative example of the Queen Anne
architectural style. The house is in good condition. The house is two storeys in height and
features: cross gabled roofline; soffits, frieze and brackets; brick construction; flat headed window
openings; large picture windows on front elevation with semi-circular and flat headed transoms
and stone sills; 1/1 windows with brick voussoirs and stone sills; square stained glass window;
flat headed door opening with wood door on main floor; and, rusticated stone foundation. The
majority of windows were replaced sometime before 2020. Soffits, frieze and brackets, window
openings and sills have been painted black. The second floor wooden storm door has been
replaced by a single window pane. The wood shingles in the gable ends have been replaced with
horizontal siding. Previously existing stained glass windows on the west side of the building and
the semi-circular stained glass at the front of the building have been removed. A single square
window with stained glass remains on the front elevation.
Historic/Associative Value
The historic/associative value relates to the original owner, Daniel Hibner. He founded a furniture
factory in 1887 adjacent to the railway at what is now the corner of Duke Street West and
Breithaupt Street (Noonan, 1975). The factory was called the D. Hibner Furniture Co. Ltd. and
operated until circa 1935 (Noonan, 1975). He was also Mayor of the town in 1894 and long term
park commissioner (Noonan, 1975). He was a member of the first Board of Park Commissioners
and therefore instrumental in the creation of Victoria Park. Hibner Park at the intersection of
Young Street, Ahrens Street and Maynard Avenue is named after him because he donated the
funds to purchase a fountain for the park (Noonan, 1975). Hibner was also among the donation
list for the inclusion of the Kaiser Wilhelm bust and Emperor Victoria statue at Victoria Park
(Berliner Journal, 1896/97).
Contextual Value
The contextual value relates to the contribution that the house makes to the continuity and
character of the Francis Street North streetscape. The contextual value also relates to the historic
and visual link between the home of Daniel Hibner at 42 Francis Street North and the D. Hibner
Furniture Co. Ltd. down the street at 283 Duke Street West.
Heritage Attributes
The heritage value of 42 Francis Street North resides in the following heritage attributes:
All elements related to the house, including:
o two-storey height of the house;
o cross gabled roofline;
o soffits, frieze and brackets;
o brick construction;
o flat headed window openings;
o large picture windows on front elevation with flat headed transoms and stone sills;
o 1/1 windows with brick voussoirs and stone sills;
o square stained glass window on front elevation;
o flat headed door opening with wood door on main floor; and,
Page 150 of 215
o rusticated stone foundation.
All elements related to the contextual value, including:
o location, setback and orientation of the building on Francis Street North and Duke
Street West;
o Location of the house and contribution that it makes to the continuity and character
of the Francis Street North streetscape; and,
o The historic and visual link between the home of Daniel Hibner, the D. Hibner
Furniture Co. Ltd. at 283 Duke Street West, and the Warehouse District Cultural
Heritage Landscape.
References
Noonan, G. (1975). A History of Kitchener. Waterloo, Ontario: Wilfrid Laurier University Press.
Berliner Journal (September 10, 1896). Page 1, Column 6.
Berliner Journal (December 30, 1897). Page 8, Column 1.
Page 151 of 215
Photos
Figure 1: 42 Francis Street North (Front Elevation)
Page 152 of 215
Figure 2: 42 Francis Street North (Front and Side Elevation)
Figure 3: 42 Francis Street North (Side Elevation)
Page 153 of 215
Figure 4: 42 Francis Street North (Front Elevation)
Figure 5: 42 Francis Street North, image showing cornice detail.
Page 154 of 215
Figure 6: 42 Francis Street North, image showing original wooden door, and square
stained glass window.
Figure 7: 42 Francis Street North, image showing original door knocker detail.
Page 155 of 215
Figure 8: 42 Francis Street North, image showing square stained glass window detail.
Page 156 of 215
CULTURAL HERITAGE EVALUATION FORM
Address: Recorder: Maitland Graham
42 Francis Street North
1901, Queen Anne Revival
Description: Date:
December 4, 2025
(date of construction, architectural style, etc)
Photographs Attached:
Front Facade Left Façade Right Façade Rear Facade Details Setting
wĻĭƚƩķĻƩ Α IĻƩźƷğŭĻ YźƷĭŷĻƓĻƩ 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.
Page 157 of 215
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.
Page 158 of 215
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
red mortar with brownstone/beige brick and stone foundation; stone window sills; visual link from
house to former D. Hibner Furniture Co. Ltd. at 283 Duke Street West
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?
Page 159 of 215
Completeness: Does this
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
structure have other
Yes Yes
original 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
Yes Yes
original site?
* If relocated, is it relocated on
its original site, moved from
another site, etc.
Alterations: Does this
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
building retain most of its
Yes Yes
original 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
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
in 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
N/A Unknown No Yes N/A Unknown No Yes
this site be of importance
to Indigenous heritage
and history?
Additional Research Required Additional Research Required
*E.g. - Site within 300m of water
sources, near distinct
topographical land, or near
Page 160 of 215
cemeteries might have
archaeological potential and
indigenous heritage potential.
Could there be any urban
N/A Unknown No Yes N/A Unknown No Yes
Indigenous history
associated with the
Additional Research Required Additional Research Required
property?
* Additional archival work may
be required.
Function: What is the
Unknown Residential Unknown Residential Co
present function of the
Commercial mmercial
subject property?
Office Other -Office Other -
________________ ________________
* Other may include vacant,
social, institutional, etc. and
important for the community
from an equity building
perspective.
Diversity and Inclusion:
N/A Unknown No Yes N/A Unknown No Yes
Does the subject property
contribute to the cultural
Additional Research Required Additional Research Required
heritage of a community
of people?
Does the subject property
N/A Unknown No Yes N/A Unknown No Yes
have intangible value to a
specific community of
Additional Research Required Additional Research Required
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.
Pressure treated decks added on rear; missing front lower and upper porches; original
fenestration replaced; soffits, frieze and brackets, window openings and sills have been painted
black; second floor wooden storm door has been replaced by a window pane; previously
existing stained glass windows on the west side of the building and the semi-circular stained
glass at the front of the building have been removed; connection to D. Hibner, Hibner Furniture
Co. and warehouse district; 1910 and 1918 VernonÓs Directories confirm home of D. Hibner;
1901 Berliner Journal confirms D. Hibner built home on Francis Street North
Page 161 of 215
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
Keep on the Municipal Heritage Register
Remove from the Municipal Heritage Register
Additional Research Required
Other:
TO BE FILLED BY HERITAGE PLANNING STAFF:
Date of Property Owner Notification:
Page 162 of 215
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
53-61 King Street East
Summary of Significance
Design/Physical Value Social Value
Historical/Associative Value
Economic Value
Contextual Value
Environmental Value
Municipal Address: 53-61 King Street East
Legal Description: Plan 364 Part Lots 1 & 3 Plan 394 Part Lots 1 & 32
Year Built: 1908 (S. H. Knox & Co., Demolished); circa 1941 (F.W. Woolworth Co.); and, 1966
(renovation of F. W. Woolworth Co.)
Architectural Style: Art Moderne
Original Owne r: S.H. Knox & Co (1908)
Original Use: Commercial
Condition: Good
Description of Cultural Heritage Resource
th
53-61 King Street East is a 20 century commercial building with an Art Deco-inspired front façade.
