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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHeritage Kitchener - 2005-08-09 HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES AUGUST 9 2005 CITY OF KITCHENER The Heritage Kitchener Committee met this date, commencing at 4:05 p.m. Present: Councillor M. Galloway - Chair Ms. D. Kuehl, Ms. L. Harris, Ms. A. Moore, Ms. E. Gallaher and Messrs. K. Kirby, M. Stranz and Z. Janecki Staff: L. Bensason, Heritage Planner S. Barber, Assistant Heritage Planner S. Rice, Zoning Officer C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator 1. 410 KING STREET WEST (KAUFMAN LOFTS) - HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION HPA 2005-IV-009 - PROPOSED ADDITION The Committee was in receipt of correspondence from Mr. L. Bensason, dated July 27, 2005 and attached conceptual digital renderings of an addition proposed to be built on the roof of the Kaufman Lofts building located at 410 King Street West. Mr. L. Bensason advised that on August 5, 2005 Heritage Permit Application HPA 2005-IV-009, was received which proposes to build an addition on the roof of the Kaufman Lofts building (410 King Street West). He added that the conceptual renderings of the addition submitted with the HPA are identical to those the Committee received attached to the circulated correspondence. Mr. L. Bensason noted that City staff has been working extensively with the applicant and are supportive of the proposed design. Mr. Leslie Klein, Quadrangle Architects Limited, presented a summary of the proposed design advising that with the sale of 86 units in under 6 weeks, and a waiting list of approximately 400 people it became imperative to investigate the possibility of adding more units to the Kaufman Lofts project. He stated that the Francis Street and Victoria Street ends of the building have 5 stories, while the centre portion of the building only has 4. The proposal is to increase the buildings height to 6 stories across the entire expanse. He added that the additions will be set back 1.5 metres from the existing roof line so that if a person stands on the curb at the corner of King Street they would not be able to see the addition. He noted that the nature of the setback and the materials being used serve to definitively delineate the addition from the older sections; therefore maintaining the building's historic fac;;ade. Mr. Klein displayed examples of where this similar design has been applied to other heritage buildings. In response to questions, Mr. Mitchell Fasken, President, Kimshaw Holdings Limited, advised that initially the Kaufman Lofts project was to have both residential and commercial usage; however, given the demand for the units and the substantial amount of office space in Kitchener's Downtown, it was decided to convert the usage to completely residential. He stated that to minimize the height impact and to further delineate the addition from the existing building the windows have been designed to run horizontally. Mr. L. Klein advised that the setbacks in the examples are greater because the base of those buildings is wider providing greater options for those designs. Ms. D. Kuehl requested that the applicants submit conceptual drawings of the rear elevation as a condition of the HPA's approval. Mr. L. Bensason advised that due to the addition being setback and the use of different materials, the heritage nature of the existing roof line will be maintained. He noted that during the original designation process of 410 King Street West it was always assumed that at some time alterations would be made to this building. On motion by Mr. Z. Janecki - it was resolved: "That pursuant to Section 33 of the Ontario Heritage Act, Heritage Permit Application 2005-IV-009 (410 King Street West) be aooroved to permit an addition to the 5th floor and the construction of a 6th floor that will span across the entire length of the former Kaufman Footwear factory, subject to the submission of a conceptual rear elevation HERITAGE KITCHENER AUGUST 9 2005 - 33- CITY OF KITCHENER 1. 410 KING STREET WEST (KAUFMAN LOFTS) - HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION HPA 2005-IV-009 - PROPOSED ADDITION (CONT'D) drawing, as outlined in the elevation drawings and conceptual digital renderings, dated July 27, 2005, submitted as a part of the Heritage Permit Application." 2. 79 JOSEPH STREET (KOR GALLERY & STUDIO)- HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION HPA 2005-V-003 - REVISED WALL SIGN DESIGN The Committee was in receipt of correspondence from Mr. Mark Garner, Co-Chair KOR Gallery and Studios, dated July 27, 2005 regarding a revised exterior wall sign design for the KOR Gallery. Mr. L. Bensason advised that in accordance with the Committee's direction of April 5, 2005 the KOR Gallery has revised their design for their outdoor wall sign. He stated the new design will read 'KOR Gallery' to be made of 8" black molded plastic to be mounted on the east elevation of the building; as shown in Exhibit 'B' submitted with the correspondence. In response to questions, Mr. M. Garner advised that the black lettering was chosen because it stands out best on the red brick of the building. He stated that the letters being proposed are slightly bigger than those used for the front elevations signage. Ms. E. Gallaher requested that the