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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDTS-09-073 - Identification of 399 Queen St S (Barra Castle)~ITCHEl\?E~. Devefopment& 7`echnicaf S~raices REPORT TO: Heritage Kitchener Committee DATE OF MEETING: May 5, 2009 SUBMITTED BY: Alain Pinard, Interim Director of Planning PREPARED BY: Leon Bensason, Coordinator, Cultural Heritage Planning (519-741-2306) WARD(S) INVOLVED: Ward # 6 DATE OF REPORT: April 29, 2009 REPORT NO.: DTS-09-073 SUBJECT: IDENTIFICATION OF 399 QUEEN STREET SOUTH (BARRA CASTLE) AS A PROPERTY OF VERY HIGH CULTURAL HERITAGE VALUE OR INTEREST RECOMMENDATION: That the property municipally addressed 399 Queen Street South (commonly known as the Barra Castle) and located within the Victoria Park Heritage Conservation District, be identified as a property of very high cultural heritage value or interest, for the purpose of enforcement under the Property Standards for Maintenance and Occupancy by-law. BACKGROUND: On June 23, 2008 City Council passed By-law 2008-124 amending Chapter 665 of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code (Property Standards). This by-law enables the City to enforce bringing identified heritage attributes in vacant designated heritage property up to a minimum acceptable standard, as necessary to prevent and protect against the deterioration of its heritage attributes. A copy of By-law 2008-124 is attached as Appendix `A' to this report. 4-1 By-law 2008-124 defines heritage property as property designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act (individually designated); and property designated under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act (located within Heritage Conservation Districts) identified as being of very high cultural heritage value or interest. This includes property referred to as a Group `A' building or structure in either a heritage conservation district study or plan. Where such property is not specifically identified in a heritage conservation district study or plan, the by-law makes provision for such property to be determined by Council upon consideration of the recommendation of a heritage planner and any comments that may be provided by the property owner. Property of very high cultural heritage value or interest is defined as property which is a particularly fine example of an architectural style; exhibiting unique qualities or details that make it a landmark; of an age that contributes to its heritage value; associated with a significant known historic event or person; or contributing to the streetscape because it is part of an unusual sequence, grouping, or situated in a unique location. At the time of Council's consideration of By-law 2008-124, City staff advised that neither the Victoria Park Heritage Conservation District Study or Plan specifically identified Group `A' property or property of very high cultural heritage value or interest. Consequently, Council directed staff to identify properties located within the Victoria Park Heritage Conservation District which may be of very high cultural heritage value or interest. City staff have undertaken an evaluation of properties located within the Victoria Park Heritage Conservation District, and in applying the definition included in By-law 2008-124, have identified 31 properties of very high cultural heritage value or interest. Staff will be providing property owners with notice of the results of the staff evaluation, and will be inviting property owners to make comment prior to bringing forward a formal recommendation to City Council. However, because of ongoing complaints and concern regarding the condition of 399 Queen Street South, the property commonly known as the Barra Castle is being brought forward for Council's consideration ahead of others. REPORT: The Barra Castle is a three storey multiple dwelling built circa 1930 and designed to resemble a castle. In referring to the definition included in By-law 2008-124 to identify property within heritage conservation districts as being of very high cultural heritage value or interest, staff note the following: A particularly fine example of an architectural style Architecturally, the Barra Castle building exhibits an uncommon and unique castle like design. Its architectural style has been described as both Tudor Castle and Scottish Baronial. Some of the distinctive features which contribute to making the building a particularly fine example of its castle-like style include the battlement (or crenelation) design of the parapet wall; the projecting side towers; and the arched recessed portals with raised moldings. 