HomeMy WebLinkAboutHeritage Kitchener - 2005-11-01
HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES
NOVEMBER 1 2005
CITY OF KITCHENER
The Heritage Kitchener Committee met this date, commencing at 4:02 p.m.
Present: Councillor M. Galloway - Chair
Ms. J. Armstrong, Ms. L. Harris, Ms. D. Kuehl, Ms. A. Moore, Ms. E. Gallaher and Messrs.
K. Kirby, J. Law and M. Stranz
Staff: L. Bensason, Heritage Planner
S. Barber, Assistant Heritage Planner
S. Rice, Zoning Officer
C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator
1. DTS-05-178 - HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION HPA 2005-IV-015
-120 DUKE STREET WEST (ST. JEROME'S)
- SIGNAGE ALTERATION
The Committee was in receipt of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-
05-178, dated October 18, 2005 concerning the installation of identification signage at 120
Duke Street West (St. Jerome's College / High School).
Mr. L. Bensason advised that as part of the rehabilitation of the former St. Jerome's building,
Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU) is proposing to install signage identifying the University's name
and crest on the front (Duke Street) fac;;ade. He stated that the proposal requests permission to
install a 67" high and %" thick "WLU crest" within the gable end of the pediment on the central
pavilion; and to install %" aluminum letters reading "Wilfrid Laurier University", immediately
below the crest on the simple metal frieze separating the third storey from the pediment. He
added that the surface on which these signs will be installed is not the original building fabric,
but rather new material composed of metal based wood substrate, due to the deterioration of
the original building fabric. He advised that staff are of the opinion that the proposed signage
does not adversely impact the heritage significance of the former St. Jerome's building and are
recommending that Heritage Permit Application HPA 2005-IV-015, be approved.
In response to questions, Mr. Ron Dupuis, WLU, advised that the sign will be composed of
individual cut letters, with the backing material being a dark colour close to what was there
originally.
On motion by Ms. D. Kuehl -
it was resolved:
"That pursuant to Section 33 of the Ontario Heritage Act, Heritage Permit Application
HPA 2005-IV-015 (120 Duke Street West) be aooroved to permit the installation of
signage, as shown on the plans and described in the specifications as attached to
Development & Technical Services Department report DTS-05-178."
2. 410 KING STREET WEST (KAUFMAN LOFTS)
- POTENTIAL HERITAGE APPLICATION (HPA)
- RECONSTRUCTION OF 1911 BUILDING PHASE PORTICO
Mr. L. Bensason advised that members of Heritage Kitchener participated in a site visit at 410
King Street West (Kaufman Lofts) earlier this date. Based on the outcome of the site visit staff
requested, and it was agreed, to defer and refer discussion of this matter to the December 6,
2005 meeting of Heritage Kitchener.
3. DTS-05-184 - HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION HPA 2005-V-016
-142 PLEASANT AVENUE
- SUN ROOM ADDITION
The Committee was in receipt of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-
05-184, dated October 26, 2005 concerning the installation of a sunroom addition to 142
Pleasant Avenue.
Mr. L. Bensason advised that the owner has recently purchased the property and was unaware
that it was located within the St. Mary's Heritage Conservation District and that a Heritage
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3. DTS-05-184 - HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION HPA 2005-V-016
-142 PLEASANT AVENUE
- SUN ROOM ADDITION (CONT'D)
Permit Application was required. Mr. Bensason stated that the application seeks approval to
add a 9' (in projection) by 15'2" (wide) sunroom addition at the rear of the house, noting the
owner would like to commence construction as soon as possible. He added that the application
is generally in keeping with the policies of the St. Mary's Heritage Conservation District Plan
and staff are of the opinion that the addition will not detract from the front fac;;ade of the existing
structure or the heritage character of the District. Accordingly, staff are recommending that
Heritage Permit Application HPA 2005-V-016, be approved.
