Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutHeritage - 2009-09-01HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES SEPTEMBER 1, 2009 CITY OF KITCHENER The Heritage Kitchener Committee met this date, commencing at 4:05 p. m. Present: Mr. K. Kirby -Chair Councillor J. Gazzola, Ms. E. Gallaher, and Messrs. J. Ariens, T. Benedict, Z. Janecki, L. Robertson and G. Zeilstra Staff: L. Bensason, Interim Manager of Long Planning M. Wade, Heritage Planner Y. Westerveld Cardoso, Heritage Planning Technician D. Saunderson, Administrative Clerk C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator 1. INTRODUCTION OF YVONNE WESTERVELD CARDOSO On behalf of the Committee, Mr. K. Kirby welcomed Ms. Y. Westerveld Cardoso who has recently been hired as the City of Kitchener's new Heritage Planning Technician. 2. DTS-09-128 -HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION HPA 2009-IV-009 - 307 QUEEN STREET SOUTH - PROPOSED NEW EAVESTROUGH AND DOWNSPOUTS The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-09- 128, dated August 19, 2009 regarding Heritage Permit Application HPA 2009-IV-009 recommending the installation of new eavestroughs and downspouts at 307 Queen Street South (Bread & Roses Co-operative Homes Inc.). Ms. Y. Westerveld Cardoso reviewed the report and advised that the proposed eavestroughs and downspouts would be the same size, style and colour of the existing eavestroughs and downspouts on the north side of the building. She stated that given the building's close proximity to the public sidewalk, a site visit was held with By-law Enforcement staff to review the possible impact of this application. She noted that By-Law Enforcement staff were satisfied that the downspouts would direct the run off into the vegetated areas. However, should it become evident that the location of the downspouts is contributing to ice forming on the sidewalk, the applicant would be required to ensure that the sidewalk is maintained. Ms. Sabine Behnk, Bread & Roses Co-operative Homes Inc., attended in support of the application. In response to concerns expressed by several members regarding the potential for future property standards issues in relation to the location of the downspouts, Ms. Behnk indicated that it may be possible to divert the run off to the parking lot instead of the sidewalk. In addition, she agreed to consider the installation of splash pads below the downspouts to direct the water away from the foundation of the building to help prevent deterioration. Following further discussions, the Committee agreed that the location of the downspouts should be approved by Heritage Planning staff prior to installation. On motion by Mr. L. Robertson - itwas resolved: "That pursuant to Section 33 of the Ontario Heritage Act, Heritage Permit Application HPA 2009-IV-009 (307 Queen Street South), be approved to permit the installation of a new eavestrough and downspouts, consistent in profile, detail and colour of those currently installed on the building's north elevation, subject to the location of the downspout being approved by Heritage Planning staff prior to installation." 3. DTS-09-127 -HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION HPA 2009-IV-008 - 300 JOSEPH SCHOERG CRESCENT - PROPOSED NEW SHUTTERS ON ATTIC WINDOWS, ALTERATIONS TO GATE CAPS, MAIL BOX POST & THE ADDITION OF ONE TREE Mr. J. Ariens declared a pecuniary interest as he is related to the owner of the subject property and accordingly, he did not participate in any voting or deliberations regarding this matter. HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES SEPTEMBER 1, 2009 - 27 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. DTS-09-127 - HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION HPA 2009-IV-008 - 300 JOSEPH SCHOERG CRESCENT - PROPOSED NEW SHUTTERS ON ATTIC WINDOWS, ALTERATIONS TO GATE CAPS, MAIL BOX POST & THE ADDITION OF ONE TREE (CONT'D) The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-09- 127, dated August 19, 2009 regarding Heritage Permit Application HPA 2009-IV-008 recommending the installation of new shutters on the attic windows located on the east and west elevations, the new design of gate caps and a mail box post, and the planting of one tree at 300 Joseph Schoerg Crescent. Ms. Y. Westerveld Cardoso reviewed the report. In response to questions, Mr. J. Ariens advised that the size and location of the proposed shutters would mimic the style of the existing second-story shutters. He noted that having shutters on both sides of the attic windows would be out of character for this style of architecture. On motion by Ms. E. Gallaher - itwas resolved: "That pursuant to Section 33 of the Ontario Heritage Act, Heritage Permit Application HPA 2009-IV-008 (300 Joseph Schoerg Crescent), be approved to permit the installation of new shutters on attic windows located on the east and west elevations, the new design of gate caps and mail box post, and the planting of one tree, all in accordance with the plans and photographs submitted with the application." 