HomeMy WebLinkAboutDTS-05-199 - Listing of Properties in the Centre Block on the Heritage Inventory
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Report To:
Date of Meeting:
Submitted By:
Prepared By:
Ward(s) Involved:
Date of Report:
Report No.:
Subject:
Mayor Zehr & Members of City Council
November 28, 2005
Jeff Willmer, Director of Planning (741-2325)
Leon Bensason, Heritage Planner (741-2306)
Ward 1
November 22, 2005
DTS 05-199
LISTING OF PROPERTIES IN THE CENTRE BLOCK ON
THE HERITAGE INVENTORY
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. That consideration to add privately owned property located in the Centre Block to
the City's Heritage Inventory, be deferred to February 2006 to allow City staff to
inform property owners of the findings and conclusions of the heritage property
reports and of the implications of such listing, and provide property owners with
the opportunity to make comment to Heritage Kitchener.
2. That City Staff inform owners of property located in the Centre Block and
currentlv listed on the Heritage Inventory, of the findings and conclusions of the
heritage property reports and of the implications of such listing, and provide
owners with an opportunity to comment to Heritage Kitchener, following which in
February 2006 Council will either re-affirm or remove the listing of the property on
the City's Heritage Inventory.
3. That the current listing on the Heritage Inventory of City owned property located
in the Centre Block, namely 156-158 King Street West and 48 Ontario Street North,
be reaffirmed; and that City owned property located in the Centre Block and
identified as being worthy of consideration for listing on the City's Heritage
Inventory, namely 11 Young Street, be added to the Heritage Inventory.
BACKGROUND:
On October 24, 2005 Council deferred consideration of the October 4, 2005 Heritage Kitchener
recommendation to add several properties located in the Centre Block to the City's Heritage
Inventory, pending receipt of a staff report outlining the implications of such action in terms of
possible restrictions and impact on development interest in the site. The properties in question
include: 11 Young Street (Mayfair Hotel), 140 King Street West, 96-98 King Street West, 82-86
King Street West, 72-78 King Street West (Canadian Block), 1-24 Ontario Street North, and 30-
34 Ontario Street North (please refer to Map 1 on page 2).
REPORT:
I n August 2005, a request was made for City staff to conduct a heritage assessment of the
properties located in the Centre Block for members of the KPUCentre Block Project Committee.
The purpose of the assessment was to identify the heritage status and significance of all
properties located within the Centre Block, both under public and private ownership, for the
Project Committee's information. In conducting the assessment, Staff completed a Cultural
Heritage Resource Evaluation Survey form for each property, rating the property against criteria
including its design or physical value, contextual value, integrity, and historical or associative
value. The findings were presented to the KPUCentre Block Project Committee on September
1, 2005 (a copy is attached as Appendix 'A' to this report). It concluded that of a total 16
structures (or complex of buildings) located within the Centre Block, 12 structures either have
heritage value or are of potential heritage interest. Four properties were determined not to be
worthy of consideration for listing on the Heritage Inventory.
In conducting the evaluation, staff divided the properties having heritage value or being of
potential interest into the following four categories:
Properties Formally Designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act
Properties Currently Listed on the City's Heritage Inventory
Properties Worthy of Consideration for Listing on the City's Heritage Inventory
Properties Worthy of Further Investigation to Establish Heritage Interest
The map below identifies the location, address and status of each of the evaluated properties in
the Centre Block.
The following summarizes the findings of the heritage assessment:
Property Formally Designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act
31 Youna Street (Forsvth Propertv) - Citv Owned
. Industrial factory built in several phases between 1900 and 1937.
. Smyth residence built c. 1880s.
. Property designated under the Ontario Heritaae Act in 1999
. All exterior elevations included in the "Reasons for Designation"
. Representative of various styles of architecture including Queen Anne
(Smyth Residence), Industrial Vernacular and Art Deco.
. Associated with businesses and individuals who influenced the course of
economic development, growth and the prosperity of Berlin/Kitchener.
Properties Currently Listed on the City's Heritage Inventory
156-158 Kina Street West (former Hvmmen Hardware Buildina) - Citv Owned
. Commercial building built c. 1906.
. Good example of Classical Revival architecture
. Home of Hymmen Hardware for approx. 60 years (established in 1850
and was the longest operating business in Berlin/Kitchener)
. Long standing presence on Berlin Mainstreet
144-150 Kina Street West (Weber Chambers Buildina) - Privatelv Owned
. Originally constructed as a professional office building in 1895
. Good example of Classical Revival architecture
. Believed to be first pre-fabricated concrete structure in Downtown
. Fayade reclad with EIFS (stucco) in 2001 replicates original fayade
design and detail
. Long standing presence on Berlin Mainstreet
90 Kina Street West (former Capitol Theatre Buildina) - Privatelv Owned
. Last remaining vintage theatre structure in the City
. Opened in 1921 and features the work of Toronto and New York based
architects/designers
. Significant interior ornamentation
. Impressive 2 storey arched window may still be located behind false
fayade
48 Ontario Street (former Leaion Buildina) - Citv Owned
. Built in 1914 by the Bell Telephone Company.