4- 2 Exhibitina uniaue aualities or details that make it a landmark Barra Castle's size and distinctive style cause it to be recognizable as a landmark within the City. Of an age that contributes to its heritage value Conservative estimates suggest the Barra Castle was built almost 80 years ago in 1930, although other sources suggest the date may be as early as the turn of the century or 1906. Associated with a significant known historic event or person The building has a significant history and folklore associated with its original owner, Molly Marquette. It was also owned by Dr. Stanley Leavine, a former member of City Council, former Mayor of Kitchener, and an elected member of the Ontario Legislature. According to a book on Ontario castles entitled "Castles and Kings" by Ron Brown, the guest list of those who stayed in the Barra Castle includes former prime ministers Wilfrid Laurier and William Lyon Mackenzie King. Contributing to the streetscape because it is part of an unusual sequence, grouping, or situated in a unique location Barra Castle's unique architecture and distinctiveness contributes to an unusual sequence of building styles along Queen Street South, which adds to the character of the streetscape and neighbourhood. Implications of identifying 399 Queen Street South (Barra Castle) as a property of very high cultural heritage value or interest The identification of 399 Queen Street South (Barra Castle) as being of very high cultural heritage value or interest would not impact the existing designation applied to the property under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act. The policies and guidelines of the Victoria Park Heritage Conservation District Plan would continue to apply. However, the identification of the property as being of very high cultural heritage value or interest may have implications and impose specific heritage property standards obligations. The property standards bylaw requires every owner of vacant heritage property (as defined in By-law 2008-124), to maintain and repair the heritage property as necessary to protect and prevent deterioration of its heritage attributes. These obligations apply should the property be deemed to be vacant or become vacant (i.e. is or appears to be vacant, partially vacant or unoccupied for more than 90 days); and should its heritage attributes not be maintained in a manner that conserves the character and integrity of such attributes, and therefore the cultural heritage value of the property. In this regard City staff are aware that in 2007, due to ongoing Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) violations, the ESA shut off hydro to the Barra Castle building. Consequently, the Kitchener Fire Department required the eviction of the lone tenant given the building no longer had fire monitoring capabilities and had inadequate fire separation barriers. Staff do not believe these ESA violations have been resolved, and as a result believe the building has remained vacant for more than 90 days. 4-3 Should City Council approve the identification of 399 Queen Street South as a property of very high cultural heritage value or interest, an inspection will be undertaken to confirm whether the condition of the heritage attributes of the property are deemed to be in compliance with the property standards by-law. If the heritage attributes are deemed not to be in compliance, then an order under the property standards by-law will be issued. Once an Order is issued, it is subject to the normal provisions of the Building Code Act, which is the legislation that dictates the administration and enforcement processes for property standards. As such, the issuing officer has discretion to provide the appropriate timelines on each Order as may be deemed by the individual circumstances. Also, the property owner has the avenue of appeal to the Property Standards Committee if they choose to challenge the Order or its timelines. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: Property that does not comply with the property standards by-law may be required to be repaired at the owner's expense, to ensure that the character and integrity of the designated heritage attributes are maintained. Should an owner choose not comply with a property standards Order and exhaust avenues of appeal, the City may choose to have the work done to meet the Order at the City's expense and seek to recover costs on the tax roll. A detailed assessment of the work required to protect the heritage attributes of the Barra Castle against further deterioration will be conducted should Council identify the property as being of very high cultural heritage value. However, a preliminary assessment based on the condition of the heritage attributes as seen from the street, would suggest that such cost may be in the range of $75,000. COMMUNICATIONS: In accordance with By-law 2008-124, Council shall consider any comments made by the property owner before it determines whether the subject property is of very high cultural heritage value or interest. In this regard, staff provided notice of the City's consideration of the identification of 399 Queen Street South as a property of very high cultural heritage value or interest to the owner by registered mail on April 22, 2009. Such notice included a copy of By-law 2008-124 (attached as Appendix `A'); staff report DTS 08-096 which originally accompanied the by-law; a cultural heritage resource evaluation form completed April 15, 2009 (attached as Appendix `B'); the heritage property report on file dated 1988 (attached as Appendix `C'); and a cover letter explaining the reason for the notice, the implications of Council identifying the property as being of very high cultural heritage value or interest, and the ways in which the owner can communicate with staff, Heritage Kitchener and Council (attached as Appendix `D'). As of the date of this report, staff have not received any communication or comment from the property owner regarding the notice. CONCLUSION: The property municipally addressed 399 Queen Street South and commonly known as the Barra Castle, has been evaluated by City staff and is recommended to be identified as a property of very high cultural heritage value or interest. If Council approves the staff recommendation, it will be subject to the heritage provisions of the City's property standards 4-4 by-law. These provisions impose protective measures that must be taken by the property owner when the building is vacant, to protect the heritage attributes of the building. ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Jeff Willmer, Interim General Manager Develo ment and Technical Services De artment List of Attachments: Appendix `A': By-law 2008-124 Appendix `B': Barra Castle Cultural heritage resource evaluation form, completed April 15, 2009 Appendix `C': Barra Castle heritage property report on file, dated 1988 Appendix `D': Letter from City staff to the owner of 399 Queen Street South, dated April 22, 2009 and sent by registered mail 4-5 Bel-L,41N NUMBER ~~'~ ~ _ ~~~-~- OF TH'E C©RPORATION OF THE CITY C)F KITCHENER Being a by-!aw to amend Chapter 565 of The City of Kitchener Municipal Code with respect to Property Standards for Maintenance and Occupancy.} lIVHEREAS it is deemed expedient to amend' Chapter 565 of The City of Kitchener MunicipaE Code as adapted by 8y-law 88-~b55; NOW THEREF®RE the Council of the Corporation of the City of Kitchener enacts as follows: Arkicle ~ of Chapter 655 of The City of Kitchener Municipal Code is hereby amended by adding the following definitions in alphabetical order thereto and renumbering the sections as rewired: "City" shall mean The Corporation of the City of Kitchener unless the context requires otrerwise. `"Council" shall mean the Council of the City. "heritage attributes shall include all features of a heritage property that are of significant cultural heritage value or interest as set out: Via} in the City of Kitchener's designating by-law or documentation supporting such by-law for property designated under Dart iV of the Orrtaria Nerrtage Act; {b~ in a M'inister's order made pursuant to Part 111 of the Ontario Heritage Act; ~c} in the City of K~itchener's designating by-law or Heritage Conservation District Study or Flan for property designated under Part V of the Orrtaric~ Heritage Acf; or ~d) by Council upon consideration of the recommendation of a Heritage Planner and any comments that may be provided by the property owner, where the documents referred to in clauses a, b, and c above do not specifically list the heritage property's features, attributes, or properties of significant cultural heritage value ar interest. "Heritage Planner" shall mean the Coordinator, Cultural Heritage Planning or a Heritage Planner of the City of Kitchener. 4-6 2 ",heritage property" shall mean any property in the City of Kitchener that Via} has been designated under section 29 ar 34.'~ of the Ur~far~a f-{et'ita~e Acf; or (b} is a property of very high cultural heritage value ar interest and is situated in a heritage conservation district designated under Section 41 of the Qr+fai'io P--lerrtage Acf. "C)ntario f-~erifa~e Act" shall mean the U~a~ario Heritage Act, I~.S.fl. ~9gQ, c.©.~8 as amended." "property of very high cultural heritage value or interest" shall include:. Via) heritage property referred to as a Group `A' building ar structure in either a heritage conservation district study c,r ;plan; and (}~} heritage property located within a heritage conservation district and determined by Council upon consideration of the recommendation of a Heritage Planner and any comments that may be provided by the property owner to be: a particularly fine example of an architectural style, exhibiting unique qualities or details that make it a landmark, of an age that cantrEbutes to its heritage value, associated with a significant known historic event or person, ter contributing to the streetscape because it is part of an unusual sequenced grouping, ar situated in a unique location. "vacar+t heritage property' shall include heritage property that is or appears to be vacant, partially vacant, or unoccupied for mare than ninety (gt~} days. 2. Article 34 of Chapter 66~ of The City of Kitchener iVlunicipal Cade is hereby deleted in its entirety and the following is substituted therefor: "Section 34.1 Ail want performed in accordance with the requirements of this Article must comply with all other relevant by-laws and legislation including the QrrtarrQ Heritage Act. Written consent from Caunci{ of the City of Kitchener or its delegate shall be required before any work impacting the heritage attributes of a property is performed, even when such work is ordered ar required by the provisions of this by-law. Section 34.2 Every owner ar~d occupant of vacant heritage property shall, in addition to complying with the other requirements of this Chapter, maintain and repair the 4-7 3 heritage property as necessary to protect and prevent deterioration of its heritage attributes. Section 34.3 ~ln addition to meeting all other requirements of this Chapter, every owner of vacant heritage property shall ensure that the fofiowing measures are taken with respect to that building or structure: Via) that in order to minimize the potential of deterioration of heritage attributes, the building or structure shall be boarded up to prevent the entrance of unauthorized persons, damage from natural elements, or the infestation of pests. The 'boarding shall comply with the folkowng requirements: i} all boards used in the boarding shall be installed from the exterior and shall be properly fitted in a uvatertight manner to fit within the side jambs, head jamb and the exterior bottom sill of the door or window so that any exterior trim remains uncovered by the boarding; ii} all boards shall be at least 1 ~.7mm ~0.