4. DTS-09-129 -LISTING OF NON-DESIGNATED PROPERTY OF CULTURAL HERITAGE VALUE /INTEREST ON THE MUNICIPAL HERITAGE REGISTRAR The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-09- 129, dated August 19, 2009 regarding a proposal to list 9 properties on the Municipal Heritage Register (MHR) as non-designated properties of cultural heritage value or interest. Ms. M. Wade reviewed the report. Ms. Jenifer Vos, Activa Group, addressed the Committee in support of listing 468 Trussler Road on the MHR, noting concerns with some of the information contained in the property's Statement of Significance. She then proposed the following revisions: status of the building be changed from good to fair; modify the wording identifying the construction methods as being unique, given that the methods used to construct the stone wall was common to that area; and, removal of the reference to the interior of the building, as it has been significantly altered and is in a state of disrepair. Ms. Wade advised that staff have been made aware of these slight modifications to the Statement of Significance and agreed to meet with Ms. Vos to review the necessary changes. It was noted that any recommendation arising from the Committee regarding this matter would be considered at the October 13, 2009 Council meeting. On motion by Mr. Z. Janecki - itwas resolved: "That pursuant to Section 27 of the Ontario Heritage Act, 468 Trussler Road, be listed on the Municipal Heritage Register as non-designated properties of cultural heritage value or interest, subject to Heritage Planning staff revising the Statement of Significance as discussed at the September 1, 2009 Heritage Kitchener meeting." The Committee then considered the balance of the properties outlined in report DTS-09-129. It was noted that a delegation had been registered to appear before the Committee regarding 22- 26 Charles Street West, but was not in attendance. Ms. Wade advised that in correspondence previously received from the delegation it was indicated that they were opposed to the listing of 22-26 Charles Street West, as it might hinder the future development of that property. Ms. E. Gallaher expressed concerns regarding some of the information included in the Statements of Significance for 12 Wellington Street North and 15-29 Duke Street East. She then provided staff with additional research she had conducted on the two properties. 5. DTS-09-129 -LISTING OF NON-DESIGNATED PROPERTY OF CULTURAL HERITAGE HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES SEPTEMBER 1, 2009 - 28 - CITY OF KITCHENER VALUE/INTEREST ON THE MUNICIPAL HERITAGE REGISTRAR (CONT'D) On motion by Mr. J. Ariens - itwas resolved: "That pursuant to Section 27 of the Ontario Heritage Act, the following properties be listed on the Municipal Heritage Register as non-designated properties of cultural heritage value or interest, in accordance with the Statements of Significance attached as Appendix 'A' to Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-09- 129: • 22-26 Charles Street West; • 15-29 Duke Street East; • 10 Duke Street West; • 156 Duke Street West; • 1255-1291 Fischer Hallman Road; • 1940 Fischer Hallman Road; • 1683 Huron Road; and • 12 Wellington Street North." 5. DTS-09-126 -HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION HPA 2009-V-010 - 393-411 QUEEN STREET SOUTH (BARRA CASTLE) - PROPOSED PARTIAL DEMOLITION Mr. J. Ariens declared a pecuniary interest as the owners of the subject property are his business partners and accordingly, he did not participate in any voting or deliberations regarding this matter. The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-09- 126, dated August 19, 2009 concerning Heritage Permit Application HPA 2009-V-010 proposing the demolition of the middle, back, annex and south-west balcony sections of 393- 411 Queen Street South (Barra Castle building), in accordance with Option 3 of the Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) submitted with the application. Ms. M. Wade reviewed the report and provided the Committee with an overview of the history of this matter. She stated that the HIA contains five Development Options, from the do nothing approach to complete demolition. It determined that the middle, back and annex sections require extensive repair, reinforcement