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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHeritage Kitchener - 2005-01-04HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES JANUARY 4, 2005 CITY OF KITCHENER The Heritage Kitchener Committee met this date, commencing at 4:05 p.m. Present: Councillor M. Ms. L. Harris Ms. D. Kuehl Ms. A. Moore Mr. G. Yeates Mr. K. Kirby Mr. M. Stranz Mr. J. Law Galloway, Chair Staff: Mr. L. Bensason, Heritage Planner Ms. D. Gilchrist, Supervisor, Legislated Services Mr. C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator DTS-05-006 - HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION HPA 2004-1V-011 - 410 KING STREET WEST (FORMER KAUFMAN FOOTWEAR FACTORY) - KAUFMAN LOFTS - BUILDING PHASE / VESTIBULE ALTERATION TO 1920 BUILDING PHASE Mr. L. Bensason advised that Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-05- 006, prepared in response to Heritage Permit Application (HPA) 2004-1V-011, would not be circulated this date. HPA 2004-1V-011 was submitted for an alteration to the entrance/vestibule of 410 King Street West (Kaufman Lofts). In reviewing the HPA, Mr. Bensason had concerns with parts of the proposed design, being: · the front entrance feature including the glass and metal vestibule and closed transom; · relationship between the exterior and interior of the front entrance vestibule; · the wood windowframes retaining their original features, including sash ropes and pulleys; · the existing concrete landing and steps will likely require repair/replacement; · the installation of thermal efficiency windows; · proposed design of the vestibule being flush with the fa~;ade; · original wooden vestibule entrance should be preserved. Mr. Bensason requested that the applicant consider these concerns and develop design alternatives. The Committee was in receipt this date of an addendum to HPA 2004-1V-011 and copies of an e-mail sent by Mr. L. Bensason on December 22, 2004 to Ms. Anne Marchildon, Quadrangle Architects Ltd., which outlines Mr. Bensason's concerns with the proposed design. Mr. Bensason advised that he anticipates bringing a formal report and recommendation regarding this application to the Committee in February 2005. Ms. Anne Marchildon attended and advised that her company is experiencing difficulty retaining a contractor capable of meeting their design needs. Presently, the windows are single pane, however, the design calls for thermal double pane windows to be installed. As such, the existing windows, sash ropes and pulley system will need to be replaced with a replica that can accommodate the double pane windows. She stated that providing the cost is not prohibitive, the existing doors will be replaced with wooden doors. Further, the design calls for the replacement of the Kaufman Footwear sign above the main entrance with its new name, Kaufman Lofts; in keeping with the existing style. She advised it is their goal to retain as much of the existing historic features as possible. Ms. A. Moore proposed a window company that may be capable of meeting Ms. Marchildon's design needs. In response to questions, Ms. Marchildon advised that if changing the vestibule poses too difficult a task, no change will take place, and it would only be used as a residents' entrance, which should limit traffic flow. Mr. Bensason requested this item be referred to the February meeting of Heritage Kitchener so the Heritage Permit Application may be revised. HERITAGE KITCHENER JANUARY 4, 2005 -2- CITY OF KITCHENER DTS-05-006 -HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION HPA 2004-1V-011 - 410 KING STREET WEST (FORMER KAUFMAN FOOTWEAR FACTORY) - KAUFMAN LOFTS - BUILDING PHASE / VESTIBULE ALTERATION TO 1920 BUILDING PHASE (CONT'D) Further, he will arrange a site visit so the Committee members may inspect the vestibule and entrance. On motion by Ms. D. Kuehl- it was resolved: "That Heritage Permit Application (HPA) 2004-1V-011, be deferred and referred to the February 2005 meeting of Heritage Kitchener to allow the applicant to make design changes." 2. 437 PIONEER TOWER ROAD - POSSIBLE LAND EXCHANGE The Committee was in receipt this date of a letter from John and Victoria Ariens, dated December 1,2004 regarding a proposed land exchange between the City and the owners of 437 Pioneer Tower Road. Attached to the letter was a map of the affected properties, which delineates 437 Pioneer Tower Road and the abutting City owned property. The map is separated into 4 parts, being: · Part A - western portion of 437 Pioneer Tower Road, with no road frontage, approximately 0.428 hectares; · Part B - remainder of 437 Pioneer Tower Road, with road frontage, approximately 0.603 hectares; · Part C - City owned land to the east of 437 Pioneer Tower Road, with road frontage, approximately 0.154 hectares; · Part D - City owned land directly south of Part B, approximately 0.165 hectares. The letter outlines Mr. & Mrs. Ariens intention to realign their property by exchanging Part A for Parts C and D. This matter will be heard by the City's Property Management Committee on