location of the signs lettering be lowered by 2 rows of brick to end adjacent to the small window on the east elevation. She stated that this will provide for a more central location and greater visibility of the sign. Mr. M. Garner advised that he could foresee no difficulty in accommodating Ms. Gallaher's request. On motion by Ms. E. Gallaher- it was resolved: "That pursuant to Section 42 of the Ontario Heritage Act, Heritage Permit Application HPA 2005-V-003 (79 Joseph Street) be aooroved to permit the installation of an exterior wall sign, as outlined in correspondence dated July 27, 2005, from Mr. M. Garner, KOR Gallery and Studio, subject to the following condition: a) That in reference to the concept outlined in 'Exhibit B' attached to the July 27, 2005 correspondence, the location of the sign's lettering be lowered by two rows of bricks to have the lettering end adjacent to the small window located on the east elevation." 3. 2062 BLEAMS ROAD (EBY HOUSE) - PROPOSED RELOCATION OF HOUSE WITHIN PLAN OF SUBDIVISION The Committee was in receipt of an excerpt from MHBC Planning Limited Proposed Subdivision and Amending Zoning By-law application report, dated January 2005 concerning the proposed relocation of 2062 Bleams Road (Eby House). In addition, the Committee received an Architectural Analysis of 2062 Bleams Road, dated June 1, 1991. The Committee was also in receipt this date of a memorandum from Mr. L. Bensason, dated July 25, 2005 outlining the need for greater information regarding the possible relocation of the Eby House. Further, the Committee was in receipt this date of correspondence from R-B-J Schlegel Holdings Inc., owners of the subject property, dated August 8, 2005 requesting that no action be taken by the Committee until Heritage Kitchener and City Council have had an opportunity to consider planning and engineering reports regarding the subject property. Mr. L. Bensason advised that 2062 Bleams Road is listed on the City's Heritage Inventory, but due to grading issues and the previous use of the property it may be necessary to move the house from its current location. He stated that there is need for greater information regarding why it is not possible to leave the house in its current location and the feasibility of moving it. He added that he has held a meeting with the owners who are very supportive of trying to preserve this house, noting that the owners are requesting that this matter be deferred to a future meeting of Heritage Kitchener to allow information to be provided to the Committee regarding issues surrounding the grading of the property. He stated that to provide the City HERITAGE KITCHENER AUGUST 9 2005 - 34- CITY OF KITCHENER 3. 2062 BLEAMS ROAD (EBY HOUSE) - PROPOSED RELOCATION OF HOUSE WITHIN PLAN OF SUBDIVISION (CONT'D) with a level of comfort the owners' have agreed to take no action until the matter is further considered by the City. In response to questions, Mr. L. Bensason advised that there is a clear message from this owner that they are interested in protecting this property. Mr. Paul Britton, MHBC Planning Limited, advised that the owners are cognizant of the need to maintain a positive relationship with the City and they wish to be proactive in pursuing a dialogue regarding preservation of the house, whether that be in its current location or a different one. He stated that as a starting point it may be fruitful to arrange a site visit for the Committee members, adding that the owners are content not to push the plan of subdivision until this issue has been dealt with. In response to questions, Mr. P. Britton advised that the owners would be open to taking steps to ensure that the house is protected from vandalism. He stated that he was unsure if the out buildings on the property are still in existence and agreed to take steps to inventory any remains. He noted that the house is situated on a former mine and subsequently, there are several grading issues. On motion by Mr. K. Kirby- it was resolved: "That consideration of heritage conservation options regarding 2062 Bleams Road be deferred and referred to a future meeting of Heritage Kitchener to provide the owner time to submit additional information and studies to allow for a more informed discussion." 4. 437 PIONEER TOWER ROAD - PROPOSED LAND EXCHANGE ALTERNATIVES Mr. Z. Janecki declared a pecuniary interest and abstained from all discussion and voting concerning this matter as he is employed by a Corporation with interest in this property. Mr. J. Ariens gave a presentation proposing a minor revision to the land exchange he proposed at this Committee's January 4, 2005 meeting. The proposal still includes the transfer to the City of 0.428 ha of land, being the most westerly portion of the property which lies between the Regulatory Fill Line and the Regulatory Flood Line of the Grand River. In exchange, Mr. Ariens wishes to obtain 0.165 ha of City-owned land, which abuts the south easterly lot line of the property and is below the Regulatory Flood Line; plus an "L" shaped piece of City-owned land, extending 6.7 metres from the eastern most section of the property fronting on Joseph Schroeg Crescent, immediately adjacent to the easterly side lot line of 437 Pioneer Tower Road. Mr. Ariens advised that his only source of potable water are wells located on the "L" shaped piece of land