. Housed the Royal Canadian Legion from 1945 to 2001
. Classical Revival architecture with brownstone detailing
Properties Worthy of Consideration for Listing on the City's Heritage Inventory
11 Youna Street (Mavfair Hotel) - Citv Owned
. Built in 1905 by Edward Lippert of Lippert's Home Furnishings
. Good example of Classical Revival with significant brick ornamentation on
King Street and Young Street facades
. Upper 3 storeys added in 1920 and features Art Deco detailing
. Long standing presence on Berlin Mainstreet
72-78 Kina Street West (former Canadian Block) - Privatelv Owned
. Built in 1865 and known as the "Canadian Block"
. Oldest remaining Downtown Commercial building
. Rare example of Georgian Commercial architecture
. Long standing presence on Berlin Mainstreet
1-24 Ontario Street - Privatelv Owned
. Built c. 1875 and designed to match the style and detailing of the
Canadian Block
. Rare example of Georgian Commercial architecture
Properties Worthy of Further Investigation to Establish Heritage Interest
140 Kina Street West - Privatelv Owned
. Built c. 1905-1907
. Original Mainstreet fayade may remain under metal cladding
96-98 Kina Street West - Privatelv Owned
. Built c. 1910-1920
. Original Mainstreet fayade may remain under metal cladding
82-86 Kina Street West - Privatelv Owned
. Built c. 1895-1900
. Home of the Breithaupt Estate Office from 1900 to 1928
. Retains Victorian Commercial detailing at roofline
. Long standing presence on Berlin Mainstreet
30-34 Ontario Street - Privatelv Owned
. Builtc.1912
. Evidence that original 3 bay brick fayade may remain under metal
cladding
In summary, the evaluation found that many of the properties located in the Centre Block are of
cultural heritage significance. They are representative of distinctive and varying styles of
architecture, and feature original building materials and/or detailing; they are the first or second
generation of commercial buildings to be developed in the Downtown with several buildings
forming part of the City's historic "Mainstreet" back when Kitchener was known as Berlin; and
they are associated with businesses and individuals who influenced the course of economic
development, growth and the prosperity of Berlin/Kitchener.
Following staff's presentation of the results of the heritage assessment of the Centre Block
properties to the KPUCentre Block Project Committee, the same information was presented and
discussed at the October 4, 2005 meeting of Heritage Kitchener.
Council policy resolution number 1-110 establishes that the purpose and scope of the Heritage
Kitchener Committee is to advise Council on matters involving conservation of heritage
resources within Kitchener, both publicly and privately owned. In this regard, there are 4 steps
to the heritage conservation process: Identification, Interpretation, Protection and Use. The
identification of cultural heritage resources is typically undertaken by way of adding or listing
heritage resources on an inventory. Heritage Kitchener has maintained an inventory of heritage
properties since its inception back in 1979, when the Committee was known as the Kitchener
Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee (or L.A.C.A.C.). Traditionally, properties
have been added to the Heritage Inventory by way of Committee resolution. Currently there are
approximately 800 properties listed on the City's Heritage Inventory.
What Does It Mean When A Propertv Is Listed On The Heritaae Inventorv?
The act of listing a property on the Heritage Inventory has traditionally served to accomplish the
following:
1. To provide notice that the City has identified the property as being of cultural heritage
interest and may be a candidate for designation under the Ontario Heritage Act at some
point in time;
2. To flag the property in the City's files to provide staff with the opportunity to comment on
the impact of applications made for the subject heritage property or for lands adjacent
the heritage property;
3. To invite owners of listed property to use the City as a resource of information regarding
following good heritage conservation practice.
Properties listed on the City's Heritage Inventory are not subject to the Ontario Heritage Act and
therefore are not subject to heritage permit approvals. Unlike designation under the Ontario
Heritage Act, the process of adding properties to the Heritage Inventory is not governed by
Provincial legislation. In Kitchener, the act of listing properties on the Heritage Inventory has
typically not involved Councilor property owner circulation, endorsement or approval. Such
practice is not unique, and staff would suggest the majority of municipalities in the Province who
maintain heritage inventories have done so in the same manner as the City of Kitchener. The
fact that "listed" properties did not have formal heritage status in the past, may in part account
for such practice. In addition, prior to having established a heritage planning function in 1992,
the methodology used in adding properties to the Heritage Inventory was inconsistent. Though
the Committee has added few properties to the Heritage Inventory in recent years, those that
have been added have been the subject of a detailed survey evaluation using recognized and
standard criteria.
New Provincial Policv Statement Adds Status to Listed Heritaae Propertv
Notwithstanding the previous interpretation that "listed" heritage properties are not regarded as
having formal heritage status, recent changes made to the Provincial Policy Statement of the
Planning Act may have effectively changed such interpretation.
The Provincial Policy Statement is issued under the authority of Section 3 of the Planning Act.
provides direction on matters of provincial interest related to land use planning and
development. A new Provincial Policy Statement came into effect on March 1, 2005. Policy
2.6.1 of the Provincial Policy Statement states that "Significant built heritage resources and
cultural heritage landscapes shall be conserved". One of the changes made to the
Provincial Policy Statement was to add the following sentence to the definition of built heritage
resources; 'These resources may be identified through designation or heritage conservation
easement under the Ontario Heritage Act, or listed by local, provincial or federal jurisdictions".
It would appear that by adding resources listed by local jurisdictions to the definition of built
heritage resources, there is now a responsibility for the City to ensure that Planning Act related
decisions affecting listed heritage resources shall be consistent with the Provincial Policy
Statement, which states that such resources shall be conserved. The Provincial Policy
Statement defines conserved as meaning "the identification, protection, use and/or
management of cultural heritage and archaeological resources in such a way that their heritage
values, attributes and integrity are retained. This may be addressed through a conservation plan
or heritage impact assessment".
Therefore, Council should be aware that by adding properties to the City's Heritage Inventory
the City is in effect making a statement that these properties are identified as being of cultural
heritage interest to the City and are worthy of being conserved in some form. It should be noted
that the term conservation should not be interpreted as excluding opportunity for change or
partial redevelopment. Examples of appropriate conservation options could range from
restoration to adaptive re-use to even retaining just the facades of buildings, depending on the
significance of the resource. However, by adding properties to the Heritage Inventory, the City
should be committing to ensuring that the opportunities for conservation will be examined,
evaluated and implemented.
Staff Recommend that Chanaes be Made to the Listina Process
As a result of the recent changes made to the Provincial Policy Statement, staff are of the
opinion that the City's current practice and methodology of adding properties to the Heritage
Inventory requires revision. City staff will be preparing a report for Council's consideration in the
next several weeks, outlining in detail a new recommended practice for adding properties to the
City's Heritage Inventory. It is anticipated that the report will recommend that properties to be
considered for inclusion on the Heritage Inventory should now be subject to:
1. The completion and review of a detailed built heritage resource survey evaluation form
by members of Heritage Kitchener, using recognized and standard heritage criteria.