The building is situated on a 0.4 acre parcel of land located on the south side of King Street East
Page 163 of 215
between Queen Street South and Benton Street in the Downtown Cultural Heritage Landscape in the
City of Kitchener within the Region of Waterloo. The principal resource that contributes to the heritage
value is the Art Deco-inspired front façade.
Heritage Value
53-61 King Street East is recognized for its design/physical, historical/associative, and contextual
values.
Design/Physical Value
The property municipally addressed as 53-61 King Street East demonstrates design/physical value as
th
a rare example of mid-20 century commercial building with an Art Deco-inspired front façade. The
building is in good condition with many intact heritage attributes above the first storey.
The Art Deco inspired front façade was constructed circa 1941 on a two-storey commercial building,
which was constructed with brick, steel tile, and concrete block. The building to the north, which was
destroyed by fire in December 1959, was added to the building in 1966 to create a uniform Art Deco-
inspired façade from 53-61 King Street East.
The building features: a rectangular plan; four bays across the front elevation; parapet roofline; cut-
nd
stone construction; large store front windows; two rectangular pillars with aluminum canopy; 2 story
casement windows with mullions in the form of a ÐTÓ (two narrow panes with a transom light above);
intermittent string course at sill level; incised circles between the windows; panels above the windows
with vertical fluting; and, incised horizontal banding across the top of the building.
Front Elevation (South Façade)
The front of the building faces King Street East, it is six bays wide and is built with cut stone. The
original Art Deco-inspired front façade was three bays wide. This façade generally aligns with the front
property line and the second-storey features: flat roof; parapet roofline with copper flashing; cut stone;
one window opening in the first and third bay; a ribbon (three) of casement windows in the second
bay; flat headed casement windows with mullions in the form of a ÐTÑ with stone sills; geometrical
horizontal motifs incised in the stone above the windows in the first and third bay; circular motifs
incised in the stone beside the windows in the first and third bay; vertical motifs above the ribbon of
windows in the second bay; and, projecting steel canopy with rectangular sign box above. The fourth
bay was constructed circa 1966 following a fire that destroyed the adjacent Zellers department store.
The extension of this façade is three bays wide. This façade is setback approximately one metre from
the front property line and the second-storey features: flat roof; parapet roofline with copper flashing;
cut stone; a ribbon of three casement windows in the second bay; flat headed casement windows with
mullions in the form of a ÐTÑ with stone sills; geometrical horizontal motifs incised in the stone above
the circular motifs in the first and third bay; circular motifs incised in the stone beside the ribbon of
windows; vertical motifs above the ribbon of windows in the second bay; and, projecting steel canopy
with rectangular sign box above.
Historical/Associative Value
The property municipally addressed as 53-61 King Street East has historical/associative value
because it has direct associations with the theme of economic development, early dollar (Ðfive and
Page 164 of 215
dimeÑ) stores (S.H. Knox Co, & F.W. Woolworth Co.), various bargain stores, and Walter P. Zeller
founder of ZellerÓs Limited.
The property yields information that contributes to the understanding of economic development. The
chain store concept was developed in the United States and one of its pioneers was Frank Winfield
Woolworth. In 1878 he was working as a senior clerk where he helped introduce a five-cent counter.
He saw the broader commercial potential of this concept and adapted it by displaying goods so that
customers could make their own choices without the need for skilled clerks. This resulted in an
important long-term cost advantage in a commercial retail business with very low profit margins.
F.W. Woolworth opened his first Ðfive-cent storeÑ in Utica, New York in 1879. He was able to expand
his business with the help of various partners who joined together to form a group of Ðfive and ten
stores.Ñ Merchandise was sold at half the cost of other competitors. By 1900, the stores were
designed to provide a uniform appearance. These stores were incorporated as F.W. Woolworth & Co.
in 1905 with other partners joining the merger in 1912. After the merger, F.W. Woolworth created a
Canadian subsidiary known as F.W. Woolworth Co. Limited. The company was one of the largest
th
retail chains in North America during the 20 century but declined in the 1980s with its eventual
closure in 1997.
In Berlin (now Kitchener), F.W. Woolworth Co. operated in various locations in the King Street East
block between Queen and Benton/Frederick between 1913 and 1994. The store at 53-61 King Street
East closed in 1994 and reopened as The Bargain Shop (1994Î 2015). The Bargain Shop was a
chain launched by WoolworthÓs circa 1992 when it assumed the leases of 38 Bargain HaroldÓs. At
present, the building is occupied by Dollarama (circa 2016 - present).
Walter P. Zeller (b. 1890; d. 1957) was born on a farm in Waterloo County (now Waterloo Region)
and moved to Berlin in his teenage years where he attended highschool. Walter tried various
vocations and in early 1912 he started working in the stockroom at F.W. Woolworth Co. in Berlin.
Later that year, he moved to the Chatham WoolworthÓs store and rose rapidly in the company. By
1931, Walter had incorporated ZellerÓs Limited by Letters Patent issued under the Company Act of
Canada on July 13, 1931. In less than one year, Walter had purchased and opened 11 stores. Walter
was eager to open a store in his hometown of Kitchener, which opened on September 30, 1932.
Walter was among the first inductees into the Waterloo Country Hall of Fame for his contributions to
the community, including: providing funds to develop Doon Pioneer Village; volunteering as a member
with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the Kiwanis Club, the Canadian Osteopathic Aid Society,
the Shawbridge BoysÓ Farm and Training School, and the YMCA; and, he served as Executive
Assistant to the Minister of National War Services and Chairman of the National War Savings
Campaign.
Contextual Value
The property municipally addressed as 53-61 King Street East has contextual value because it defines,
maintains and supports the commercial character of the surrounding area, as well as its physical,
functional, visual, and historic link to its surroundings. The subject property is in the Downtown Cultural
Heritage Landscape, which is at the cityÓs core and thus a focal point for development in the city and
region. The area supports a range of uses, with banks, hotels, and other commercial businesses being
the original anchors of the cityÓs core. The subject propertyÓs location and proximity to adjacent
commercial buildings and the orientation, massing, and setback of the building help to define and
maintain the consistent street edge (e.g., similar building setbacks) on the south side of King Street
Page 165 of 215
East. In addition, the orientation, massing, setback, design, and materials contribute to the continuity
and character of the King Street East streetscape and the Downtown Cultural Heritage Landscape. The
building is in its original location providing a physical, visual, and historic link to its surroundings (e.g.,
King Street East and the Downtown Cultural Heritage Landscape).
Heritage Attributes
The heritage value of 53-61 King Street East resides in the following heritage attributes:
Location and orientation of the building facing King Street East;
All elements related to the construction and Art Moderne architectural style of the building,
including:
o rectangular plan;
o four bays across the front elevation;
o parapet roofline;
o cut-stone construction;
o large store front windows;
o two rectangular pillars with aluminum canopy;
nd
o 2 story casement windows with mullions in the form of a ÐTÓ (two narrow panes with a
transom light above);
o intermittent string course at sill level;
o incised circles between the windows;
o panels above the windows with vertical fluting; and,
o incised horizontal banding across the top of the building.
o Front Elevation (South Façade)
original Art Deco-inspired front façade:
three bays wide;
façade aligns with the front property line;
second story features:
o flat roof and parapet roofline with copper flashing;
o cut stone;
o one window opening in the first and third bay;
o a ribbon (three) of casement windows in the second bay;
o flat headed casement windows with mullions in the form of a ÐTÑ
with stone sills;
o geometrical horizontal motifs incised in the stone above the
windows in the first and third bay;
o circular motifs incised in the stone beside the windows in the first
and third bay;
o vertical motifs above the ribbon of windows in the second bay; and,
o projecting steel canopy with rectangular sign box above.