January 21,2005. Mr. Bensason advised that there is a Heritage Conservation Easement Agreement registered on the title of 437 Pioneer Tower Road. As such, he will be advising the Property Management Committee of any potential heritage concerns this land exchange poses. Mr. Bensason voiced concerns regarding the potential future use of Part C and the loss of City control over those lands. He advised Mr. & Mrs. Ariens would be willing to extend the Heritage Conservation Easement Agreement to cover any newly acquired lands and have agreed not to develop Part C if they acquire it. Mr. John Ariens attended and stated that his family has been residing at the subject property for the past 13 months. He advised in 1995, through negotiations, the City acquired Parts C and D to prevent development. Concerning Part D, the previous owner deposited large amounts of fill and created a very steep grading. If acquired Mr. Ariens stated he is prepared to correct the grading by removing some of the fill to create a gradual slope. He advised their house is set back 10 feet from Part C and they have concerns regarding privacy, further, the present configuration of their property allows a driveway to only be located between the house and the drive shed. Mr. Ariens stated his family is trying to create a Mennonite farmyard and is of the opinion that parking vehicles in the middle of their yard will undermine this historic setting. According to Mr. Ariens, acquiring Part C would serve as a more suitable location for a driveway. Further, he stated that allowing a driveway on Part C will enable them to locate their kitchen and seating area in the east half of the house, which is in keeping with the Georgian Mennonite tradition. He advised that Part C has limited value to the City as a park lot because it is isolated and contains a large quantity of trees. Further, it contains two wells which the City would have to remove. He advised that he could use these wells for irrigation purposes and outside activities. HERITAGE KITCHENER JANUARY 4, 2005 -3- CITY OF KITCHENER 2. 437 PIONEER TOWER ROAD - POSSIBLE LAND EXCHANGE (CONT'D) A discussion took place regarding access to the Walter Bean Trail, which runs along the Grand River near the subject property. Mr. Ariens advised that if the City obtained Part A they could provide greater access to the trail system. Concerns were raised regarding the loss of City control of Parts C and D and the potential for future development on those properties. Mr. Ariens advised he is willing to extend the Heritage Conservation Easement Agreement to protect any newly acquired lands, which should impede development by future owners. Further concerns were raised regarding the value of land being exchanged. Mr. Ariens agreed that if there is an appraisal value imbalance he would be willing to compensate the City. The Committee requested Mr. Bensason forward them the decision of the Property Management Committee prior to the next Heritage Kitchener meeting. DTS-04-196- 381 PIONEER TOWER ROAD - DESIGNATION OF THE SCHOERG BANK BARN - AMENDMENT TO THE DECEMBER 7, 2004 RECOMMENDATION The Committee was in receipt of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS- 04-196, dated December 13, 2004 concerning the publication of a Notice of Intention to designate Parts 2 and 3 of Registered Plan 58R-10533, 381 Pioneer Tower Road, on which the Schoerg Bank Barn is located. Mr. L. Bensason advised that at the December 7, 2004 meeting Heritage Kitchener, recommended to Council that Part 3, Registered Plan 58R-10533 be designated under the Ontario Heritage Act. On Saturday, December 11, 2004 the owner of the subject property commenced demolishing the Schoerg Bank Barn without a demolition permit and without the permission of the City's Chief Building Official. The subsequent state of the barn, was such, that the Chief Building Official ordered the barn to be demolished in its entirety. At the December 13, 2004 Council meeting Mr. Bensason requested that the recommendation of Heritage Kitchener be amended so that the designation would also apply to Part 2, Reference Plan 58R-10533. He was of the opinion that the property is of cultural and heritage significance, and merits designation under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. Mr. Bensason advised on December 13, 2004 City Council approved designation of Parts 2 and 3, Reference Plan 58R-10533 of the property known as 381 Pioneer Tower Road. The Committee members voiced concerns regarding the demolition of the Bank Barn, and the repercussions the owner may face for that action. Councillor M. Galloway advised that it was the sentiment of Council that staff be urged to pursue prosecution. HERITAGE SHOWCASE 2005 - THEME: 'SACRED PLACES' - REQUEST FOR VOLUNTEERS The Committee was in receipt of a letter from the Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation, dated December 16, 2004 regarding the 2005 Heritage Showcase. Councillor M. Galloway requested nominations for a Chair to organize the City of Kitchener's display at the Heritage Showcase. Ms. D. Kuehl