2. The completion of a Heritage Property Report identifying the significant cultural heritage
attributes of short-listed property. Such report to be circulated to the property owner for
input and comment with an invitation to attend the Heritage Kitchener Committee
meeting when the property would be considered for inclusion on the Heritage Inventory.
3. Formal consideration by Council of the Heritage Kitchener recommendation to add
properties to the City's Heritage Inventory.
Given the potential for change within the Centre Block, Heritage Kitchener has recommended to
Council that several properties located in the Centre Block and which currently have no heritage
status, be added to the City's Heritage Inventory. These include the properties assessed by City
staff and identified as being worthy of consideration for listing on the City's Heritage Inventory
(11 Young Street - Mayfair Hotel, 72-78 King Street West - Canadian Block, and 18-24 Ontario
Street North); as well as the four properties Staff identified as requiring further investigation to
establish heritage interest (140 King Street West, 96-98 King Street West, 82-86 King Street
West, and 30-34 Ontario Street North). The rationale used by the Committee in recommending
that these four properties also be added to the Heritage Inventory relates to their Berlin era date
of construction; their location on the Downtown's historic Mainstreet; and/or the potential that
original historic building fabric may be located in behind existing false facades.
In light of the status that the new Provincial Policy Statement has added to "listed" heritage
property, and in consideration of staff's pending recommendation that the City establish a
Heritage Inventory process that will seek input and comment from property owners and require
formal approval by Council; Staff recommend that any consideration to add privately owned
property located in the Centre Block to the City's Heritage Inventory, should be deferred by
Council to February 2006 to allow property owners the opportunity to review the heritage
property report information and to make comment to Heritage Kitchener.
Further, staff believe that it would also be responsible for the City to inform owners of property
located in the Centre Block and currently listed on the Heritage Inventory (namely 144-150 King
Street West and 90 King Street West), of the findings and conclusions of the heritage property
reports and of the implications of such listing. The owners of such listed property would be
provided with an opportunity to make comment to Heritage Kitchener, following which Council
would be asked to either reaffirm or remove the listing of the property on the City's Heritage
Inventory at a Council meeting in February 2006.
The heritage property reports for City owned property identified as being worthy for
consideration for listing on the City's Heritage Inventory (11 Young Street - Mayfair Hotel), and
currently listed on the City's Heritage Inventory (156-158 King Street West and 48 Ontario
Street North), are attached as Appendix 'B' to this report. In each case, both exterior and interior
building elements are identified in the heritage attributes. Planning Staff are of the opinion that
based on their cultural heritage significance, the listing of the two City owned properties
currently on the Heritage Inventory should be reaffirmed, and that 11Young Street should be
newly added to the City's Heritage Inventory.
Could the Listing of Heritage Property Influence Development Interest in the Centre
Block?
As previously stated, by adding Centre Block properties onto the City's Heritage Inventory, the
City is in effect identifying those properties as being of cultural heritage value or interest, and in
accordance with the Provincial Policy Statement, should take measures to ensure that such
properties will be conserved (in some form) relative to Planning Act related applications.
It should be noted that of the seven properties identified in the Heritage Kitchener
recommendation for listing on the Heritage Inventory, only one (11 Young Street - Mayfair
Hotel) is City owned and located within the proposed Centre Block development lands. The
other City owned properties of heritage interest within the Centre Block lands are either already
listed on the Heritage Inventory (156-158 King Street West and 48 Ontario Street North) or are
designated under the Ontario Heritage Act (31 Young Street - Forsyth).
The degree to which Council's decision to list 11 Young Street on the City's Heritage Inventory
(and to reaffirm the listing of 156-158 King Street West and 48 Ontario Street North) could
influence the development industry's interest in the Centre Block development lands, is difficult
to judge. While some developers may interpret the heritage listing and possible conditions
associated with conservation interests a liability and barrier to redevelopment, others may
consider the conservation of such structures an opportunity and a benefit that will add to the
character and significance of the development. The fact that these structures are located on the
outside or periphery of the Centre Block lands could in fact be seen as facilitating greater
opportunities for integration into some form of redevelopment.
Staff would suggest that perhaps a greater issue of interest to the development industry may be
one of establishing certainty and making the City's expectations for the Centre Block relative to
the disposition of the properties of heritage interest clear. Developments such as the Kaufman
Lofts, Mansion Lofts, and the future Arrow Shirt Factory condominium are all recent examples
demonstrating that the development industry is certainly able, willing and interested in working
with designated or listed heritage property where the rules, regulations and expectations of the
City are made clear.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
No new or Capital budget requests are associated with the recommendations made in this
report.
Leon Bensason, MCIP, RPP
Heritage Planner
Jeff Willmer, MCIP, RPP
Director of Planning
List of Attachments:
Appendix 'A' : Heritage Assessment of the properties located in the Centre Block, prepared for
the KPUCentre Block Project Committee, dated September 2005.
Appendix 'B': Heritage Property Reports for City owned property identified as worthy for
consideration for listing on the City's Heritage Inventory (11 Young Street -
Mayfair Hotel), and currently listed on the City's Heritage Inventory (156-158 King
Street West and 48 Ontario Street North), dated November 2005.
10
APPENDIX 'A'
CENTRE BLOCK-HERITAGE ANALYSIS
September, 2005
The following information serves to identify those properties in the Centre Block which
are or may potentially be of heritage interest to the City ofKitchener. The information
contained in this report was collected in August, 2005 and presents a preliminary
evaluation provided for discussion purposes.
Properties identified in the report are divided into 4 categories as follows:
1. Formally designated under the Ontario Heritage Act.
2. Listed on the City's Heritage Inventory (meaning they have been identified by
Heritage Kitchener as being of cultural heritage interest but are not designated).