Addition to Art-Deco inspired façade:
three bays wide;
façade is setback approximately one metre from the front property line;
the second-storey features:
o flat roof;
Page 166 of 215
o flat roof and parapet roofline with copper flashing;
o cut stone;
o a ribbon of three casement windows in the second bay;
o flat headed casement windows with mullions in the form of a ÐTÑ
with stone sills;
o geometrical horizontal motifs incised in the stone above the circular
motifs in the first and third bay;
o circular motifs incised in the stone beside the ribbon of windows;
o vertical motifs above the ribbon of windows in the second bay; and,
o projecting steel canopy with rectangular sign box above.
All elements related to the contextual value, including:
o original location on King Street East in the city core;
o location and proximity to adjacent commercial buildings and the Downtown Cultural
Heritage Landscape;
o orientation, massing, and setback of the building on King Street East;
o design and materials of the King Street East façade; and,
o physical, visual, and historic links to its surroundings.
References
Cunningham, C. (1981). Zeller family empire began in K-W. K-W Record: Kitchener, ON.
Koch, H. (1983). A storeÓs inglorious finale after 50 years. KW Record: Kitchener, ON.
KW Record. (1966). WoolworthÓs Shows $400,000 Renovation. KW Record: Kitchener, ON.
KW Record. (1957). W. P. Zeller, Native of County, Dies. KW Record: Kitchener, ON
Ronnenber, R. (1975). HeÓs in the Hall of Fame: Zeller a leading merchant. KW Record: Kitchener,
ON.
th
ZellerÓs Forum. (1972). ZellerÓs 40 anniversary. 40(3): 1972.
Page 167 of 215
Photographs
Front Elevation (North Faade) Î 53-61 King Street East
Front Elevation (North Faade) Î 53-61 King Street East
Page 168 of 215
Front Elevation (North Faade) Î 53-61 King Street East
Page 169 of 215
CULTURAL HERITAGE EVALUATION FORM
53-61 King Street East
wĻĭƚƩķĻƩ Α IĻƩźƷğŭĻ YźƷĭŷĻƓĻƩ Heritage Planning Staff
Designation Criteria
Committee
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes Yes
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes
Yes
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes Yes
* E.g. - constructed with a unique
material combination or use,
incorporates challenging geometric
designs etc.
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes Yes
* Additional archival work may be
required.
Page 170 of 215
N/A Unknown No
N/A Unknown No
Yes
Yes
* E.g - A commercial building may
provide an understanding of how the
economic development of the City
occured. Additional archival work may
be required.
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes
Yes
* Additional archival work may be
required.
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes Yes
* E.g. - It helps to define an entrance
point to a neighbourhood or helps
establish the (historic) rural character of
an area.
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes Yes
* Additional archival work may be
required.
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
within the region, city or
Yes Yes
neighborhood.
Notes
Page 171 of 215
wĻĭƚƩķĻƩ Α IĻƩźƷğŭĻ YźƷĭŷĻƓĻƩ Heritage Planning Staff
Additional Criteria
Committee
Interior
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes
Yes
Completeness
N/A Unknown No
N/A Unknown No
Yes
Yes
Site Integrity
N/A Unknown No
N/A Unknown No
Yes
* If relocated, is it relocated on its original
Yes
site, moved from another site, etc.
Alterations
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes
Yes
Alterations:
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes
Yes
Condition
N/A Unknown No
N/A Unknown No
*E.g. - Could be a good candidate for Yes
Yes
adaptive re-use if possible and contribute
towards equity-building and climate change
action.
Indigenous History
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes Yes
*E.g. - Site within 300m of water sources,
near distinct topographical land, or near
cemeteries might have archaeological
potential and indigenous heritage potential.
* Additional archival work may be required.
Page 172 of 215
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes Yes
Function:
Unknown Residential Unknown Residential
Commercial
* Other may include vacant, social,
Commercial
Office Other
institutional, etc. and important for the
Office Other -
community from an equity building
________________
perspective.
Diversity and Inclusion
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes Yes
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
* E.g.- Waterloo Masjid (Muslim Society of
Yes
Yes
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.
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
Keep on the Municipal Heritage Register
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 173 of 215
Statement of Significance
4336 King Street East
Summary of Significance
Design/Physical Value Social Value
Historical Value Economic Value
Contextual Value Environmental Value
Municipal Address: 4336 King Street East
Legal Description: BeasleyÓs Broken Front Part Lots 8 & 9, 58R-16058 Part 3
Year Built: c. 1889
Architectural Style: Georgian
Original Owner: Unknown
Original Use: School
Condition: Good
Description of Cultural Heritage Resource
th
4336 King Street East is a one storey late-19 century former school house built in the Georgian
architectural style. The building is situated on a 1.40 acre parcel of land located on the corner of
King Street East and Heldmann Road in the Pioneer Tower East Planning Community of the City
of Kitchener within the Region of Waterloo. The principal resource that contributes to the heritage
value is the former school house building.
Page 174 of 215
Heritage Value
4336 King Street East is recognized for its design/physical, historic/associative, and contextual
values.
Design/Physical Value
The design and physical value of the subject property relates to the architecture of the old
schoolhouse. The design, composition, craftsmanship and details of the building result in a
representative example of Georgian architectural style. The building is in good condition and is
one of only four remaining one-room schoolhouses in the City of Kitchener. As such, it is
considered a rare example of a one-room schoolhouse. The existing building is one-storey in
height, is constructed of buff-brick in a common bond and Flemish bond, with a gable roof and a
fieldstone foundation.
The building was rehabilitated in the early 2000Ós including the restoration of the original brick and
repointing the stone foundation. An rear addition with a gable roof is attached to the former
schoolhouse as well as a long one-storey commercial strip building attached to the east side of
the former schoolhouse. The rear addition mimics some architectural details from the former
schoolhouse such as its shape and form, as well as its use of buff brick and window openings.
The buff brick is laid in common bond and a concrete foundation is clad in cut stone or replicated
stone. A one-storey commercial building extending across the east property line is attached to
the east side of the restaurant and is split into multiple units that provide a variety of restaurant
and retail uses.
Front (North) Elevation
The front elevation of 4336 King Street east consists of a gable end of the north addition to the
former Pine Grove Schoolhouse. West of the former schoolhouse, there is an attached flat roof
commercial building that has been divided into multiple units.
The gabled roof addition to the former schoolhouse is three bays wide, and is designed similar to
the original portion of the Pine Grove Schoolhouse. From the exterior, the addition appears to be
two-storeys in height, but on the inside it is one-storey. The elevation foundation is concrete, clad
in a stone veneer, and the walls consist of buff-brick lais in a running bond pattern with gret mortar.