~ in.} weatherproofed sheet plywood secured with nails or screws at least 5[~ millimetres ~2 inchhes} in length and spaced not more than 1 ~a millimetres (6 inches) on centre; iii all beards sha-1 be painted or otherwise treated so that the colour blends with. the exterior of the building or structure; and iv} all boards shall be installed and maintained in goad repair, fib} The exterior shall be maintained in order to prevent moisture penetration and damage from the elements that may have an adverse impact on the heritage attributes; ~c} appropriate utilities serving the building shall 'be connected and used to provide, maintain, and' monitor proper heating to facilitate conservation of the heritage attributes through the prevention of negative effects associated with freeze-thaw cyc'Ies; ~d) appropriate ventilation shall be provided to prevent damage to the heritage attributes that may be caused try humidity; and Vie} in order to deter vandals and thus protect the building or structure containing heritage attributes from vandalism or the settNng of fires, appropriate security lighting must be installed and maintained on the exterior of the building or structure. 4-8 4 Sectiar~ 34.4 Where an owner satisfies an Officer that a vacant heritage property is not intended t~ remain vacant far a periad exceeding six ~6} months, the Officer may, in hislher sole discretion, exempt an awner from cc~rnplying with any of the requirements of this Article or allow the owner to faits alternative measures far the prc~teatian of the heritage attributes in place of any of the requirements of this Article. Section 34.5 Where an Officer has granted an exemption ar has approved alternative measures for compliance with this Ark~icle1 such exemption ar approval may be withdrawn at any time upon ten (1 Q) days" native to the awner if an ^fficer is of the opinion that the vacant heritage property is likely to remain vacant for a longer periad than originally anticipated ar if, in the sole discretion of an Officer, the heritage attributes are not being. adequately protected by the measures being taken." 3. Section ~~5.~.1 of The City of Kitchener Municipal Cade is hereby amended by deleting the words "`Article 35'° and substituting the wards. "Article 33" therefor. 4. Sectiarti X65.4.3 of The City of Kitchener Municipal Cade is hereby amended by adding the wards `°4~eritage Planner" after the words "`BuildinglPlurnbing Inspector" thereto. 5. Section 665.~~ .3 of The City of Kitchener Municipal Cade is hereby amended by deleting the words "Article 34 of this Chapter" and substituting the wards "Chapter 694 -Vacant Buildings -- Secured°'therefar. 6. Section 665.23.5 of The City of Kitchener Municipal Gade is hereby arr~ended by deleting the words "Article 34 of this Chapter" and substituting the wards "Chapter 694 -Vacant Buildings -- Secured" therefor. PASSED at the Gauncii Chambers ire the Gity of Kitchener this ~~ ~~ daY of ~,~~ , A.D. X068, Mayor Glerk 4-9 r Cl~' of Kitchener I~ l f" ~~ €~ pJ k ~; ~' ~~ r Cultural Ileriitage A2esour~e EvaIuatan Forrt3 ,Address .'i99 Clneen SttgSt fin. Nh Pcrknd c. i93(I Recorder \ame: L. $cnsason 17escriptian Werra f" srle _ ~"., . Plrotagra.plrs: Frarll Encode ~ Left Facade ^ Right Facade ^ Rear Facade r. ?etails Sating ^ t}atc. ~1nri1 t ~- ?ntr9 dJesigm yr I'leysacal 1''rrlrre Rr;(:OR~tiR EVALUA7't(?:1 SLd3~t)31\IITTEE St}'Ir is this a natahic, rare or ttniquc example of a NiA ^ i!nknawn ~ tie Yes X NfA ^ Utiknow'tt ^ Na ^ Ycs ^ panticuiar arehiteetural style or zypc? Construction 1s this a notable, race, unitgue or early example. afa par[icugar NIA ^ Unknown ^ Nv X Ycs ^ NIA to iJnknawn ^ No ^ 4'es ^ material or method afcons[rvctian? t}csign Ss this a par-lisularlr' attractive ar unique shvcturc because of the NIA -r t7nknosvn ^ No ~ 5'es X NIA ^ 1lnknawn ^ No e Yet; ^ meri€s of its design, composition, craftsmanship ardetaiis? Does this structure demonstrate a high degree of technicaY or NIA ^ Lin9<-nown ^ No X l'es ^ NIA ^ Unknown ^ Ka ^ Yes ^ scicntilio aChicvcment? Interior Is the interior arrangement, finish, craP,smanship NIA ^ Unknown X No a Yes ^ N/?~ ~ Unknown 3 Na ^ Yes ^ and.+or detail notewanh7? L'cres Arcltite:ctura!!y. the [terra Castle build%ng exhibits an uncommon and unique castle like design. !ts architectural style has been described as boat Tudor Castle and Scottish }3aranial. Srarne of the distinctive features which contribute to making this bu%lding a particularly tine exatnple of its castle sn~le include the battlement {or crenelation) design aF the parapet wall; the projecting side ta4vers; and the arc}ted recessed portals ~mdth raised mold%ngs. The building also features other interesting detailssnclttdina astucc~ fatiade, bap windows, 6alcanies, and original w'indow's and doors of varying styles. Currr~rrutr! Yalrte Rt:cDRneR e~.~Lt:.