3. Worthy of consideration for listing on the Heritage Inventory.
4. Worthy of further investigation and evaluation to establish heritage interest.
Leon Bensason, Heritage Planner
Stephanie Barber, Assistant Heritage Planner
Development and Technical Services Department
Formally designated under the Ontario Heritage Act
Listed on the City's Heritage Inventory (meaning they have been
identified by Heritage Kitchener as being of cultural heritage interest but
are not designated)
Worthy of consideration for listing on the Heritage Inventory
Worthy of further investigation and evaluation to establish
heritage interest
SMYTH RESIDENCE
31 YOUNG STREET (JOHN FORSYTH CO./SMYTH RESIDENCE)
Heritage Status: Designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act
Historical Value or Interest:
-The Smyth Residence was constructed circa 1888.
-Edward Smyth and his brother were considered to be "town builders" for their public and private
involvement which contributed much to Berlin's success.
- The brothers founded the drygoods firm of Smyth Bros. in 1877.
-Smyth Bros. imported goods from Europe and introduced the cash system to Berlin.
-When the John Forsyth Co. acquired the factory and residence, they retained and used the structure as
office space.
Architectural Value or Interest:
-A good example of the Queen Anne style.
-Possesses a number of notable original features
including:
. Multi-slope roofwithjerkinhead and
triangular gables-one with decorative collar
brace.
. Round-headed window with 90 panes.
. Two round-headed windows with 46 panes.
. Large rectangular window with 48 panes.
. 12/12, 15/15 and 18/18-sash windows.
. Two semi -circular window openings.
. Decorative chimney stack.
. Wooden eave brackets.
Smyth Residence-north elevation details
Although attached to the factory building on two sides, the
structure retains a residential appearance through the
existence of original rooflines and decorative features.
Smyth Residence-west elevation details
JOHN FORSYTH CO. FACTORY
Historical Value:
- The original factory building on the site was constructed in 1900 and occupied by the Star Whitewear
Company, founded and operated by James Wing. Later owners of the company were the Messner
Family and AL. Breithaupt.
-In 1917, the building was leased to the John Forsyth Co. Ltd. who eventually acquired the complex.
-John Forsyth started his own company in 1906, originally located on King Street East.
-The John Forsyth Co. Ltd became a major employer in the City and achieved a significant reputation
across the Dominion for quality clothing.
- The original 1900 structure comprised 3 bays facing Young Street and an additional four bays were
added, probably shortly after construction of the original building. In 1937, a structure was added to the
north elevation.
Architectural Value:
-An excellent example of vernacular industrial architecture
with Italianate style influences.
-1937 addition effectively executed in the Art Deco style.
The 1900s fa<;ades retain many notable original features:
. Round-headed windows with projecting brick arches.
. Segmentally arched windows with wood sills and operable
transoms.
. Decorative brickwork along the roofline above the cornice
and brick piers.
. Painted signage bands on the south elevation.
Painted signage band-south elevation
The 1937 addition retains many notable original features:
. Cast concrete piers with vertical etching.
. Concrete spandrels.
. Glass block windows.
. Rear third storey penthouse with rooftop access.
48 ONTARIO STREET NORTH (BELL TELEPHONE CO./CANADIAN LEGION)
Heritage Status: Listed
Historical Value or Interest:
-Built circa 1914 by Bell Telephone Co. and housed their offices from c. 1914 to c. 1941.
-Occupied by the Unemployment Insurance Commission from 1942-1944 and by the Employment and
Selective Service Office from 1945-1946.
-Housed Royal Canadian Legion from c. 1946 - c. 2001.
-Historical significance lies with strong associations with prominent organizations.
Architectural Value or Interest:
-Example of Classical Revival style
architecture.
-Red brick with pilasters, brownstone
banding, lintels, sills and pilaster
capitals.
-Brick rustication at the basement level.
-Brownstone frontispiece with brackets.
- Tall rectangular windows.
Exterior Condition:
This building appears to be in fair
condition.
48 Ontario St. N
Brick rustication
Front entrance with entablature
and scroll brackets
156-158 KING STREET WEST (P. HYMMEN HARDWARE)
Heritage Status: Listed
Historical Value or Interest:
-Constructed in 1906 possibly by Peter Hymmen II or E. Lippert (given the same architectural style as
No. 11 Young Street).
-Occupied for 54 years by Hymmen Hardware from 1906 to 1960.
-Hymmen Hardware was the longest operating business in the City, begun in 1850.
Architectural Value or Interest:
- Excellent example of Classical Revival architecture,
retaining these notable features:
. Semi-elliptical arched and rectangular window openings
with rusticated brick voussoirs.
. Wood cornice and brackets.
. Brick piers.
. Decorative corbelled brick under the cornice.
. Brick parapet.
Exterior Condition:
- This building appears to be in very good condition.
-Owners of building were recently in receipt offa<;ade
improvement funding to remove paint from brick on the
upper floor fa<;ade.
Brick parapet
Wood cornice and brackets
158 King Street West
Decorative brick corbelling
Semi-elliptical & rectangular
windows with rusticated brick
voussoirs
144-150 KING STREET WEST (WEBER CHAMBERS)
Heritage Status: Listed
Historical Value or Interest:
-Built c. 1895 and called "Weber Chambers" possibly after the Weber Family.
-Originally constructed as a professional office building with street-level stores.
-Upper floors were converted to residences in 1985.
-Housed a number of notable tenants:
1912 London Life Conservatory of
Music
Met Life Insurance Co.
Wm. Cairnes, real estate
1924 H.L. Staebler Co. Ltd.-insurance
Salts and Chemicals, Ltd.
Bricker & Son, Ltd., -
wholesale jeweler
1933 H.L. Staebler Co. Ltd.-insurance
RW. Ripley, dental laboratory
G.E. Schlee, advertising
Architectural Value or Interest:
-Impressive example of the Classical Revival style.
-Retains many notable features including:
. Rusticated fa<;ade.
. Tall 3-storey piers.