Mr. K. Kirby advised that he spoke with the surrounding neighbours who indicated to him that
they have no concerns regarding the proposed addition.
On motion by Mr. K. Kirby-
it was resolved:
"That pursuant to Section 42 of the Ontario Heritage Act, Heritage Permit Application
HPA 2005-V-016 (142 Pleasant Avenue) be aooroved to permit the construction of a
rear yard sunroom addition, as shown on the plans and described in the specifications
as attached to Development & Technical Services Department report DTS-05-184."
4. CENTRE BLOCK HERITAGE ANALYSIS - STATEMENTS OF SIGNIFICANCE
- PROPERTIES OF HERITAGE INTEREST
The Committee was in receipt this date of Heritage Property Reports and Statements of
Significance for: 72-78 King Street West (Canadian Block), 18-24 Ontario Street North, 48
Ontario Street North (Bell Telephone Co. / Canadian Legion), 11 Young Street (Windsor House
/ Mayfair Hotel/Lippert Furniture), 156-158 King Street West (P. Hymman Hardware), 144-150
King Street West (Weber Chambers), 90 King Street West (Capitol Theatre), and 82-86 King
Street West, as requested by the Committee at its October 4, 2005 meeting as part of the
process of designating these properties under the Ontario Heritage Act. In addition, the
Committee was in receipt of two memorandums from staff, dated October 27, 2005 regarding
the Committee's recommendations concerning the Centre Block from their October 4 meeting.
Mr. L. Bensason advised that at the October 4, 2005 meeting of Heritage Kitchener the
Committee recommended that Council direct staff to take interim measures to prevent further
deterioration to the Forsyth Building and that Council approve the addition of the properties
indicated above as being of heritage significance to the City's Heritage Inventory. He stated
that at the October 24 Council meeting these recommendations were deferred and referred to a
future Council meeting pending staff reports regarding the associated costs and implications of
the requested interim measures; and, outlining the implications relative to possible restrictions
and the impact on development as a result of adding the requested properties to the City's
Heritage Inventory. Mr. Bensason noted that the two staff reports will be presented to Council
at its November 28, 2005 meeting. He added that due to Council's deferral of the Committee's
recommendations staff is recommending that the Committee take no action at this time and
await the outcome of the November 28 Council meeting before proceeding with the designation
process. Mr. Bensason commented that if Council agrees to add these properties to the
Heritage Inventory, the above mentioned Heritage Property Reports and Statements of
Significance will be forwarded to the property owners for comments.
Ms. S. Barber reviewed the circulated materials and provided an executive summary of the
heritage attributes for the above stated properties. She advised that the Heritage Property
Reports and the Statements of Significance are in draft form and requested the member's
comments.
The Committee agreed that every Statement of Significance should identify all original windows
remaining on each building as a heritage attribute and should contain a general statement to
include as an attribute all instances where the style of windows is considered an important
heritage feature of the building. Staff were directed to identify on all of the Heritage Property
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4. CENTRE BLOCK HERITAGE ANALYSIS - STATEMENTS OF SIGNIFICANCE
- PROPERTIES OF HERITAGE INTEREST
(CONT'D)
Reports whether the property is municipally or privately owned. Further, staff were directed to
include as a footer at the bottom of each page of every Heritage Property Report the date that
the report was produced.
In reference to 18-24 Ontario Street North, Ms. A. Moore noted that a section of the Heritage
Property Report contains the wrong address for this building. The Committee agreed to add
the roof, roofline and storefront to the list of heritage attributes for this property.
Regarding 48 Ontario Street North (Bell Telephone Co. / Canadian Legion), Ms. D. Kuehl
requested that the Heritage Property Report include the year the building's ownership
transferred from Bell Telephone Co. to the Canadian Legion. Staff were directed to remove
any references to the wood tent-like ceiling.
Concerning 11 Young Street (Windsor House / Mayfair Hotel/Lippert Furniture), staff were
directed to remove the front lobby wood paneling from the list of heritage attributes for this
building.