~ rl[>v sL~scta~tM1trrrEE Continuity Does this structure conuihute ro the cantinuit} or character N;:4 ^ L'nknvan ^ No ^ Yes X NJA ^ g±rokno5vn ;~ No v Yrs e aflhe street,neiehhaurhaod or areal Setting is the setting yr orientation of the structure ar landscaping notcv?orth^? Does it provide a physical, historical,. functional ve visual link to its surroundings'! Landmark is this a particufarlp impanant visual landmark within the rcgiort, city ar neighbaurhoad? (rnd:care degree of rrrrnnrrnnc~l NIA ^ Unknown ^ No X Ycs ^ NIA ~, Unkn.nw~n ~; No ^ Yes ^ N1.4 ^ L!nkna+vn ~^ Na J( Yes ^ ^ R NIA ^ Unknown ^ Nn r. Yes X x ^ N Campltrtentss Dots this atructurc have other ariginar outbuitd+ngs, N!A ^ Unknown o No X Yea ^ natab]e landscaping. or exrcmal features that complett the site? NIA ^ L%nknawn ^ Mo ^ Yes ~^ N+A ~ Ctnknotl~rt ~ No ^ Yes e \!A ^ Unknown ^ Na ^ 7'cs ^ The antique arch%te^turc and d%stinctiueness oFE3arra Castle contributes to an unusual sequence vFbu%ld'ang styles alt~ng Queen. Street South, which adds to the character of rite streetseape and suerounding ne%ghbaurhood. Its sine and dirt%neiive style cause. %t to be recpgnirable as a landmark. 4vithin the Neighbourhood acrd City. lrtregrirl' 1tErtaxn 1:11 1;.1'ALt:•ATtt7.1' st!llco+t!~lti-ft:E $ite goes the slructirrc uccup~F• cis origneaP site? NIA r_ L:nknu~n ~-i Na .~, Yes X NIA ^ Unkrtaw'n ^ Iva ^ Yes' ~Vnre: if refatared, i.e. relocared on ur prrgtrrrr[ sire, enavad jrarn nrrolFrer sue, etc. Alterations Dxs this 6vilding retain mast. afits atiginai materials NIA ^ Unknown ^ No ^ Y'es X N!A ^ Unknown c No ^ Ycs ^ and design fcausres7 Is chic a notable structure due to s}'mpathetic alterations tftat have NIA ^ Unknown ^ Na X Ycs ^ 1ViA ^ Unknown ^ No ^. Yes ^ taken p9acc nv~er time'? Condition is this budding. in good condinan'. NIA ^ Lnknown ^ No X ~`cs a NIA o Unkrtou~n a Na 7 Yes ^ ;ti rare The building is racartt and appears to be in poor condition. 4-10 Cih= of Kitchener Cultural HctMitage Resnuree FF~aluatia7n F~rttt llsrnrr`cn! [rr.A:ssncrafa'ue ~'a&re S: Sd~raifacarrce H IC[.~t}R9yE(€t F:~Af.l ~:Ct ]t]N Sf. n{"tY~11€11 6~k; F. Does this property or srruc[rrre hs1-e s[ranE associatiorts with nndl4r Unknown ^ ~p G Ycs X cnntribu[c tru the urtderstanding 4f s hc]icf; person, actie•i[y, organization or institution that is si~nit3cartt or unique within the CitS'? Is the original, previous o[ existing use significant? Unkrl4wn. ^ ~'a X Yes n Does this property meat the def ninon of a significan[ built he[i[age No a X 1'rs 1: nknuwn ^ resource 4r cukturaf hcritaec larsdscape, as kdentified in the Prprinciak P44icy 5Ca[erltent undo []le Ontarin Planning Act^. ,q prgfa.~rry ur srrrrcrrrre vrrlrrtd fur 17re i±rrpgrluaE7 m+r[ri.8reriarr it makes ag grrr arr[lers[an[Ir[rg [rjthe htslgry ajaynlacr, art r=1~en[, gr a p€nplc? ,'s'ores Unl:noun ^ No ^ 1`cs ^ Gpknntvn ^ h4 ^ Yes ^ Nn o a Yes Unknown G The building. has a significant history and folklore associated with its original [aGaner, h7nlly !Marquette.. It E~~as also owned by f7r. Stanley Lcavine, a fornter rnernlaer of Ciry~ Council, Mayor of Kitchener, and an elected member of the Clntario Legislature. Accordittg to a hntrk on C?ntario cos€les entitled "Castles and Kings" by Aon Brown, the guest. list afthose tsho stayed in the Sarra Castle includes former prince ministers ltlillrid Laurier and G4'illiam Lyon ivlackenzie King. FaarrlrerAcrinrr/Fnfdnrv ~•p Recorder Evaluation Sub-lCantmitlee a Add. to Heritage Register ^ Ffigh Prinrih~for Desi~,n anon G 1tePlLape tit Strict P4iCr1Cl31. Addi[iansk Research Rcqustd ^ Additional P3t4tographs Requrced ^ Request Permission t4 Access Property Setting ^ All f~a~ades ^ fYetatls ^ ^ Add to Heritage Rtgis[er ^ High pri4riry for l~esigna[ion ^ FICri[a~C,C ~Distri Ct POtentlal ^ Additional Research Required ^ Additional Ph4tpgraphs Rettuirrd ^ Rcqucst Pcmtrssinn to Access Propert}~ Gerrercrl Carrrn[erifS Property is designated under Part U of the Gntario Heritage Act. This building es•aluation has beery ttndertaken to suppletnent the itttormation associated. wvitlr the. Citr~'s consideration of identifying. property of vet~,~ high cultural Iteritagz tralue or interest located tvitltin the Wictoria Park Heritage Canser4~ation p]istrict. '~ l7are nj~'ropert}' t~xrrrer rL'narjc[rairrrr 1'rnperh' l7x~ner ;'4'an[e arrrl,ArJdre.rv Reewrrmenafarivn tterilage 1{ytebcner Cumrnitrec 8eemm~rendadaon Cnuneyl €recisfon Add t4 heritage kegiseer r_+ .odd to f leriragc Register .'ti'n Action - [:ecp an Filc ~ No Action -Keep on Filc 4-11 ~~~ xI s~or~~ ~ BCTIr1DZNG5 I~v~o~a~ 1, Municipal Address: Dana Castle 399.. Queen Street South L • ~©~ and. PlaIl. plan ~ 97 ,~ ~,C7tr..7 3. Present. (]caner: 7'S~84C~ Ontario Ltd. ~. Present use: rented apartments historical Informatnn 1. Date Constructed: 19311 2. original owner: Mo11y P~arquette Anecdotes about the Marquettes and the building of Dana Castle are common and often conflicting. Date of constructacsn has been identified as turn of the century, 19Q6, 1928 and, the most. probable, 193. The contractor is unknown but some allege that I~rs. Marque~te dug the foundation herself despite the absence of one leg. Stories of haw the castle got its name ["Darra'~ was either Mrs. ~3arquette's maiden name or where her grandfather came from in Bavaria) and of how Mr. Marquette constructed airplanes in the basement are still circulating. Some local authorities stall. recall the ceremonious burial of a Model T Ford in the hole Howard Marquette made trying to remove his airplanes from the basement. Barra Castle has an eccentric history to match its bizarre architecture. 