. Cornices with small brackets below the roofline and
above the storefront.
. Crenellated parapet.
. Inscription on parapet reading "Weber Chambers"
144-150 King Street West
Weber Chambers
Exterior Condition:
- The Weber Chambers building appears to be in very good condition and in spite of unsympathetic
storefront alterations, the building is cosmetically appealing.
-Present owners of the building were in receipt of a fa<;ade improvement loan in 2000-2001 to correct
unsafe conditions and to restore the upper facades.
Crenellated parapet
Weber Chambers-front fac;ade detail
90 KING STREET WEST (CAPITOL THEATRE)
Heritage Status: Listed
Historical Value or Interest:
-Opened in April, 1921 with 1200 main level seats.
-Was considered to be one of the finest moving picture theatres in Canada.
-Architect was lM. Jeffries of Toronto.
-Artistic painting was done by Collins Co. of Toronto.
-Ornamental decorating was by Eckert Co. of New York.
-Last remaining vintage theatre structure in the City.
Architectural Value or Interest:
-Example of Classical Revival theatre architecture.
-Original facade with two-storey arched window
remains under false front (?).
-With false front removed, it would contribute visually
to the streetscape-it is of a distinctive style from later
Victorian style commercial buildings.
-Retains significant interior features including:
. Twin staircases to second level.
. Balcony.
. Stage with proscenium arch.
. Pressed tin ceiling.
. Plaster chandelier medallion (?).
Exterior Condition:
This building appears to be in fair condition.
11 YOUNG STREET (WINDSOR HOUSE/MA YF AIR HOTEL/LIPPERT FURNITURE)
Heritage Status: Currently none though merits consideration for listing on Heritage Inventory
Historical Value or Interest:
-Built 1905 by Edward Lippert to sell furniture manufactured by his own company.
- Three storeys added c. 1920 for use as hotel rooms and later became the Windsor House Hotel and then
the Mayfair Hotel.
-Also occupied by:
. C.L. Moser & Sons, dry goods, etc. (1924-25).
. Ligget's Drug Store (1933-1946).
Architectural Value or Interest:
-Original building is a good example of Classical Revival architecture, retaining these notable features:
. Semi-elliptical arched and rectangular window openings with rusticated brick voussoirs.
. Wood cornice and brackets.
. Brick piers.
. Decorative corbelled brick under the cornice.
- The upper storey addition was constructed in the Art Deco style and retains these important features:
. Square window openings with stone sills and corner blocks.
. Brick piers with decorative stone capitals.
. Continuous stone stringcourse running along the principle west and south elevations.
-Provides a solid corner structure with interesting visual repetition of windows especially across the
Young Street fa<;ade.
Exterior Condition:
This building appears to be in very good condition.
166 King Street West southwest corner at Young Street
Semi-elliptical
arched and rectangular
windows with brick
voussoirs
Decorative
brick corbelling
Decorative
capitals
c. 1920 upper storey addition
18-24 ONTARIO STREET NORTH
Heritage status: Currently none though merits consideration for listing on Heritage Inventory
Historical Value or Interest:
-Built c.1865, possibly part of the Canadian Block.
-The Canadian Block was sold to the Breithaupt family in 1888.
Architectural Value or Interest:
-Rare example of Georgian commercial architecture in the City.
-Rectangular window openings-repetitive pattern carried on from King and Ontario Street elevations.
-Decorative corbelled brick under the cornice
-Wood corni ce
-Contributes visually to the streetscape-it is of a
distinctive style from later Victorian style commercial buildings.
Exterior Condition:
These buildings appear to be in fairly good condition.
18-24 Ontario Street North
72-78 KING STREET WEST (CANADIAN BLOCK)
Heritage status: Currently none though merits consideration for listing on Heritage Inventory
Historical Value or Interest:
-Built in 1865 (as per datestone) and called the Canadian Block.
-Original Canadian Block constructed in 1861 by Jacob Y. Shantz, Berlin colonizer and entrepreneur.
-Replaced the wooden, 1861 building and is one of oldest commercial buildings on King Street West.
-The Canadian Block was sold to the Breithaupt family in 1888.
-Housed a number of offices of key BerlinIKitchener businesses on a long-term basis (including
Shoemaker Drugs for 45 years from 1919-1964):
1912 Betzner & Co., grocers
Berlin & Waterloo Railroad
1924 H.W. Shoemaker, drugs
AH. Kabel, clothing
J. Agnew, Ltd. boots & shoes
1933 H.W. Shoemaker, drugs
Agnew-Surpass Shoe Stores, Ltd., boots & shoes
Architectural Value or Interest:
-Rare example of Georgian commercial architecture in the City.
-Rectangular window openings-repetitive pattern across King and Ontario Street elevations.
-Has a prominent corner location with an angled corner elevation.
-Decorative corbelled brick under the cornice
-Wood corni ce
-Contributes visually to the streetscape-it is of a distinctive style from later Victorian style
commercial buildings.
Canadian Block
King Street elevation
Canadian Block-Northwest view at King & Ontario Streets
Canadian Block
Detail-datestone (1865)
Exterior Condition:
The Canadian Block appears to be in fair condition.
Historical Value or Interest:
82-86 KING STREET WEST
Heritage status: Currently none though merits further assessment to establish heritage interest
-Built c. 1895-1900.
-A western portion of the original building was replaced by construction of the Capitol Theatre in 1921.
-Breithaupt family estate office housed here from c. 1900-1928.
1901 Berlin Gas Co.
Louis Breithaupt Estate
1912 Berlin & Northern Railway Co.
Louis Breithaupt Estate
1933 MacCallum's Cigar Store- tobcnst, sporting
goods & lending library
Downing, Steen & Co.-florists
Architectural Value or Interest:
-Nice example of restrained Victorian commercial
architecture.
-Rectangular window openings-second floor tri-part
window and single rectangular window under stucco
cladding.
- Traditional storefront configuration (front display
window and deeply recessed entrance)
retained on no. 86.