and he wishes to acquire rightful access to them. He stated that when this land was owned by Don Globe Stables, fill was added to the southerly portion of the land, which is now eroded to a 1:1 grade. He noted that if acquired he would correct the grading to 3:1. He added that the additional 6.7 metres would provide added privacy and security to his property and would frame the farmhouse with 10 metre side yards. He advised that he is willing to bear all of the costs involved for the future decommissioning of the wells and all related expenses. Mr. L. Bensason advised that prior to Council considering this proposal it must first go before the Asset Management Committee. He stated that with regard to Mr. Arien's previous request, Council decided to take no action until the issues surrounding the Shoerg Barn site have been resolved. He noted that if the City were to acquire the Shoerg Barn site lands then most likely they would be agreeable to this land exchange. Mr. Bensason stated that to ensure the owners of both the Shoerg Farmhouse and Betzner Farmhouse are treated fairly, Council is willing to allow the Ariens the possibility of removing of the Heritage Conservation Easement Agreement. Mr. K. Kirby advised that he attended a site visit at 437 Pioneer Tower Road and based on this viewing he considered the Arien's request to be reasonable because it would give the City access to the trail system along the Grand River. HERITAGE KITCHENER AUGUST 9 2005 - 35- CITY OF KITCHENER 4. 437 PIONEER TOWER ROAD - PROPOSED LAND EXCHANGE ALTERNATIVES (CONT'D) In response to questions, Mr. J. Ariens advised that the lot lines were considered when the original plan of subdivision was submitted and were based on appropriate lot sizes for several homes. He added that not wanting development to occur along the historic ridge, the City acquired these lands from the developer. He stated that members of the Grand River Conservation Authority are supportive of the re-grading being proposed, because it would serve to stabilize the slope. He noted that if the land exchange goes through, the size of his property will go from its current 1 ha to approximately 0.8 ha. Several members voiced support for the land exchange because it would provide the City with access to the Grand River Trail System and greater public access to the scenic lookout. Councillor M. Galloway directed staff to forward the Committee's comments regarding this matter to the Asset Management Committee for their consideration. 5. 437 PIONEER TOWER ROAD - PROPOSED REMOVAL OF APPLE TREE Mr. Z. Janecki declared a pecuniary interest and abstained from all discussion and voting concerning this matter as he is employed by a Corporation with interest in this property. Mr. L. Bensason advised that in conjunction with condition (h) of Council's April 11, 2005 approval of Heritage Permit Application HPA 2005-IV-001 (437 Pioneer Tower Road), he and the City Arborist inspected the trees and shrubs proposed to be removed from this property. One of them is an apple tree, which historical evidence suggests was part of, or an off-shoot of, the original apple orchard planted when this area was first settled. He stated that the Arborist advised the tree's survival could go either way and is dependent upon the amount of care it receives. Mr. Bensason advised that based upon the historical significance of this tree, staff was of the opinion that it should not be removed. He stated that the Ariens have advised that they will have difficulty in maintaining the tree due to their proposed re-grading plans. He added that after further deliberation and given the fact there are similar apple trees in good condition on the adjacent public lands, staff is willing to consent to the removal of the apple tree. Mr. J. Ariens advised that when he came before the Committee in April 2005 he proposed the construction of a great room and to facilitate its construction a large amount of fill will need to be removed. The area surrounding the apple tree is one site where he is planning on depositing the fill. He stated to maintain the apple tree requires the construction of a high retaining wall to protect it from this re-grading. Mr. Ariens displayed photographs of the apple tree showing it to be burnt and hollow inside and having a considerable number of dead branches. He asked that given the tree is nearly dead and the fact that on the adjacent public lands there are similar apple trees in good condition, he be permitted to remove the apple tree from his property. Mr. K. Kirby put forward a motion that the Ariens be permitted to remove the apple tree from their lands and staff be directed to prune the apple trees located on the adjacent public lands. Ms. D. Kuehl requested that staff investigate the possibility of grafting a portion of the Ariens' apple tree to one located on the adjacent lands. On motion by Mr. K. Kirby- it was resolved: "That further to condition (h) of Council's April 11, 2005 approval of Heritage Permit Application HPA 2005-IV-001 (437 Pioneer Tower Road), the request of the owner to remove the apple tree from this property be aooroved; and further, That Heritage Kitchener recommends the City Arborist be directed to investigate the possibility of grafting a portion of the apple tree to be removed from 437 Pioneer Tower Road to similar historic apple trees located on City land immediately adjacent the Pioneer Memorial Tower, and staff prune said apple trees and ensure they are maintained in good health." HERITAGE KITCHENER AUGUST 9 2005 - 36- CITY OF KITCHENER 6. 