On either side of the door, there are two large rectangular windows with brick lintels. Above these
door and window openings are three segmentally arched window openings with brick lintels and
concrete sills. Each of these window openings has a modern window divided into 12 lites.
Underneath the gable peak on this elevation there is a central round vent opening with a brick
surround.
Rear (South) Elevation
The rear (south) elevation faces King Street East and is the rear elevation of the Former Pine
Grove Schoolhouse. This elevation also includes the buff-brick construction and the fieldstone
foundation. There are two rectangular windows on the foundation, consisting of 12 lites.
This elevation is three bays wide, consisting of segmentally arched windows with brick lintels with
concrete sills. Each window opening has a modern window divided into 12 lites. The gable peak
has a circular window with brick surround. This elevation also has a projecting chimney.
Page 175 of 215
East Elevation
The east elevation of the building is not visible as it has been covered by the attached commercial
building.
West Elevation
The modern addition and the former schoolhouse are both visible on this elevation. The original
portion of the schoolhouse contains three segmentally arched windows with brick voussoirs and
concrete sills with a segmentally arched door. The window openings all have modern windows
with 12 lites. The fieldstone foundation has two rectangular window openings. These window
openings have modern windows with 9 lites with brick lintels. The addition has a gable roof with
brick veneer, gable roof, and is one-storey in height.
Historical/Associative Value
The historic and associative value of the subject property relates to the former school, known as
Pine Grove, which once served the localities of Limerick, Pine Bush, Freeport and Little Paradise.
A log school house was first built in 1809 followed by a wood structure in 1855 and the current
brick building c. 1889 (Hill, 2011). The log school is reported as the first school house in the
County while the current brick building served as a school circa 1889 up until the mid-1950s.
Henry Heldmann purchased the schoolhouse in the 1950s and converted the building to a
residence and factory for manufacturing plastic bandages. The building was occupied by the
Heldmann family until the 1990s before becoming part of the Sportsworld Water Park. The history
of the property and its importance to the community was celebrated by naming the road running
past the school house in honour of the Heldmann family. The building was rehabilitated and
adapted into a restaurant occupied by the Borealis Grille and Bar restaurant.
The property also has associative value as it relates to the theme of settlement in the Waterloo
Region. This schoolhouse, and building, is one of the oldest buildings in the Region, and was
constructed to service the communities of Limerick, Pine Bush, Freeport and Little Paradise. This
building was used as a space for education for many years by these communities before
becoming a residence. These communities were the early settlers in the Region, with the
schoolhouse being built to meet the needs of these communities.
Heritage Attributes
All elements related to the Georgian architectural style of the original portion of the building,
including:
The location, height, and massing of the original schoolhouse
one storey height;
front gable roof;
buff brick;
segmentally arched window openings with brick voussoirs;
flat headed basement window openings with brick voussoirs;
circular vent (former window) with brick voussoirs;
remnants from former school name plate; and,
fieldstone foundation.
Brick chimney
Former date/school name insert in gable peak.
Page 176 of 215
References
Hill, V. (2011). Old Pine Grove schoolhouse is now a stylish restaurant. Retrieved on June 19,
2014 from http://www.therecord.com/living-story/2578180-old-pine-grove-schoolhouse-is-
now-a-stylish-restaurant/
Oberholtzer, Reuben S., Waterloo Historical Society, V.67, p.85
WSP (2020), Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report Î 4336 King Street East, Kitchener, prepared
for the Region of Waterloo
Page 177 of 215
Photographs
4336 King Street East: Front Facade
Page 178 of 215
4336 King Street East: Rear Addition Facade
Page 179 of 215
4336 King Street East: West Façade (Showing the seam between the original
schoolhouse and the addition)
Page 180 of 215
CULTURAL HERITAGE EVALUATION FORM
Address: 4336 King Street East Recorder: JM (Jade McGowan), Deeksha
Choudhry
Description: Date: December 4, 2025
(date of construction, architectural style, etc)
Photographs Attached:
Front Facade Left Façade Right Façade Rear Facade Details Setting
wĻĭƚƩķĻƩ Α IĻƩźƷğŭĻ YźƷĭŷĻƓĻƩ IĻƩźƷğŭĻ tƌğƓƓźƓŭ {ƷğŅŅ
5ĻƭźŭƓğƷźƚƓ /ƩźƷĻƩźğ
/ƚƒƒźƷƷĻĻ
1. This property
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
has 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 physical
Yes Yes
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 physical
Yes Yes
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,
Page 181 of 215
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 associative
Yes Yes
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 because
Yes Yes
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
contextual value because
Page 182 of 215
it is physically,
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
functionally, visually or
Yes Yes
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 because
Yes Yes
it is a landmark.
*within the region, city or
neighborhood.
Notes
wĻĭƚƒƒĻƓķğƷźƚƓ
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
Keep on the Municipal Heritage Register
Remove from the Municipal Heritage Register
Additional Research Required
Other:
TO BE FILLED BY HERITAGE PLANNING STAFF:
Page 183 of 215
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
8-24 KING STREET EAST
Summary of Significance
Design/Physical Value Social Value
Historical/Associative Value Economic Value
Contextual Value Environmental Value
Municipal Address: 8-30 King Street East
Legal Description: Plan 364 Pt Lots 13 & 14
Architectural Style: Italianate
Year Built: 1862/1863
Original Owne r: Louis Breithaupt
Original Use: Hotel
Condition: Good
Description of Cultural Heritage Resource
8-24 King Street East is a 19th century commercial building built in the Italianate
architectural style. The building is situated on a 0.46 acre parcel of land located on the
north east corner of King Street East and Queen Street North in the City Commercial Core
Planning Community of the City of Kitchener within the Region of Waterloo. The principal
resource that contributes to the heritage value is the commercial building.
Heritage Value
8-24 King Street East is recognized for its design/physical, significant
historical/associative and contextual values.
Page 184 of 215
Design/Physical Value
The design and physical values relate to the Italianate architectural style that is in good
condition with many intact original elements. The building features: yellow brick
construction; individual facades, including some original main street storefronts; simple
cornice with single wood brackets; and semi-circular window openings with brick
voussoirs. The building has been painted white.
South (Front) Faade
The existing buildings are 3 storeys in height and includes different materials on this
façade:
- 8-10 King Street is constructed of brick;
- 16 King Street East is also constructed of brick which has been painted white;
- 20 King Street East is most likely also constructed of brick which has been
cladded over by stucco;
- 24 King Street east is clad in brick veneer.
26 and 30 King Street East were also historically part of this property, However, 26 King
Street East is now of modern construction, and 30 King Street East is vacant due to a
fire that occurred a number of years about.
The ground floor of these buildings contain commercial units and the upper storeys can
be divided into 11 bays. Each bay contains semi-circular windows on each storey of
different window styles:
- 8-10 King Street East mostly contains single hung windows with 2 windows on
the upper floor that have 6 lites;
- 16 King Street East also has single hung windows with 2 lites in the lower portion
of the window;
- 20 King Street East has single hung windows on each storey;
- 24 King Street East also has single hung windows on each storey.
At the top of this façade, there is a cornice with decorative brackets and decorative brick
work that extends throughout the façade. The cornice and the brackets used to be red
but have since been painted black.