-Contributes visually to the streetscape-appearance
can be improved with removal of false front on no. 86
and restoration work and proper signage on no. 82.
Two rows of decorative corbelled brick under the
cornice
1924 AH. Kabel, clothing
Louis Breithaupt EstatelW.H.
Breithaupt construction engineer
J.J. MacCallum, Ltd.-
tobacconist& sporting goods
Attractive wood brackets with pendants
Historical Value or Interest:
140 KING STREET WEST
Heritage Status: Currently none though merits further assessment to establish heritage interest
-Built c. 1905-1907
-Occupied by Waldschmidt Grocers (1910) and a variety of other merchants.
Architectural Value or Interest:
-Original 3-bay fa<;ade likely remains under the
present metal cladding.
Exterior Condition:
-Appears to be in fairly good condition.
96-98 KING STREET WEST
Heritage Status: Currently none though merits further assessment to establish heritage interest
Historical Value or Interest:
-Construction date unknown.
-(originally addressed 92-94) occupied by:
Gettas & Gettas, restaurant (1924-25, 1933).
-1946: No. 92 occupied by Queens Restaurant
Architectural Value or Interest:
-Original fa<;ade likely remains under the present cladding.
Exterior Condition:
-Appears to be in fairly good condition.
30-34 ONTARIO STREET NORTH
Heritage Status: Currently none though merits further assessment to establish heritage interest
Historical Value or Interest:
Built circa 1912.
Occupied by various BerlinIKitchener merchants.
Architectural Value or Interest:
-Possible original 3-bay, red brick fa<;ade under cladding.
-Rectangular windows with 8/8 sashes.
Exterior Condition:
This building appears to be in fairly good condition.
APPENDIX 'B'
HERITAGE PROPERTY REPORT
11 Young Street
(Lippert FurnitureIWindsor HoteV
Mayfair Hotel)
Municipal Address: 11 Young Street, Kitchener
Legal Description: Plan 362 Lot 1
Pt Lot 2
Year Built: c. 1906
Architectural Style: Classical Revival
Original Owner: George Lippert
Original Use: Furniture store
Exterior Condition: Good
Ownership: Public
Historical Information
The first three floors of 11 Young Street were constructed c. 1906 by Edward Lippert to
sell furniture manufactured by his company. Three storeys were added c. 1920 for use as
hotel rooms when it became the Windsor House Hotel and then the Mayfair Hotel. The
building was also occupied by c.L. Moser & Sons, dry goods, etc. (1924-25) and Ligget's
Drug Store (1933-1946).
Architectural Description
Site Detail
11 Young Street is located on the northeast corner of King and Young Street in the
Downtown, adjacent to City Hall. The 410 square metre site is occupied mostly by the
building with a parking lot behind.
Plan Storevs & Bavs
This six-storey structure has a rectangular plan with three bays on the front and rear
elevations and seven bays on the west elevation.
Bui1dine: Material & Detail
The Mayfair Hotel is constructed of a brown and dark yellow brick. The original building
elevations feature brick detailing including pilasters, corbelling, and voussoirs above
windows. Elevations of the addition feature decorative cast concrete corner blocks on
windows and cartouche capitals atop the brick pilasters.
Roof & Roofline
The rectangular roof is flat and the roofline of the addition is straight and unadorned. The
roofline of the original building is defined by a wood cornice and brackets.
South (Front) Elevation
On the first floor there are two metal doors, two square window openings with modern
single-pane glazing, one awning and one sign board. The wall is finished with smooth
stucco. The second floor consists of brown brick with three rectangular window openings
with rusticated brick voussoirs, stone sills and modern glazing units.
At the third floor is brown brick with three semi-elliptical window openings with rusticated
brick voussoirs, stone sills and modern glazing units. Separating the third and fourth floors
is a decorative wood cornice with brackets and brick corbelling under the cornice.
The fourth, fifth and sixth floors consist of dark yellow brick with two rectangular window
openings and doors to the fire escape on each floor. The windows have stone corner blocks,
flat brick arches and modern glazing units. Above the sixth floor windows is a stone
stringcourse across the fa<;ade and decorative cast concrete cartouches are located at the
east and west corners just below the roofline. The roofline is plain and straight.
East (Side) Elevation
The first three floors of the east elevation are abutted by the neighbouring building. The
fourth, fifth, and sixth floors are visible with solid dark yellow brick walls.
North (Rear) Elevation
On the first floor there is one window with modern
single-pane glazing and a plate glass door with a
stone lintel over. The second floor consists of two
window and one door opening, all of which are
blocked. There is a continuous stone lintel over
each opening. There are three window openings on
the third floor. One of the openings is blocked and
the other two contain modern glazing units. Each
window has a stone lintel above. The fourth, fifth
and sixth floors consist of dark yellow brick with
one small, square window and a fire escape door.
The door and window openings on the fifth and
sixth floors have stone corner blocks. The capitals
of the two brick piers are defined with cast concrete
cartouches. The roofline is plain and straight.
West (Side) Elevation
The first floor consists of five square window
openings with modern single-pane glazing units, two
plate glass doors, a signboard and awning. The walls
are finished with smooth red stucco. The second floor
is brown brick divided into seven bays. Each bay has
two rectangular window openings with rusticated
brick voussoirs, stone sills, and modern glazing units.
The third floor is brown brick with seven bays. There
are two semi-elliptical arched windows in each bay
with brick voussoirs, stone sills and modern glazing
units. Between the third and fourth floor is a decorative wood cornice with brackets and
brick corbelling under the cornice. The upper three floors are a dark yellow brick, divided
into seven bays. There is one large square window opening in each bay with stone corner
blocks, stone sills and modern glazing units. The capitals of the eight brick piers are
defined with cast concrete cartouches. Above the windows and between each pier capital is
a stone stringcourse. The roofline is plain and straight.