437 PIONEER TOWER ROAD - HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION HPA 2005-IV-010 - INSTALLATION OF SHUTTERS AND WINDOWS Mr. Z. Janecki declared a pecuniary interest and abstained from all discussion and voting concerning this matter as he is employed by a Corporation with interest in this property. The Committee was in receipt this date of a memorandum from John and Victoria Ariens, dated August 8,2005, regarding modifications to 437 Pioneer Tower Road (Betzner Farm House). Mr. L. Bensason advised that the owners of 437 Pioneer Tower Road are requesting to add wooden shutters to the front and side elevations of the farmhouse. Further, at the April 2005 meeting of Heritage Kitchener the owners submitted a Heritage Permit Application requesting approval, among other things, to install 4 windows on the second storey of the rear elevation of the farmhouse. They are seeking to amend that request to allow for the installation of only 2 large windows on the second storey of the rear elevation and 2 small windows above the patio doors on the rear elevation of the new addition. Mr. Bensason advised that staff have no concerns regarding either of these requests. In response to questions, Mr. L. Bensason advised that as a condition of a previous Heritage Permit Application the materials and colours to be used on the Betzner Farmhouse must first be approved by the City's Heritage Planner. On motion by Mr. K. Kirby- it was resolved: "That pursuant to Section 33 of the Ontario Heritage Act, Heritage Permit Application 2005-IV-010 (437 Pioneer Tower Road) be aooroved to permit the installation of wood shutters on the front and side elevations of the farmhouse; and further, That Council's approval of Heritage Permit Application HPA 2005-IV-001, dated April 11, 2005, be amended to permit the installation of only two large windows on the second storey of the rear elevation of the farmhouse and two small windows above the patio doors on the rear elevation of the new addition, all as outlined in elevation drawings attached to HPA 2005-IV-01 0." 7. HERITAGE INVENTORY REVIEW - UPDATE Mr. L. Bensason introduced Ms. Stephanie Barber, Assistant Heritage Planner, who's been hired to work part-time for 6 months on the City's Heritage Inventory. He advised that she was previously a member of Heritage Kitchener and a heritage student with the City. He stated that Ms. Barber will investigate the heritage significance of rural properties within Kitchener to determine the ones that are suitable for designation. She will meet with property owners and invite them to come before this Committee when their properties are being reviewed and in the future, properties will have to be reviewed by this Committee and Council prior to being added to the Heritage Inventory. 8. TRAFFIC CALMING STUDY - DAVID STREET & SCHNEIDER AVENUE - UPDATE - PUBLIC MEETING The Committee was in receipt of excerpts from the David Street and Schneider Avenue Traffic Calming Information Package and Public Comment Form, dated July 21, 2005 regarding the initiation of a Traffic Calming Environmental Assessment Study (EA). Mr. L. Bensason advised that he attended the second public meeting regarding this issue where the preferred option, Option 1, was presented. Option 1 calls for the installation of a median and to make part of Schneider Avenue one-way as an effective means to calm traffic in this area. He noted that this option would have the least impact on the Victoria Park Heritage Conservation District, adding that the next step in this project is to circulate this information to the community to gage support of the residents. In response to questions, Mr. L. Bensason advised it is being proposed that Schneider Avenue become a one-way street from Queen Street to David Street towards Victoria Park. This will move traffic to the corner of Queen Street and Schneider Avenue rather than Schneider HERITAGE KITCHENER AUGUST 9 2005 - 37- CITY OF KITCHENER 8. TRAFFIC CALMING STUDY - DAVID STREET & SCHNEIDER AVENUE - UPDATE - PUBLIC MEETING (CONT'D) Avenue and David Street. He added that David Street would remain a two-way street and in case of an emergency, it will still be possible to get emergency vehicles up and down Schneider Avenue. He stated that this change will not take place for a few years and both the School Board and the Fire Department have been circulated with this information. 9. NEW BUSINESS - MAP REQUEST Ms. A. Moore questioned if it would be possible to have a map of Kitchener developed to display the locations of the City's Heritage Conservation Districts and Part IV Designated Buildings outside of those Districts. Ms. D. Kuehl voiced support for this proposal stating it would be ideal to display at Heritage events and possibly sell to the public. Mr. L. Bensason advised that he will forward this request to the appropriate staff for consideration. 10. TREE PROTECTION & MANAGEMENT PLAN - SPADINA AVENUE & WINDSOR CRESCENT - UPDATE Mr. K. Kirby advised that he had nothing new to report at this time on this matter. 11. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:25 p.m. Colin Goodeve Committee Administrator