With respect to 156-158 King Street West (P. Hymman Hardware), staff were directed to
remove any reference to the material (wood) that may have been used to construct the
cornices.
In reference to 144-150 King Street West (Weber Chambers), staff were directed to include in
any future correspondence to the building owner, regarding the building's heritage attributes, an
inquiry into the continued existence of Kitchener's first elevator at this location.
In relation to 90 King Street West (Capitol Theatre), Councillor M. Galloway advised that he has
recently been in this building and noted that some of the original features still exist. The
Committee agreed that all references to the interior features of this building should remain in
the Heritage Property Report and the Statement of Significance until after an investigation can
be conducted into the condition of the interior heritage attributes that this building may still
possess. Mr. L. Bensason advised that if the Heritage Property Report and Statement of
Significance is circulated to the property owner he will include a cover letter requesting the
owner to determine what interior features remain.
With regard to 82-86 King Street West, Ms. J. Armstrong advised she is unsure if this building
warrants designation under the Ontario Heritage Act. She stated that with the exception of the
roof, roofline and decorative corbels, in her opinion this building retains no other heritage
attributes. Mr. K. Kirby noted that this building was built in 1883 and is part of the history of the
original Berlin. Ms. E. Gallaher added that this building helps to maintain the continuity of the
streetscape. Mr. J. Law expressed concern that if this building is not maintained, a building that
is inconsistent with the heritage streetscape may be constructed in its place. The Committee
agreed to take no action at this time regarding removing this building from consideration
pending Council's decision of adding it to the City's Heritage Inventory.
Mr. L. Bensason advised that the revised Heritage Property Reports and Statements of
Significance will be included in his report to Council on November 28, 2005. He stated that
regarding the Committee's previous recommendations, Council was asked to add these
properties to the Heritage Inventory without any supporting information. Staff were directed to
circulate to the members copies of the staff reports that are to be presented to Council
regarding Heritage Kitchener's recommendations concerning the Centre Block.
Mr. K. Kirby advised that both he and Mr. Z. Janecki are planning on attending the November
28, 2005 Council meeting to speak in support of the Committee's previous recommendations.
He requested that every member of Heritage Kitchener attend the meeting as a show of
support for their recommendations. He noted that if the entire Committee is in attendance, that
will demonstrate to Council that the Committee is adamant that the buildings of heritage
significance within the Centre Block should be retained.
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4. CENTRE BLOCK HERITAGE ANALYSIS - STATEMENTS OF SIGNIFICANCE
- PROPERTIES OF HERITAGE INTEREST
(CONT'D)
On motion by Mr. K. Kirby, it was agreed that staff be directed to include the revised Heritage
Property Reports and Statements of Significance in their report to Council on November 28,
2005 as a means of facilitating the process of designating those properties under Part IV of the
Ontario Heritage Act.
5. WORK PROGRAMS REVISITED
The Committee was in receipt this date of a Walking Tour Survey, dated November 1, 2005
circulated by Ms. E. Gallaher and Ms. D. Kuehl to facilitate the development of the City's
Heritage Walking Tour Pamphlets. In addition, the Committee was in receipt this date of the
October 25,2005 Heritage Kitchener Walking Tour Working Group minutes.
Ms. E. Gallaher requested that the members complete the Walking Tours Survey and forward
any comments they may have to either her or Ms D. Kuehl. She advised that their goal is to
develop Walking Tour Pamphlets for all the City's Heritage Conservation Districts. She stated
that she and Ms. Kuehl will require some assistance and are requesting members to walk the
proposed tour routes to ensure the pamphlets accuracy. Ms. Gallaher noted that she will be
meeting with City staff from Communications, Mapping and Information Technology, who have
agreed to assist in developing on-line and printed copies of the Walking Tour Pamphlets. She
proposed the development of a City map which contains all the City's properties designated
under the Ontario Heritage Act, and suggested that this map could be made in conjunction with
the Grand River Transit Trail Maps.