West (Side) Faade
This façade extends is adjoined with 4 King Street East/1 Queen Street North, and is
not visible.
East (side) Faade
This façade is adjoined with 26 King Street East, and is not visible.
North (Rear) Faade
The rear facades of these buildings has been altered over many years, with a major
portion of this façade not visible due to 4 King Street/1 Queen Street North.
Page 185 of 215
Although there have been several alterations to the building over the years, including
the alterations that had to be made because of a fire, the building still maintains some of
its original elements and is still representative of its Italianate architectural style and
retains its heritage integrity.
Historical/Associative Value
This building has significant historical and associative value. The historical and
associative values relate to the original owner and use of the property, as well as the
contribution they made to the history of Berlin (now Kitchener). The original owner of the
building was Louis Breithaupt while the original use of the building was a hotel Î the
American Hotel. The American Hotel was built by Louis Breithaupt in 1862-1863 for
$9,000.00. It is estimated that the building has served as a hotel for approximately 100
years. The building is one of the oldest commercial building in the City. Louis Breithaupt
was a prominent business in Berlin as well as a former mayor, and his contributions to
the development of Berlin form an integral chapter in BerlinÓs commercial and industrial
development.
Louis Breithaupt
Louis Jacob Breithaupt was born in Buffalo, New York, on March 3, 1855. His parents
were Louis and Catherine (Hailer) Breithaupt. LouisÓ father was a native of Hessen,
Germany, who brought his family from the United States to Canada, which led to Louis
being educated in Berlin and Toronto, after which he joined his family in business in
Berlin, learning the trade of a tanner. He served many roles, from being a salesman,
bookkeeper, and commercial traveler for the house, and upon the death of his father in
1880, he became a member and acting manager of the form of Louis Breithaupt &
Company. In 1890, with Louis Breithaupt now the President of the Company, the
business was re-organized as a joint stock company, also becoming known as The
Breithaupt Leather Company Ltd, have extensive tanneries at Berlin, Penetanguishene
and Listowel, with the head office in Berlin. This company became one of the biggest
leather companies to operate in Canada. This contributed greatly to the economic and
industrial development of Berlin at the time, with Louis Breithaupt becoming one of the
most prominent members of the society.
Along with his business, he has also served as the President for the Ontario Bank
Company, President of the Berlin Gas, Electric Light & Power Company, a Director for
the Economical Fire Insurance Co. of Berlin, and was also the President of the North
Waterloo Agricultural Society. Additionally, he was the first Vice-President of The Berlin
Rubber Company. He was also the President of the Berlin Board of Trade.
For many years he was on the Waterloo County council as a member, serving was a
Warden of the County in 1898. For seven years, he was also served as a member of
the Berlin Town Council, and served as a mayor of the city in 1889.
Contextual Value
This building has contextual value as being built in the downtown commercial core of
Berlin, before it became Kitchener, and is a part of a group of buildings that were built at
Page 186 of 215
a time when industrial and commercial development in Berlin (now Kitchener) was
happening. Today, these buildings are located in the downtown commercial core of
Kitchener, and greatly contribute to the character of the area. The building is in its
original location, and maintains historical and visual links to its surroundings.
Furthermore, this building is the oldest commercial building in the City and located at a
prominent intersection in the downtown city core, contributing to its contextual value.
Other Values
Economic Value
The existing building has economic value as being representative of a building with a
history that contributes to the economic development that was taking place initially in
thth
Berlin, and then in Kitchener in the late 19 and early 20 century.
Heritage Attributes
The heritage value of 8-24 King Street East resides in the following heritage attributes:
All elements related to the construction and Italianate architectural style of the
building, excluding the ground floor. These elements include, including:
o Location, massing, and orientation of the building;
o Brick construction;
o Roof and roofline;
o Decorative brickwork around the single wood brackets on the front facade;
o Simple cornice with single wood brackets; and,
o Semi-circular window openings with brick voussoirs and sills on the front
and facade;
All contextual elements related to the building including:
o Its original location on King Street East/Queen Street North streetscape and
its contribution to the Kitchener downtown commercial area.
Page 187 of 215
Front Façade of 8-24 King Street East.
Page 188 of 215
CULTURAL HERITAGE EVALUATION FORM
Address: 8-24 King Street East Recorder: Deeksha Choudhry
Description: Date: December 4, 2025
(date of construction, architectural style, etc)
Photographs Attached:
Front Facade Left Façade Right Façade Rear Facade Details Setting
wĻĭƚƩķĻƩ Α IĻƩźƷğŭĻ YźƷĭŷĻƓĻƩ IĻƩźƷğŭĻ tƌğƓƓźƓŭ {ƷğŅŅ
5ĻƭźŭƓğƷźƚƓ /ƩźƷĻƩźğ
/ƚƒƒźƷƷĻĻ
1. This property
has design value or
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
physical value because it
Yes Yes
is a rare,
unique, representative or
early example of a style,
type,
expression, material or
construction method.
2. The property has
design value or physical
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
value because it displays a
Yes Yes
high degree of
craftsmanship or artistic
merit.
3. The property has
design value or physical
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
value because
Yes Yes
it demonstrates a high
degree of technical
or scientific achievement.
* E.g. - constructed with a unique
material combination or use,
Page 189 of 215
incorporates challenging geometric
designs etc.
4. The property has
historical value or
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
associative value because
Yes Yes
it has direct associations
with a theme, event,
belief, person,
activity, organization or
institution that is
significant to a
community.
* Additional archival work may
be required.
5. The property has
historical or associative
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
value because it yields, or
Yes Yes
has the potential to yield,
information that
contributes to an
understanding of a
community or culture.
* E.g - A commercial building may
provide an understanding of how the
economic development of
the City occured. Additional archival
work may be required.
6. The property has
historical value or
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
associative value because
Yes Yes
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.
Page 190 of 215
7. The property has
contextual value because
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
it is important in
Yes Yes
defining, maintaining or
supporting the character
of an area.
* E.g. - It helps to define an entrance
point to a neighbourhood or
helps establish the (historic) rural
character of an area.
8. The property has
contextual value because
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
it is physically,
Yes Yes
functionally, visually or
historically linked to its
surroundings.
* Additional archival work may
be required.
9. The property has
contextual value because
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
it is a landmark.
Yes Yes
*within the region, city or
neighborhood.
Notes
Page 191 of 215
wĻĭƚƒƒĻƓķğƷźƚƓ
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
Keep on the Municipal Heritage Register
Remove from the Municipal Heritage Register
Additional Research Required
Other:
TO BE FILLED BY HERITAGE PLANNING STAFF:
Page 192 of 215
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
33 Ontario Street North
Summary of Significance
Social Value
Design/Physical Value
Economic Value
Historical/Associative Value
Contextual Value
Environmental Value
Municipal Address: 33 Ontario Street North
Legal Description: Plan 401 Part Lot 2 & 7 Plan 396 Part Lot 8
Year Built: 1967
Architectural Style: Brutalist
Original Owne r: City of Kitchener
Original Use: Commercial
Condition: Good
Description of Cultural Heritage Resource
33 Ontario Street North is a six (6) storey parking garage built in the Brutalist architectural style. The
building is situated on a 0.74 acre parcel of land located on the east side of Ontario Street between
Page 193 of 215
Goudies Lane and Duke Street in the Downtown Cultural Heritage Landscape of the City of Kitchener
within the Region of Waterloo. The principal resource that contributes to the heritage value is the parking
garage.