agreed to stand for nomination provided that if she is unable to meet the requirements of that position Ms. L. Harris will replace her as the Chair. Ms. Harris agreed to Ms. Kuehl's request. No other nominations were forthcoming. On motion by Mr. K. Kirby - it was resolved: "That Ms. D. Kuehl be appointed as the Chair of the 2005 Heritage Showcase Sub- Committee to organize the City of Kitchener's showcase display; and further, That Ms. L. Harris replace Ms. D. Kuehl in the event Ms. Kuehl is unable to fulfil her role as Chair." Ms. Kuehl advised that the theme of the 2005 Showcase is 'Sacred Places' and requested members to provide her with ideas for the display. It was suggested that a survey be conducted asking the public what priorities Heritage Kitchener should adopt for the upcoming year and an information booklet be distributed, which could explain what it means to own a designated heritage property. Ms. D. Kuehl, Ms. L. Harris and Mr. K. Kirby agreed to meet as a sub-committee to organize the display. HERITAGE KITCHENER JANUARY 4, 2005 -4- CITY OF KITCHENER 1754 OLD MILL ROAD - HOMER WATSON HOUSE AND GALLERY - PROPOSED HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION The Committee was in receipt of excerpts from the August 17 and September 7, 2004 minutes of Heritage Kitchener and 2 letters from the Ontario Heritage Foundation regarding 1754 Old Mill Road (Homer Watson House). The first letter, dated December 29, 2004 pertained to what the City must do to comply with the Heritage Easement Agreement it has in place with the subject property. The second letter, dated December 31, 2004 contained the Foundation's comments regarding a proposed site plan for the Homer Watson House. Mr. Bensason advised that the City has not received a formal Heritage Permit Application regarding the proposed site plan and once received this matter will be brought back before the Committee for consideration. 112 BENTON STREET - FORMER ARROW SHIRT FACTORY - ARROW LOFTS DEVELOPMENT - ONTARIO MUNICIPAL BOARD DECISION The Committee was in receipt of an Ontario Municipal Board Decision (OMB), dated December 2, 2004 regarding an appeal of a Municipal Plan Amendment, Rezoning and a site plan, to allow the adaptive re-use of the former Arrow Shirt Factory and the construction of a 16 storey apartment complex at 112 Benton Street, Kitchener. Mr. L. Bensason advised that the OMB approved the amendments to the City's Official Plan and zoning changes and the appeal to the site plan was withdrawn. Further City staff worked with the site plan applicant and contributed a significant amount of detail into a revised design. He stated that the apartment complex design is in keeping with the characteristics of the Nelson Terrace House on Courtland Avenue. There is a setback on the 3rd floor with the brick continuing through the middle sections of the apartment complex and an additional setback between the 13th and 14th floors. The adaptive re-use of the Arrow Shirt Factory combines the proposed 3rd and 4th floors into one floor creating over-sized lofts. Mr. Bensason noted that staff is pleased with the changes to the original site plan. Phase 1 of the adaptive re-use is intended to proceed in the spring of 2005. 7. 2005 COMMITTEE WORK PROGRAMS - IDENTIFICATION OF COMMITTEE OBJECTIVES Councillor M. Galloway advised that at the beginning of every new session the Committee is asked to establish objectives for the following year, and he requested that members identify what they believe the Committee's priorities should be for 2005. Mr. K. Kirby suggested that the Committee should review the properties on the Heritage Inventory. The properties found to be of heritage significance should be recommended to Council for designation. He stated to accomplish this the Committee needs to develop criteria to determine which properties are priorities. Ms. L. Harris questioned the status of the Sims Estate designation and was advised by Mr. Bensason that City staff had outlined to the owner what their expectations are regarding this property. The owners advised that they would propose an alternative solution to designation; however, the City has yet to receive their proposal. The Committee agreed that Mr. Bensason should contact the property owners regarding their proposal. Ms. A. Moore questioned the status of the Doon Transportation Study and advised it appears the developers in that area are moving forward with the construction process. Mr. Bensason agreed to provide a Transportation Study update at the February meeting of Heritage Kitchener. CiViC CENTRE HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT- UPDATE Mr. L. Bensason advised he plans to hold a public meeting regarding the proposed Civic Centre Heritage Conservation District with the affected property owners at the end of February 2005, and is proceeding to give notice to properties located within the proposed Heritage District. HERITAGE KITCHENER JANUARY 4, 2005 - 5 - 9. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. CITY OF KITCHENER Colin Goodeve Committee Administrator