3. 4riginak ~3se: rented apartments 4, Significant later owners/uses: Stanley 13. Leavine, B.A., M.I?., M.L.A. Dr. Leavine was barn an 1.89 in Elgin, Crntaro and carne to Kitchener an 1924, Ike was elected a member of City Council an 1938 and became mayor in 1951. The "walk.ng mayor„ was also active in the Lion's Club and the North Waterloo Medical Society, In 1.953, he was elected a member of the Gntario Legi~latv.re for the Conservative party. 1:Ie died on July 27, 1958 5. other significance: Barra Castle is one of the most commonly recognized landmarks in Kitchener. Architectural Description 1. Site Detail:. Barra Castle's location at the rear of the lot and the position of the trees around it almost obscures its. view from 399 Queen Street South, its size and style cause. it to be instantly recognizable and it does not conform to anything else an the streetscape, or in Kitchener. 4 - 12~~ - ~ - ~. Architectural Style: Tudor Castle 3. Alterations: A double storey enclosed sunporch has been added onto the rear elevation of the castle. Tt is constructed of wood over concrete blocks. Many of the windows have been replaced with aluminum exteriors, ~. Plan,, Storeys,, Bays: This three storey apartment complex is three bays wide and has an irregular plan. 5, Exterior Building Material; This home is constructed of cancrete with some woad detailing. ~. Roof: Style and Materials: The roof is flat and the material undetermined. The parapet roof line is castillated with flat-edged, delineated coping.. 7. .Fronting Elevation (west); a} Entrances; The front entrance consists of a pointed arched recessed portal with raised a.rchevolt moldings. A raised plaque above the. door identifies the building as Barra Castle and two small heraldic crests are positioned to either side of the crown of the arch. A shouldered label mold runs above the entire entranceway. The door is aluminum and without tram. Two flights of low concrete steps lead up to the doorway; the first set has lion's head carvings on the newel. face, while the second flight has a heavy cancrete sill supported by Carinthian order capitals. b} Windows: A three storey bay projection on the facade contains three 9/l double hung sash windows with semi elliptical openings on each storey. Above the. door is a two-part outward opening casement window with an inf lected arched opening on the second and third storeys. Also on this facade is a set of three-mullion windows with closed, six-paned transoms, also on each storey. All of the windows on the front elevation have a raised surround and dripmolds that conform to the window openings. C7nly the windows over the doer and an the first storey bay projection. are in wood, all ethers have been converted to aluminum. The sills, surrounds and dripmolds are all of concrete.. $. Side Elevation (south}: a} Entrances: There are several door openings on this elevation, The majority are wooden panelled screen. doors located in alcoves or opening out onto small balconies. Cane pointed arch opening accesses an enclosed parch with two panelled wooden doors. (~ ~ 4-13 - 3 - Tie mast notable entranceway is a wide wooden char set in a squared portal.. The enriched extrados have an exfoliated pinwheel design and the archevolt moldings emphasise the px~opartion of this opexaing. Diamond-shaped panes of glass with bevelled edges are found in the sidelights. The heavy wr~aden door has eight, square. recessed panels below the large pane of glass and four square recessed panels directly above the light, The door sill is concrete.. Another interesting entrance consists of a square recessed doorway containing a wooden char with a black aluminum casing. The casing is slit and star folded over the six square lights in the doorway. A raised fan mold is located above the projecting cornice with dentils that edges this doorway. b} Windows: A variety of window styles and arrangements can be found on this elevation: paired casement windows, 9/1 Bauble hung bay windows, narrow 11'1 double hung windows, a Large window with diamond quarrels and narrow slit windows. Most of these have aluminum external windows, and concrete sills. The dripmalds are Tess exuberant an this elevation and same windows lack the raised surround. ~. tear Elevation (east}: a} Entrances: The small courtyard is surrounded an two sides key the Castle and on one side by a neglected stepped rack garden. Several balconies and a recessed porch contain. aluminum and wooden panelled doors. ~f note are an aluminum suicide Boar and a wooden door with six panes of vermiculated glass. b) Windows: Can this elevationr three-rnullianed l/1 windows with. transoms are found an each storey, as well as a number of 9/Z daubYe hung windows. None of the windows have dripmalds or trim and all have aluminum exteriors. 1~. Side Elevation north}: a} Entrances: Several entrances are found an this elevation. They are far the most part wooden, panelled doors with bas-relief dripmolds and concrete sills. b} Windows: There are fewer windows an this side elevation than Qn the southern facade, but the styles are much the same. The. dripmolds are not as prominent and are missing an same openings. A second storey balcony has lancet openings. 