Heritage Value
33 Ontario Street North is recognized for its design/physical, historical/associative, and contextual
values.
Design/Physical Value
The design/physical value relates to the Brutalist architectural style. The parking garage is a
representative example of the Brutalist architectural style, characterized by a functional utilitarian
design with an open air deck and exterior helix exit ramp. This design gained momementum in the
1950s and presented economic advantages since ventilation systems were not required, fire codes
were relaxed, and facades to the hide the parking were no longer required. The parking garage is in
good condition and features: a rectangular plan and adjacent cantilevered exterior helix exit ramp;
cast concrete façade on Duke Street West and Ontario Street North, including decorative details that
emphasize horizontal and vertical lines; utilitarian, open air deck design; and, approximately 9 metres
of the Goudies Lane cast concrete façade with vertical lines and the Electrohome mural. The mural is
part of the Kitchener Downtown Mural Programme which operated between 1995 and 2002. The
mural is a mixed media and plaster installation designed by the artist Cristina Peori, sponsored by
Electrohome Ltd., and titled ÐElectrohome since 1907.Ñ The mural was completed on October 20,
1995.
Historical/Associative Value
The historical/associative value relates to the direct association with the theme of urban renewal and
association with the Kitchener Parking Authority, National Garages Inc. of Detroit and McCargar,
Hachborn & Associates (today known as WalterFedy). The parking garage was the first project in
KitchenerÓs urban renewal plans of the late 1960s. The Kitchener Parking Authority championed the
project by identifying the need for a large parking facility in Downtown Kitchener. A land use analysis
report was provided by the Kitchener Urban Renewal Committee. The committee chose the site at
Duke and Ontario because it was accessible to major parking generators such as theatres,
department stores, churches and financial institutions. The director of planning, William Thompson,
brought in National Garages Inc. of Detroit, a parking garage expert, to prepare the functional
drawings. McCargar, Hachborn & Associates (R.D. McCargar) were brought in as engineers for the
final design and specifications. On June 23, 1967, Council awarded the contract for construction of
the 400-car concrete parking garage, including offices and storage, to Karley and Kroetsch for
$892,042. Council also had to purchase additional lands from George and Margaret Harre, Gouldie
Building Limited and Kitchener News Record to facilitate the construction of the parking garage. The
total cost of the land and construction was $1,350,000. The construction and operation of the parking
garage were managed by the Kitchener Parking Authority. The parking garage was officially opened
on June 14, 1968.
Contextual
The contextual value relates to the parking garageÓs physical, functional and visual links to adjacent
properties and buildings. The parking garage is physically connected to the former Goudies
Department Store (now THEMUSEUM) and continues to provide a functional link via a hallway
between the the garage and THEMUSEUM. The parking garage is visually linked to the complex of
buildings at 30-32 Duke Street East, which was built in the International architectural style with
Brutalist and Expressionist influences. The parking garage and the adjacent complex both represent
Page 194 of 215
mid-century modern architectural styles that broke from previous architectural precedents in their
efforts to modernize as part of the urban renewal plans of the late 1960s. Their similar age, style and
materials define the upper end of Ontario Street North.
Other Values Î Economic
The parking garage was featured in a 2009 European Audi automobile television commercial and is
listed on the Ontario Media Development CorporationÓs filming database.
Heritage Attributes
The heritage value of 33 Ontario Street North resides in the following heritage attributes:
All elements related to the construction and Brutalist architectural style of the building, including:
o rectangular plan and adjacent cantilevered exterior helix exit ramp;
o cast concrete façade on Duke Street West and Ontario Street North, including decorative
details that emphasize horizontal and vertical lines;
o utilitarian, open air deck design; and,
o approximately 9 metres of the Goudies Lane cast concrete façade with vertical lines and
the Electrohome mural.
References
City of Kitchener. (1966). Minutes of Council. City of Kitchener: Kitchener, Ontario.
City of Kitchener. (1967). Minutes of the Special Finance Committee. City of Kitchener: Kitchener,
Ontario.
City of Kitchener. (1967). By-law 6222 Î a by-law to authorize the construction of a parking garage and
the raising of money for that purpose. City of Kitchener: Kitchener, Ontario.
City of Kitchener. (1967). Building Permit A777 for a Parking Garage. City of Kitchener: Kitchener,
Ontario.
LocalWiki Contributor: Jensenius, D. (2012). Duke Street Parking Garage. Acessed on December 8,
2025 from https://localwiki.org/kitchener/Duke_Street_Parking_Garage
Unknown. (1966). Parking Garage Supported: Duke-Ontario Site Proposed. Waterloo Region Record:
Kitchener, Ontario. Accessed on December 8, 2025 from
https://www.newspapers.com/article/waterloo-region-record-1966-03-04-parkin/185285272/
Unknown. (1967). $1,350,000 Garage Gets Council OK. Waterloo Region Record: Kitchener, Ontario.
Accessed on December 8, 2025 from https://www.newspapers.com/article/waterloo-region-record-
1967-06-23-1350/185334778/
WalterFedy. (2025). About. Accessed on December 8, 2025 from https://www.walterfedy.com/about/
Page 195 of 215
Photographs
Front (Duke Street West) Elevation (East Faade) Î 33 Ontario Street South (Google,
May 2025)
Front (Duke Street West) Elevation (East Faade) Î 33 Ontario Street South (Google,
May 2025)
Page 196 of 215
Side (Ontario Street South) Elevation (North Faade) Î 33 Ontario Street South
(Google, May 2025)
Rear (Halls Lane) Elevation (South Façade) Î 33 Ontario Street South (Google, May
2025)
Page 197 of 215
CULTURAL HERITAGE EVALUATION FORM
Michelle Drake
33 Ontario Street North
1967, Brutalist architectural style
November 21, 2025
wĻĭƚƩķĻƩ Α IĻƩźƷğŭĻ YźƷĭŷĻƓĻƩ Heritage Planning Staff
Designation Criteria
Committee
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes
Yes
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes
Yes
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes
Yes
* E.g. - constructed with a
unique material
combination or use,
incorporates challenging
geometric designs etc.
Page 198 of 215
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes
Yes
* Additional archival work
may be required.
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes
Yes
* E.g - A commercial
building may provide an
understanding of how the
economic development of
the City occured.
Additional archival work
may be required.
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes
Yes
* Additional archival work
may be required.
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes
Yes
Page 199 of 215
* E.g. - It helps to define
an entrance point to a
neighbourhood or helps
establish the (historic)
rural character of an area.
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes
Yes
* Additional archival work
may be required.
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes
Yes
within the region, city or
neighborhood.
Notes
Additional Criteria Recorder Heritage Kitchener
Committee
Interior
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes
Yes
Completeness
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes electrohome mural; park at
Yes
duke & ontario
Site Integrity
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes
Yes
* If relocated, is it relocated on
its original site, moved from
another site, etc.
Page 200 of 215
Alterations
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes
Yes
Alterations:
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes
Yes
Condition
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
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
N/A Unknown No Yes N/A Unknown No
Yes
*E.g. - Site within 300m of
water sources, near distinct
topographical land, or near
cemeteries might have
archaeological potential and
indigenous heritage potential.