and reconstruction; concluding that the restoration of those sections would not be financially viable. She noted that the building has been vacant for over two years, which has resulted in further deterioration and vandalism. Ms. Wade advised that the proposed demolition and the restoration of the front section of the building were identified as the most viable option for conservation. She added that lacking other rehabilitation proposals, the building would continue to be vacant and could suffer further deterioration. She stated that the prospective purchaser is seeking approval of HPA 2009-V- 010 in order to move forward with an Agreement of Purchase and Sale, which expires at the end of September. Accordingly, Heritage Planning staff understands the importance of time and are prepared to recommend conditional approval of the application. Mr. Paul Puopolo, Applicant, addressed the Committee in support of the staff recommendation, presenting the timeline and components of the proposed restoration plan. He noted that the building is currently monitored for vandalism and has been secured to prevent further deterioration. He outlined that as proposed in the HIA, a three phased approach would be employed to undertake the rehabilitation of this property. Phase I, which is scheduled to begin in 2009/2010, includes the demolition of the rear sections and securing the exposed wall from any further damage. Phase II would begin spring/summer 2010, which includes the renovation of the front section and the potential demolition/renovation of 411 Queen Street South. Phase III would commence in 2010/2011 and consists of the construction of a five-storey condominium building at the rear of the original castle; which would require the submission of an additional HIA. He noted that additional heritage permit applications would need to be submitted for the work proposed in Phases I I and III. 5. DTS-09-126 -HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION HPA 2009-V-010 HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES SEPTEMBER 1, 2009 - 29 - CITY OF KITCHENER - 393-411 QUEEN STREET SOUTH (BARRA CASTLE) - PROPOSED PARTIAL DEMOLITION (CONT'D) Mr. Robert Dyck, Heritage Architect, reviewed the existing condition of the Barra Castle, commenting that the middle, rear and annex sections were not part of the building's original architecture and are not truly visible from Queen Street. He outlined the advantages and disadvantages associated with each Development Option, noting that with the exception of Options 2 and 3, the others would remove, replace or substantially alter intact or repairable character defining elements. He pointed out that it is not economically feasible to renovate the middle, rear and annex sections as proposed in Option 2 (Restore all), adding that the floor heights and current configuration of the walls in those sections do not lend themselves to redevelopment. Mr. Puopolo concluded the presentation by reviewing the financial analysis of each Development Option. He stated that Option 3, the preferred alternative, is estimated to cost approximately $3.8M and provides the only viable means of retaining and renovating the heritage features of the property in a cost effective manner. Ms. E. Gallaher questioned the impact the re-designation of Queen Street South as a Mixed Use Corridor would have on the property's zoning and expressed concerns regarding the potential height that would be permitted for the proposed new addition. Mr. Puopolo noted that the site's floor space ratio would restrict the building's height, given the maximum amount of floor space permitted in relation to the lot area. He added that the space available for parking on the site would not be able to sustain anything more then asix-storey building. Ms. Wade reiterated that the applicant would be required to submit a Heritage Permit Application and an HIA prior to moving forward with the proposed construction of a new rear addition. In response to questions regarding the re-development of the site and landscaping, Mr. Puopolo confirmed the accuracy of the financial analysis, noting that while Option 2 would cost relatively the same the preferred option increases in number of units making it more financially viable. He pointed out that the financial estimates exclude site preparation and land costs, as those would vary depending on design. Mr. Rych Mills spoke in general support for the staff recommendation, stating that he hopes the tree lined vista from Queen Street will be maintained. He expressed concerns regarding the potential health risks associated with demolishing this building and as the owner of a neighbouring property he