Interior
Stairs with terrazzo treads and
Metal balustrade
The lobby of the Mayfair Hotel possesses some notable features including terrazzo floors
and stairs with metal railings and balustrades with the letter "M" fashioned out of metal.
There is a lounge on the second floor with pressed tin ceilings that are hidden by acoustical
tile.
Front lobby with terrazzo floors and
wood paneling
Pressed tin ceiling in the second floor
lounge
Conclusions
The property municipally addressed 11 Young Street meets the criteria established in the
Municipal Plan regarding having merit for heritage designation under the Ontario Heritage
Act.
Historically, the property is associated with persons having made significant contributions
to the City's economic development and who have influenced the course of local and
regional history. The property is also representative of the commercial history of
Berlin/Kitchener.
Architecturally, the original c.1906 building and the 1920s upper addition, represent two
distinctive styles of architecture and periods of construction including Classical Revival
and Art Deco. The building continues to feature original building materials and decorative
details.
11 Young Street
Lippert FurnitureIWindsor HoteVMayfair Hotel
Statement of Significance
Cultural Heritage Value and Interest
This property, located on the northeast corner of Young Street and King Street West in
Downtown Kitchener, contains a six -storey building. The first three floors of the building
were constructed c. 1906 by Edward Lippert to sell furniture manufactured by his
company. Three storeys were added c. 1920 for use as hotel rooms when it became the
Windsor House Hotel and then the Mayfair Hotel. The building was also occupied by c.L.
Moser & Sons, dry goods, etc. (1924-25) and Ligget's Drug Store (1933-1946).
Architecturally, the original c.1906 building and the 1920s upper addition, represent two
distinctive styles of architecture and periods of construction including Classical Revival
and Art Deco. The building continues to feature original building materials and decorative
details.
Heritage Attributes
All exterior elevations including:
· Brown and dark yellow brick walls and pilasters.
· All windows and window openings* with rusticated brick voussoirs, and stone sills.
· All exterior door openings.
· Roof and rooflines.
· Wood cornice and brackets.
· Cast concrete cartouche pilaster capitals and window corner blocks on the addition.
Interior features to include:
· Terrazzo floors in the lobby.
· Wood paneling in the lobby.
· Main staircase with terrazzo treads and metal balustrade.
· Pressed tin ceiling in the second floor lounge.
*Bui1ding features are included as heritage attributes regardless if they are not the
original. This is done to maintain control over future alterations that may be further
unsympathetic than existing replacement materials and/or design.
Municipal Address: 156-158 King Street
West, Kitchener
Legal Description: Plan 362 Pt Lot 3 Part
Lot 3
Year Built: 1906
Architectural Style: Classical Revival
Original Owner: Peter H ymmen II
Original Use: Commercial
Significance: Historic and Architectural
Exterior Condition: Good
Ownership: Public
HERITAGE PROPERTY REPORT
156-158 King Street West
(P. Hymmen Hardware)
Historical Information
156-158 King Street West was constructed in 1906 possibly by Peter Hymmen II or E.
Lippert. The building was occupied for 54 years, from 1906 to 1960 by Hymmen
Hardware. Established in 1850, Hymmen Hardware was the longest operating business in
Berlin/Kitchener.
Architectural Description
Site Detail
156-158 King S treet West is located on the north side of King Street, between Young and
Ontario Streets in the Downtown and in close proximity to City Hall. The site is 510
square metres and is occupied mostly by the building. There is a small parking area at the
rear of the building.
Plan Storevs & Bavs
The three-storey structure has a rectangular plan with four bays on the front elevation.
Both side elevations are hidden by the flanking buildings and the rear elevation,
originally five-bays, is now two bays on the first and third floors and three bays on the
second.
Bui1dine: Material & Detail
156-158 King Street West is constructed of brown brick laid in the common bond. The
front elevation features decorative brickwork including rusticated voussoirs over the
windows, corbelling below the cornice, pilasters, and parapet. There is also a wood
cornice with brackets.
Roof and Roofline
The rectangular roof is flat and the front roofline is accentuated by the decorative brick
parapet.
South (Front) Elevation
The first floor consists of plate glass storefront windows with aluminum framing and two
plate glass entrance doors. Above the storefronts are two signboards. Separating the first
and second floors is a wide strip of stucco. There are four rectangular window openings
on the second floor with rusticated brick voussoirs, stone sills and modern glazing units.
On the third floor are four semi-elliptical arch window openings with rusticated brick
voussoirs, stone sills and modern glazing units. Above the third floor windows is a row
of brick corbelling. Above the corbelling is a wood cornice with brackets and a
decorative brick parapet.
East & West (Side) Elevations
Both side elevations are abutted by neighbouring buildings and are completely concealed.
North (Rear) Elevation
The rear elevation is constructed of white brick. All of the segmentally-arched windows
on the rear elevation have been bricked-in and currently there are small square windows
on each floor with single-pane glazing. There are two entrances, both with metal doors.
One door has been made out of a once-larger segmentally-arched opening.
Interior
The first floor of the interior is currently occupied
by a student art gallery. In the rear portion is a vault
with a thick metal door and massive hinges. There
is also a freight elevator with vertical-sliding doors.
The second and third floors comprise open and
virtually unobstructed space. The basement has red
brick walls and some wood paneling. There is a
large arched brick alcove that is similar in design to
brick ovens built in the nineteenth century.
Vault door on the main floor
Curved brick alcove in
the basement
Conclusions
The property municipally addressed 156-158 King Street West meets several criteria
established in the Municipal Plan regarding having merit for heritage designation under
the Ontario Heritage Act.
Historically, the property is associated with persons having made significant
contributions to the City's economic development and who have influenced the course of
local and regional history. The property is also representative of the commercial history
of Berlin/Kitchener, given its long association with P. Hymmen Hardware, the longest
operating business in the City from 1850-1960. Architecturally, this 1906 commercial
building is a good example of the Classical Revival style, retaining significant
representative features.