Ms. D. Kuehl requested feedback on what the members think is important to include in a
walking tour pamphlet. Suggestions included:
· estimated time to walk the tour;
· a description of the buildings on the tour;
· a description of the heritage area and its significance;
· a clear map with photos;
· an indication where washrooms are located along the tour;
· start and finish areas that are clearly stated; and,
· also be able to serve as a driving tour pamphlet.
Ms. J. Armstrong cautioned that the pamphlet should not be solely focused on the description
of the building's architecture, but should also include a history of the building and its
significance. Mr. L. Bensason noted that some communities who have walking tours have
implemented various technology options where a person can either call a specific number or
tune into a specific radio station and receive an audio history of the building.
Ms. D. Kuehl requested that the members reflect on what should be included in the walking tour
pamphlets and forward any further comments to her or Ms. Gallaher.
6. HOMER WATSON HOUSE - PHASE 2 PROPOSALS - MEETING NOTICE
The Committee was in receipt this date of a copy of an e-mail sent by Mr. L. Bensason to Ms.
Faith Hieblinger, Curator, Homer Watson House and Gallery, dated October 27,2005 regarding
proposals to add additional parking at the Homer Watson House and Gallery.
Mr. L. Bensason advised that previously representatives from the Homer Watson House and
Gallery came before Heritage Kitchener and presented their plans for additions to the Homer
Watson House; the first being an addition to the coach house with added parking facilities and
the second being an expansion to the gallery. Mr. Bensason stated that at that time, City staff
expressed concerns with the additional parking facility and suggested that a portion of the
Chalmers Street right-of-way could be closed to provide an additional parking area. Since that
time staff have learned that the use of the right-of-way would not be possible.
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6. HOMER WATSON HOUSE - PHASE 2 PROPOSALS - MEETING NOTICE (CONT'D)
Mr. Bensason noted that the Gallery requires approval from both the City and the Ontario
Heritage Foundation to move forward with any proposals. He advised that from 10:00 a.m. to
2:00 p.m. on November 10,2005 City staff along with representatives from the Ontario Heritage
Foundation and staff of the Homer Watson House and Gallery will be holding a meeting to
discuss the future of these proposals. Mr. Bensason requested volunteers to attend this
meeting on behalf of Heritage Kitchener.
Ms. A. Moore advised that at a previous meeting of the City's Arts and Culture Advisory
Committee this issue was discussed and at that meeting a letter was circulated from the
Ontario Heritage Foundation stating that they are opposed to the additional parking facilities at
the Homer Watson House and Gallery. Mr. L. Bensason advised that the meeting will provide
an opportunity for all of those involved to voice their concerns and develop an alternative that
suits the needs of the Gallery.
Ms. J. Armstrong, Ms. A. Moore, Ms. E. Gallaher and Mr. K. Kirby volunteered to attend the
November 10, 2005 meeting on behalf of the Committee.
7. UPPER DOON HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT - SITE VISIT - CORNER OF TILT
AND DOON MILLS DRIVE
Mr. L. Bensason stated that at the October 4, 2005 meeting of Heritage Kitchener he advised of
the use of the parkette at the corner of Tilt and Doon Mills Drive as a possible location for the
signage of the Upper Doon Heritage Conservation District. He added that he has spoken with
City staff who are available to conduct a site visit on either November 3, 4 or 9, 2005 at 9:00
a.m. The Committee chose Thursday, November 3, 2005 as the preferred date for the site
visit.
8. HERITAGE INVENTORY REVIEW - UPDATE
At the request of staff this item was withdrawn and not consider this date.
9. DESIGN BRIEF FOR ADAPTIVE RE-USE - REQUEST FOR FEEDBACK
At the request of staff this item was withdrawn and not considered this date.
10. ADJOURNMENT
On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:25 p.m.
Colin Goodeve
Committee Administrator