hopes that measures will be in place to mitigate the impact of potential environmental concerns. Mr. Mills advised that the Barra Castle has been in a state of deterioration of a number of years. He also noted that the property has historical significance related to the Joseph Schneider family and wanted some type of memorial considered when the property's redeveloped. A motion by Ms. Gallaher to defer consideration of this matter for one month to allow time to conduct additional research into the sections of the Barra Castle that comprised its original building footprint was voted on and Lost. Several members commented that while they would have preferred to see the Barra Castle restored in its entirety, the proposed partial demolition represent the most viable level of conservation put forward in the last two years; and, given the current level of deterioration this presents the best opportunity to save a significant portion of the building. In response to a question posed by Mr. L. Bensason, the Committee agreed that even with the demolition of the middle, back and annex sections, 393-411 Queen Street South should be identified as a property of very high cultural heritage value or interest within the Victoria Park Heritage Conservation District. It was noted that any recommendation arising from the Committee regarding this matter would be considered at the September 14, 2009 Council meeting, in conjunction with the motion to identify the property as being of very high cultural heritage value or interest for the purpose of enforcement under the Property Standards for Maintenance and Occupancy by-law. 5. DTS-09-126 -HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION HPA 2009-V-010 - 393-411 QUEEN STREET SOUTH (BARRA CASTLE) HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES SEPTEMBER 1, 2009 - 30 - CITY OF KITCHENER - PROPOSED PARTIAL DEMOLITION (CONT'D) On motion by Mr. Z. Janecki - itwas resolved: "That pursuant to Section 42 of the Ontario Heritage Act, Heritage Permit Application HPA-2009-V-010 be approved to permit the demolition of the sections of 393-411 Queen Street South (Barra Castle building) known as the middle, back, annex and south-west balcony, in accordance with the Heritage Impact Assessment submitted with the application, subject to the following condition: i) That photo documentation of the building be undertaken, in accordance with the City's Photo Documentation and Recording Guidelines, and submitted to heritage planning staff prior to the issuance of a building permit; and, ii) That modified measured drawings/photographs of the exterior of the front section of the building, including the south-west balcony, be prepared and submitted to heritage planning staff prior to the issuance of a building permit; and, further, iii) That the final building permit drawings be reviewed and heritage clearance issued by heritage planning staff prior to the issuance of a building permit. 6. ST. MARY'S HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT -VETERANS' GREEN PROJECT The Committee was in receipt of correspondence, dated September 1, 2009 regarding the status of the Veteran's Green Project, within the St Mary's Heritage Conservation District (HCD). Ms. Y. Westerveld Cardoso reviewed the correspondence and showed conceptual designs for the interpretive area and monument. In response to questions regarding the location of the interpretive area, Ms. Westerveld Cardoso advised that due to safety concerns the proposed location was viewed as being preferable to the landscaped boulevard. She commented that it is too soon to tell whether full construction of this project is feasible before November 11th of this year, as the production of the interpretive signage and the monument will require a number of weeks; and the coordination of contractors and City crews to construct and install the features will be a challenge within the short timeframe. Mr. L. Bensason clarified that this project has been led by staff, and will be funded through the Heritage Planning Budget. He added that staff from across the Corporation have be consulted, including those from the Arts and Culture Division. Mr. K. Kirby commented that a small wreath laying ceremony has been planned with the Royal Canadian Legion at Veteran's Green for this Remembrance Day. He added that as long as the signage saying "Veteran's Green" is installed in time for that ceremony, there is no need to rush the installation of the other features. 7. ADJOURNMENT On motion, this meeting adjourned at 6:57 p. m. Colin Goodeve Committee Administrator HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES SEPTEMBER 1, 2009 - 31 - CITY OF KITCHENER