156-158 King Street West
P. Hymmen Hardware
Statement of Significance
Cultural Heritage Value or Interest
Formerly the location of P. Hymmen Hardware, 156-158 King Street West was constructed
in 1906 and is located on the north side of King Street, between Young and Ontario Streets.
This Classical Revival style building is in very good condition. 156-158 King Street West
was constructed possibly by Peter Hymmen II or E. Lippert. It was occupied for 54 years,
from 1906 to 1960 by Hymmen Hardware. Begun in 1850, it was the longest operating
business in BerlinlKitchener. Architecturally, this 1906 commercial building is a good
example of the Classical Revival style, retaining significant representative features.
Heritage Attributes
All exterior elevations including:
· Brown and buff brick walls.
· All windows and window openings* with rusticated brick voussoirs and wood sills.
· All exterior doors and door openings*.
· Roof and roofline.
· Brick corbelling.
· Brick parapet.
· Cornice and brackets.
Interior features to include:
· First floor vault and vault door with hinges.
· Curved brick alcove in the basement.
* Building features are included as heritage attributes regardless if they are not the original.
This is done to maintain control over future alterations that may be further unsympathetic
than existing replacement materials and/or design.
HERITAGE PROPERTY REPORT
48 Ontario Street North
(Bell Telephone Co.lCanadian Legion)
Municipal Address: 48 Ontario Street North, Kitchener
Legal Description: Plan 401, Pt. Lt. 7
Year Built: c. 1914
Architectural Style: Classical Revival
Original Owner: Bell Telephone Co.
Original Use: Office
Exterior Condition: Good
Ownership: Public
Historical Information
This structure was originally built circa 1914 by Bell Telephone Co. and housed their
offices from c. 1914 to c. 1941. During World War Two, the building was occupied by
the Unemployment Insurance Commission from 1942-1944 and by the Employment and
Selective Service Office from 1945-1946. Following the war, the building became home
to a local branch of the Royal Canadian Legion from 1946 to 2001.
Architectural Description
Site Detail
48 Ontario Street North is located on the west side of Ontario Street, between King and
Duke Streets in the Downtown. The site contains a parking lot at the north side of the
building.
Plan Stories & Bavs
The three-storey structure has a shallow L-shape with four bays on the front elevation.
The north side elevation has eleven bays, the south side elevation is one bay and the rear
elevation is two bays wide.
Bui1dine: Material and Detail
The subject building is constructed of red brick laid in the common bond style. The
foundation is brick. The front elevation features decorative brownstone details including
lintels, pilaster capitals and bases, and entrance frontispiece.
Roof & Roofline
The shallow L-shaped roof is flat and the roofline is straight and unadorned.
East (Front) Elevation
On the first floor there is an entrance at the north side of the front elevation with a plate
glass door, sidelights and transom. The entrance is decorated by a brownstone
frontispiece with a brick base, scroll brackets and entablature. There are five, tall
rectangular windows with brownstone lintels and sills. The window glazing has been
replaced with fixed, single-panes and there are four brownstone pilaster bases. There are
six, tall rectangular windows on the second floor. Three of the six windows have their
upper lights blocked and the other three have one-over-one sashes. The windows have
brownstone lintels and brick sills. Above the window lintels is a brownstone belt course
connecting four pilaster capitals of the same material.
North (Side) Elevation
The north elevation is constructed of red brick and has three centre bays that are recessed.
There are nine segmentally-arched window openings with triple brick-header voussoirs
and stone sills. Some of the windows retain the original one-over-one and four-over-four
sashes and others have modern glazing. There are three small square, third floor
windows at the rear with stone sills and single-pane glazing. There is one small
rectangular third floor window near the front with a stone sill and one-over-one sashes.
The foundation and walls to the roofline are red brick and there are five segmentally-
arched basement windows with triple brick-header voussoirs and single-pane glazing.
South (Side) Elevation
The south elevation is flanked very closely by the neighbouring building. It is constructed
of red brick with no window openings.
West (Rear) Elevation
The rear elevation consists of red brick and two segmentally-arched window openings
with brick voussoirs and stone sills. Both windows have four-over-four sashes.
Interior
Notable interior features include the
front staircase with slate treads and
risers, wood handrail and metal
balustrade.
Conclusions
The property municipally addressed 48 Ontario Street North meets the criteria established
in the Municipal Plan regarding having merit for heritage designation under the Ontario
Heritage Act.
Historically, the property is associated with companies and organizations having made
significant contributions to the City's economic development and that have influenced
the course of local and regional history. Architecturally, the circa 1914 structure is an
example of the Classical Revival style with attractive decorative features executed in
brownstone, a relatively rare building material in Berlin/Kitchener.
48 Ontario Street North
Bell Telephone Co.lCanadian Legion
Statement of Significance
Cultural Heritage Value or Interest
This property, located on the west side of Ontario Street North in Downtown Kitchener,
contains a two-storey commercial building completed circa 1914. Kitchener was known
as the City of Berlin when this building was constructed. This structure was originally
built circa 1914 by Bell Telephone Co. and housed their offices from c. 1914 to c. 1941.
During World War Two, the building was occupied by the Unemployment Insurance
Commission from 1942-1944 and by the Employment and Selective Service Office from
1945-1946. Following the war, the building became home to a local branch of the Royal
Canadian Legion from 1946 to 2001.
Architecturally, the circa 1914 structure is an example of the Classical Revival style with
attractive decorative features executed in brownstone, a relatively rare building material
in BerlinlKitchener.
Heritage Attributes
All building elevations and exterior features including:
· Red brick walls.
· All windows* and window openings, stone sills, and brick voussoirs.
· All exterior doors and door openings*.
· Roof and roofline.
· Brownstone lintels, pilaster capitals and bases and entrance frontispiece
Interior features to include:
· Main staircase with slate treads and risers, wood handrails, metal balustrade and
newel posts.
* Building features are included as heritage attributes regardless if they are not the original.
This is done to maintain control over future alterations that may be further unsympathetic
than existing replacement materials and/or design.