11. other: A gothic archway bridges the walkway between the sunken backyard and franc area. 1t is of cement and has a foliated festoon carving. ~r 4-14 _ ~ 12. Ccandition: Barra Casty is in poor structural condition.. Zt is neglected and in need a~ mayor repairs; in particular, tQ the roof and exterior walls. References: 1. City o~ Kitchener P.ssessrnent F~olls, 19.8-31. Title Search, June 918Q, July l9$8. Vernan's Directories 1925-1935. 2. VF Historic Buildings in Kitchener, Kitchener Public Library (various newspaper articles).. 3. A History of__Central Ontario, Mabel Burkholder, Montreal, 1951-52. Sources: 1. Hist.aric Buildings in Kitchener, Kitchener Public Li~srary ~Iertical File. ~. Oral History Tape 21.1.. 3. Historic Buildings Inventory, L.A.C,A.C., Cameron Shang, 198?, p. 8$-~. Researcher: P. Shea August, 19$$ . ~z 4-15 Ca C35 ri ~Uj ~ +~ W W H €17 ~ W ~-{ i .~ V ~ ,~~ q rYr-~ r~ yy0^ 'Vl ^Y~5 ^W^y lWl . '}~'Y} rir~-^ V~~--yl rtHrt' ~nnY/aa ~L~ p~ S.~ a~ as c~ td Y•1 .~ ~}-' ,~, i '!"' Vl ~/~'~y, ~~ i-P A~ INNLi W +-} _,~ cu a ~ .,~ ~ a ~ b ~ ~ ~+ •~ ~ ~ of ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~s ~ ~ a ~ ~ ~ ~ c~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ .~ -~ ~+ ~ b ~ ~ w ~ ~ ~ ~ Q Q ~ a.r ~ ~ ~ +~ ~ ~ ~r ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ x x s~ Qi •r-{ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 4U D~ b (U r~ ~ ~ ~ ~ .,~ p ~ S-a 4 GJ 'LJ r~ -i-3 '~ ~ ~ ~ a . ~ ~ a~ ~ ~ ~ as Q ~ a ~ ~ ~ . Lf ~ ~ { r` } ~ V r w . J ~ ~ ~ e . ! " 1 ~ ~ ~ I ^ y~y ~~ qy W ~~+ ~J 1~ {l ~ J s~'-1 ~ ~ e ~ ~ ~ r r__~~ W ~~ ~ 1~ ~ ~~---yy v d ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ lL ~ e ~ { ~ 'l.! e ~ V t ' ~ c , ~ [ ~ LJ [ . V V ~ [ Y ~~~l 1i.! ~1 t ~ ~ Q ~~ ~" Cl EJ Q~ ~' ~ d~ {Y1 CVI ~} d' ~ S~J ~ r--i ~. 4-16 l I~TC~1vFR April Z2, 2{749 Dear It< :~ ~~~ DEVEL0~1~"~'LfE'NT & TEC~'II'4TICt1~..5'EIf YIC~`3' DEPARTMf'rYT Leon Bensason, MCiP, RF'P, CAI-IP Coordinator, Cultural 1'leritage Planning City F1alI, P.~. Box 1118 2[1Q l~iaig ~trcet West Kitc~erter, C?ntario Canada, N2G 4C7 P13CNla: (519} 74I-23Q~ FAX: {519} 741-2(i2~1 ~'D171TYY: X519} 741-2385 EMAIL: l~~rn.bensasan~a ltitehener.ca FtE; 393.-4..'41 Queen Street South, i~tchener Barra Castle Building X399 Queen Street Southy Victoria .Park Heritage Conservation District Identification as a Property of Very High Cultural Heritage Value or Interest In 2fl(]5, the Ontario Heritage Act was amended to a11ow municipalities to include provisions in their property standards t3y-laws that would prescribe minimum standards far the maintenance of designated heritage property. Property that does not comply with the try-'lav+r may be required to be repaired to ensure that the character anal integrity of the designated heritage attributes are maintained. ®n June 23, 2(](~S Kitchener City Council passed sy-iaw 20}8 -124, amending Chapter 655 ~Praper#y Standards) of the Gity of Kitchener N4unicipai Cadre with respect to regulatit~ns specific to the rr~aintenance of vacant. designated heritage property. A cagy of lay-law 2gD8-124 is enclosed, as is a copy of Deveiopment and Technical Services Report DTS DS-g96, which provides additional background information. Heritage property is defined as property designated under Part. lV of the On#ario Heritage Act 4indiiviidualty designated); and property designated under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act 4locat~d wi#hin Heritage Conservation C]istrictsJ that are identified as hieing of very high cultural heritage value or interest. This includes property referred to as a Group `A' building r~r structure in either a heritage conservation district study or plan; and property located within a heriCage conservation district that is determined by Council upon consideratiion of the recommendation of a Heritage Planner and any comments that may hoe provided by the property owner to be: a particularly fr"ne example of an architectural style, exhibiting unique qualities or details drat make if a landmark, of an age that contributes to its heritage value, assaeiateaf wifh a significant known laistarr`c event crr person, yr contributing to tine screetscape because if is part of an unusual sequence, grouping, ar sifuated in a unique location. In this regard, Kitchener City Caunci! directed staff to conduct an eval'uatian of the properties located vuithin the Victoria Park Heritage Conservation District, to identify properties ti~at are of very high culturai heritage value ar interest. wry ~ . ~, ,---,, >z~S: ~~ ~ I.~f} gI O~GAS Printed on lp4 °6 p~sr tansumer giber, EtoCngc+cerf ified anei pmduceS with gioGae Enecgy. - ry,~y+' ' - ~17 phis fetter serves to advise you that City staff have undertaken an evaluation of properties. located within the Victoria 'ark Heritage Conservation District, and in applying the criteria defining property of very high cultural heritage value or interest as defined in Chapter ~6f5 and highlighted on Page One of this lefter, we have identified your property municipally addressed '393-4~ "I Queen ~#reet South as meeting this criteria. City staff's specific heritage interest in your property, relates to the building commonly known as the Barra Castle, located at 39g Queen Street Sou#h. In referring to the specific criteria used #o evaluate property within heritage conservation districts identified as being of very high cultural heritage value or interest, staff note the following: A particularly fine example of an architectural sty_[e Architecturally, the