N/A Unknown No Yes
N/A Unknown No
Yes
* Additional archival work may
be required.
Function:
Unknown Residential Unknown Residential
Commercial
Commercial
Office Other -Office Other
________________
________________
Page 201 of 215
* Other may include vacant,
social, institutional, etc. and
important for the community
from an equity building
perspective.
Diversity and Inclusion
N/A Unknown No Yes N/A Unknown No
Yes
N/A Unknown No Yes N/A Unknown No
Yes
* 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.
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
Keep on the Municipal Heritage Register
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 202 of 215
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
182 Victoria Street North
Summary of Significance
Social Value
Design/Physical Value
Historical/Associative Value Economic Value
Contextual Value Environmental Value
Municipal Address: 182 Victoria Street North
Legal Description: Plan 374 Pt Lots 23 & 24
Year Built: 1946
Architectural Style: Neo Gothic
Original Owne r: New Apostolic Church
Original Use: Regligious
Condition: Good
Description of Cultural Heritage Resource
th
182 Victoria Street North is a mid 20 Century building built in the Neo Gothic architectural style. The
building in situated on a 0.26 acre parcel of land located on the west side of Victoria Street North
between Ahrens Street West and Margaret Avenue in the Warehouse District Cultural Heritage
Landscape in the City of Kitchener within the Region of Waterloo. The principal resource that
contributes to the heritage value is the religious building.
Heritage Value
182 Victoria Street North is recognized for its design/physical, historical/associative, and social
values.
Page 203 of 215
Design/Physical Value
The design and physical values relate to the Neo Gothic architectural style that is in good condition
with many intact original elements. This style was generally built between 1900 and 1945 with a
monochromatic design featuring wall buttresses and finials for aesthetic rather than structural
purposes. The religious building features: rectangular plan; red brick construction; stepped gable
roofline that holds a cross; concrete details such as door and window surrounds, medallions, and,
sunburst above front entrance; gothic arch windows, including stained glass windows; windows with
brick voussoirs; and, lights that flank the front entrance.
Front (East) Façade
The front of the buildng faces Victoria Street North and is comprised of a single bay that features red
brick in a running bond; a stepped gable roofline that holds a concrete cross; concrete details,
including stairs with railing, door and window surrounds, medallions, and sunburt; gothic arch leaded
and stained glass window with concrete surround and brick voussoirs; double entrance doors flanked
by decorative lights; and, poles with decorative lights on the stairs.
Side (North) Façade
The north side of the building is comprised of five bays of red brick and separated by buttresses. The
first bay features a ribbon of three square windows with a single brick voussoir and a single concrete
sill on the main level of the building separated from the basement by a concrete band with two square
basement windows. The second and third bays feature a ribbon of three rectangular windows with a
single brick voussoir and a single concrete sill on the main level of the building separated from the
basement by a concrete band with three square basement windows. The fourth bay features a cross
gable roofline that cuts into the front gable roofline of the main building to display a gothic arch
window with tracery, brick voussoir with concrete label caps, and a concrete sill on the main level of
the building; and, a ribbon of three (altered to two) square basement windows with a single brick
voussoir. The fifth bay features a ribbon of three rectangular windows with a single brick voussoir and
a single concrete sill on the main level of the building.
Side (South) Facade
The south side of the building is comprised of five bays of red brick and separated by buttresses. The
first bay features a square window with a brick voussoir and a concrete sill on the main level of the
building separated from the basement by a concrete band with a square basement window and a
single gothic arch door with a brick voussoir and concrete label stops. The second and third bays
feature a ribbon of three rectangular windows with a single brick voussoir and a single concrete sill on
the main level of the building separated from the basement by a concrete band with three square
basement windows. The fourth bay features a cross gable roofline that cuts into the front gable
roofline of the main building to display a gothic arch window with tracery, brick voussoir with concrete
label caps, and a concrete sill on the main level of the building; and, a ribbon of three square
basement windows with a single brick voussoir. The fifth bay projects to the side of the building by
about 1.5 metres (7 feet) with the east face of the bay featuring stairs with an entrance door and the
south face of the bay featuring a ribbon of three rectangular windows with a single brick voussoir and
a single concrete sill on the main level of the building.
Historical/Associative Value
The historical value relates to the original ownership and use of the building, by the New Apostolic
Church. The New Apostolic Church started in England around 1832. Early services of the New
Apostolic Church were held in Waterloo in 1925 by the parent church in the United States, and by
1930 services were also being held at 20 Ellen Street in Kitchener. As the congregation grew rapidly,
Page 204 of 215
the church purchased a house at 182 Victoria Street North in 1934 and used it as their church for
several years. By 1958, a sufficient number of congregations had been formed to organize a separate
Canadian district church, and ordained Michael Kraus as District Apostle of the church in Zurich on
June 21, 1958. Having outgrown the house, it was demolished in 1946 to allow for the current
religious building. The congregation continued to grow and moved in 1974 to 160 Margaret Avenue.
The associative values relate to Michael Kraus, Verses restaurant, and the Chin Christian Church.
Michael Kraus was a reverend of the New Apostolic Church, builder, and a prominent businessman in
the Kitchener-Waterloo community. He was born in Romania on March 26, 1908 and arrived in
Kitchener at the age of 18. At age 22, he married Hilda Loscher and two years later the couple
became members of the small New Apostolic congregation on Ellen Street. He was ordained into the
ministry the following year in 1933. In the 1930s, he worked as a labourer in the Baetz furniture
factory, and built apartments during after hours. He built the relgious building at 182 Victoria Street
North in 1946. He began importing upholstery fabric at age 33, and eventually started his own carpet
company, Kraus Carpet Mills (1959) and Strudex Fibres (1971). He was ordained as an Apostle in
1955, and ordained as a District Apostle and national leader of the New Apostolic Church of Canada
in 1958. He traveled extensively and sent fellow missionaries all the over the world, and helped
establish the New Apostolic Church in over 70 countries. The church membership had grown to 4
million by his retirement in 1994. He died in Kitchener on November 16, 2003.
Brett Shantz and Debbie McFadden purchased the building and converted it to the restaurant Verses,
speicializing in metropolitan dining, in 2003. The Verses website indicated that Ðthe owners felt it
necessary to keep the integrity of the building intact. What your eyes feast on when you first walk in is
the original stained glass windows, ceiling motifs and church lights. The pews were made into the
striking harvest tables now in the centre of the main dining room. These same pews have been used
elsewhere as a design element in the VERSES facility. They house the unique glass sinks by Renato
Foti in the powder rooms and they are now panel walls in the ÐChefÓs TableÑ dining area. The original
hardwood floors were stained and refinished on the main level, as were the beautiful terrazzo floors
on the lower level.Ñ Verses was ranked a four-diamond restaurant by CAA Î the only one in Waterloo
Region at that level Î in 2013 and closed in 2014 when the property was sold to the Chin Christian
Church.
The Chin Christian Fellowship was established in 2004 to help Chin people living in the Kitchener-
Waterloo area. Services were held at the First Hmong Mennonite Church. The Chin Christian
Fellowship of Canada was founded in 2006 by delegates from all Chin churches in Canada. The
name was changed to Chin Christian Church in 2008. The church has grown to 200 plus members
and two pastors. The religious building at 182 Victoria Street North was purchased in 2014 and
continues to operate as the Chin Christian Church.