Barra Castle building exhibits an uncommon and unique castle like design. Its architectural style has been described as bath Tudor Castle and Scottish Baronial. Some of the distinctive features which contribute to making this building a particularly fine example of its castle style include the battlement (or crenelation) design of the parapet wall; the projecting side towers; andi the arched recessed portals with raised moldings. Exhibiting unique Dualities or details that make it a landmark Barra Castle's size and distinctive style cause it to be recognizable as a landmark within the City. C)f an a e that contributes to its herita e value Conservative estimates suggest the Barra Castle was built almost 8D years ago in X930, although other sources suggest the date may be as early as the turn of the century or 190fi. Associated with a significant known historic event orpersan 'the building has a significant history and folklore associated with its original owner, Mally Marquette. It was also owned by Qr. Stanley Leavine, a former member of Gity Council, Mayor' of Kitchener, and an elected member of the ®ntaria Legislature. According to a brook on CJntario castles enti#led "Castles and Kings" by Ron Brown, the : guest list of those who stayed in the Barra Castle includes former prime ministers Wilfrid Laurier and William Lyon Mackenzie King. Contributing to the streetsca a because it is art ~rf an unusual sequence, grouping, ar situated in a unique location Barra Castle's unique architecture and distinctiveness contributes to an unusual sequence of building styles along Queen Street South, which adds to the character of the streetscape and neighbourhood. In addition to By-law ;?Q{J8-~ ~4 and staff report ads 08-096; staff are enclosing far your information, a copy of a cultural heritage resource evaluation form. that was recently completed, as weN as a cagy of the heritage property report on file regarding the Barra Castle building. 4-18 lmpkica#ions of derrtifyin~ your property as a property of very high cul#ural heri#age rralue or in#erest Th,e identification of your property as being of very high cultural heritage value or interest would not impact the existing designation applied to the property under Park V of the Ontario Heritage Act. The policies and guidelines of the Victoria Park Heritage Conservation District Plan would continue to apply, However, the identi#ication of your property as being of very high. cultural heritage value or interest, ra'uay have implications and impose obligations should your property become vacant or is already vacant ti.e. is or appears to be vacant, partially vacanf or unoccupied for mare than 9(} days); and should its heritage attributes hat be maintained in a manner that conserves the character and integrity of such attributes, and therefore the cultural heritage value of the property. Chapter E~65 of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code (Property Standards) requires every owner and occupant of vacant heritage property (as defined in the by-law} to comply with the requirements of the Chapter, and to maintain and repair the heritage property as necessary to protect and prevent deterioration of its heritage attributes. Should City Council' approve the identification of your property as a property of very high cultural heritage value yr interest; an inspection will be undertaken by a fay-law .Enforcement Officer to establish whether the property is vacant. if the property is deemed to be vacant, an inspection wiI! be undertaken to confirm whether the condition of the heritage attributes of the property are deemed #o be in compliance with the property standards by-law. If the heritage attributes are deemed not to be in compliance,. then an order under the property standards by-law will be issued, Before Council considers whether 399-4'11 Queen Street South ~garra Castle} meets the definition of a "heritage property'" as defined in the City of Kitchener Municipal Dade Viand as described and shown in bold font on page one of this letter, in addition to the recommendation of a Heritage Planner, Council will consider any comments made by the property owner. In this regard, f wish to invite you to make comment on the consideration of identifying the Barra Castle located at 399 Queen Street South in Kitchener as being a building of very high cultural heritage value orinterest. Any written comments will be brought to Council's attention ahead of their deliberation. You may also wish to attend and address the meetings where the Staff recommendation will be discussed. This includes the meeting of the City's Heritage Kitchener Committee on Tuesday May 5, 2~Qt19 at 4pm. in the Conestoga Roorn at Kitchener City Hal! (~00 King Street West, }Citchener}. It is expected that Council will consider the Staff recomrr,endation; the recommendation of the Heritage Kitchener Committee; and any comments. made by the property owner regarding this matter, at the Council meeting of May 19, 2f?09 at 7pm. in the Council Chambers at Kitchener City Hall ~24[~ King Street 11Uest„ Kitchener}, Of course, you may also appear as a delegation at City Council ~o speak to this issue. !f you have any questions or require addit~ionaU intorrraatian regarding this matter, please do hat hesitate to contact me. Yours truly, z on ensason, MCIP; RPP Coordinator, Cultural Heritage Planning 4-19