Other Values - Social Value
The New Apostolic Church has social value as a place of worship that has been in Kitchener for over
95 years. The religious building at 182 Victoria Street North supported these services between 1946
to 1974 (28 years) and during that period was a place of importance for this religious community.
The Chin Christian Church has social value as a place of worship that has been in Kitchener for 21
years. The religious building at 182 Victoria Street North has supported these services since 2014
and has become a place of importance to this religious community.
Page 205 of 215
Places of worship often provide intangible community value as a place where people gather and are
often a central piece of a community.
Heritage Attributes
The heritage value of 182 Victoria Street North resides in the following heritage attributes:
All elements related to the construction and Neo Gothic architectural style of the building,
including:
o rectangular plan;
o red brick construction;
o stepped gable roofline that holds a cross;
o concrete details such as door and window surrounds, medallions, and, sunburst above
front entrance;
o gothic arch windows, including stained glass windows;
o windows with brick voussoirs; and,
o lights that flank the front entrance.
Front (East) Façade
single bay with red brick in a running bond;
stepped gable roofline that holds a concrete cross;
concrete details, including stairs with railing, door and window surrounds,
medallions, and sunburt;
gothic arch leaded and stained glass window with concrete surround and
brick voussoir;
double entrance doors flanked by decorative lights; and,
poles with decorative lights on the stairs.
Side (North) Façade
five bays of red brick separated by buttresses;
the first bay features a ribbon of three square windows with a single brick
voussoir and a single concrete sill on the main level of the building
separated from the basement by a concrete band with two square
basement windows;
the second and third bays feature a ribbon of three rectangular windows
with a single brick voussoir and a single concrete sill on the main level of
the building separated from the basement by a concrete band with three
square basement windows;
the fourth bay features a cross gable roofline that cuts into the front gable
roofline of the main building to display a gothic arch window with tracery,
brick voussoir with concrete label caps, and a concrete sill on the main
level of the building; and, a ribbon of three (altered to two) square
basement windows with a single brick voussoir; and,
the fifth bay features a ribbon of three rectangular windows with a single
brick voussoir and a single concrete sill on the main level of the building.
Side (South) Façade
five bays of red brick separated by buttresses;
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the first bay features a square window with a brick voussoir and a concrete
sill on the main level of the building separated from the basement by a
concrete band with a square basement window and a single gothic arch
door with a brick voussoir and concrete label stops;
the second and third bays feature a ribbon of three rectangular windows
with a single brick voussoir and a single concrete sill on the main level of
the building separated from the basement by a concrete band with three
square basement windows;
the fourth bay features a cross gable roofline that cuts into the front gable
roofline of the main building to display a gothic arch window with tracery,
brick voussoir with concrete label caps, and a concrete sill on the main
level of the building; and, a ribbon of three square basement windows with
a single brick voussoir;
the fifth bay projects to the side of the building by about 1.5 metres (7
feet) with the east face of the bay featuring stairs with an entrance door
and the south face of the bay featuring a ribbon of three rectangular
windows with a single brick voussoir and a single concrete sill on the main
level of the building.
References
Bryson, M. (2025). Bingeman family, Michael Kraus honoured on German Pioneer Day. Kitchener
Waterloo Record. Accessed on 2025 November 26 from
https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/bingeman-family-michael-kraus-honoured-on-
german-pioneers-day/article_ec1cf596-9bd7-518e-b4ff-748d685a6419.html
CCFC. (2006). Chin Christian Fellowship of Canada (CCFC): Brief History. Accessed on 2025
November 26 from https://www.ccfc2006.ca/2019/03/chin-christian-fellowship-of-canada.html
Chin Christian Church. (2025). Chin Christian Church: About CCC. Accessed on 2025 November 26
from https://www.kwchinchristianchurch.com/about/
Unknown. (1974). Progressive Stages of Growth in the New Apostolic Church. Kitchener Waterloo
Record: Kitchener, Ontario.
Lythgoe, D. (2025). Rev. Michael Kraus. Waterloo Region Generations. Accessed on 2025 November
26 from https://generations.regionofwaterloo.ca/getperson.php?personID=I158920&tree=generations
New Apostolic Church International. (2024). When Michael Kraus prayed È Accessed on 2025
November 26 from https://nac.today/en/when-michael-kraus-prayed/
Wikipedia. (2025). Michael Kraus (minister). Accessed on 2025 November 26 from
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Kraus_(minister)
Page 207 of 215
Photographs
Front (Victoria Street North) Elevation (East Façade) (Google, May 2025)
Side Elevation (North Façade) (Google, May 2025)
Page 208 of 215
Side Elevation (South Façade) (Google, May 2025)
Page 209 of 215
CULTURAL HERITAGE EVALUATION FORM
Michelle Drake
182 Victoria Street North
New Apostolic Church, 1946, Neo Gothic
November 17, 2025
wĻĭƚƩķĻƩ Α IĻƩźƷğŭĻ YźƷĭŷĻƓĻƩ Heritage Planning Staff
Designation Criteria
Committee
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes
Yes
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes
Yes
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes
Yes
* E.g. - constructed with a
unique material
combination or use,
incorporates challenging
geometric designs etc.
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N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes
Yes
* Additional archival work
may be required.
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes
Yes
* E.g - A commercial
building may provide an
understanding of how the
economic development of
the City occured.
Additional archival work
may be required.
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes
Yes
* Additional archival work
may be required.
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes
Yes
* E.g. - It helps to define
an entrance point to a
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neighbourhood or helps
establish the (historic)
rural character of an area.
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes
Yes
* Additional archival work
may be required.
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes
Yes
within the region, city or
neighborhood.
Notes
Additional Criteria Recorder Heritage Kitchener
Committee
Interior
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes Yes
Completeness
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes
Yes
Site Integrity
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes
Yes
* If relocated, is it relocated on
its original site, moved from
another site, etc.
Alterations
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes
Yes
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Alterations:
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes
Yes
Condition
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
Yes
*E.g. - Could be a good
Yes
candidate for adaptive re-use if
possible and contribute
towards equity-building and
climate change action.
Indigenous History
N/A Unknown No Yes N/A Unknown No
Yes
*E.g. - Site within 300m of
water sources, near distinct
topographical land, or near
cemeteries might have
archaeological potential and
indigenous heritage potential.
N/A Unknown No Yes
N/A Unknown No
Yes
* Additional archival work may
be required.
Function:
Unknown Residential Unknown Residential
Commercial
Commercial
Office Other -Office Other
* Other may include vacant,
________________
Religious________________
social, institutional, etc. and
important for the community
from an equity building
perspective.
Diversity and Inclusion
N/A Unknown No Yes N/A Unknown No
Yes
N/A Unknown No Yes N/A Unknown No
Yes
* E.g.- Waterloo Masjid
(Muslim Society of Waterloo &
Wellington Counties) was the
first established Islamic Center
Page 213 of 215
and Masjid in the Region and
contributes to the history of
the Muslim community in the
area.
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
Keep on the Municipal Heritage Register
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 214 of 215