Issue No 146    August 5, 2009

FEATURE STORIES:

2. Launch of The Biographical Dictionary of Architects in Canada, 1800-1950
4. BHN Takes a Break in August
7. Globe and Mail: ACO Study on Heritaqe Conservation Districts
8. Globe and Mail: Death Notice and Obiturary - Sandy Van Ginkel
11. National Post: Editorial Board - Loss of Canada's Heritage
14. Toronto Star: Death of Peggy Kurtin

IN THIS ISSUE:

EVENTS    submit an event

1. Silent Film Returns to the Music Hall

NEWS | ACTION    submit a news or action item

2. Launch of The Biographical Dictionary of Architects in Canada, 1800-1950
3. Book Review - University of Toronto: The Campus Guide
4. BHN Takes a Break in August
5. Ridgetown Loss Should not have Happened
6. Call to action - Calgary's Inglewood Brewery demolition threat

LINKS    submit a link

7. Globe and Mail: ACO Study on Heritaqe Conservation Districts
8. Globe and Mail: Death Notice and Obiturary - Sandy Van Ginkel
9. Globe and Mail: Windermere Retreat of BHN Editor
10. Globe and Mail: Ken Danby's Mill
11. National Post: Editorial Board - Loss of Canada's Heritage
12. National Post: Price of history - Ontario town's neo-Gothic gem may become casualty of economic crisis
13. National Post: Russia's historic heritage threatened
14. Toronto Star: Death of Peggy Kurtin
15. Toronto Star: New Hindu Temple, Finch and 427
16. Toronto Star: Trouble at Yonge and Bloor
17. Amherstburg Echo: Local site makes Heritage Canada Foundation's top ten endangered places list - Town hoping that Bellevue property gets restored
18. BarrieAdvance.com: MPP built city's only castle
19. Brantford Expositor: Anne Westaway Obituary
20. Brantford Expositor: Historic Hamilton Place for sale
21. Chatham Daily News: Loss of Erie Street Church
22. Chatham Kent Daily Post: Ridgetown's McKinley Building - Looking for a new owner
23. chathamthisweek.com: Armoury could soon have new owner
24. Hamilton Spectator: Stinson has bold plans for school
25. MiltonCanadianChampion.com: St. Pauls church sanctuary indeed worth preserving
26. NiagaraFallsReview.ca: Town puts historic building up for sale
27. Northern Light: City rethinks plans for the Old Post Office
28. Northumberland News: Committee strengthening Brighton's heritage
29. Owen Sound Sun Times: The mistress of Branningham Grove
30. Peterborough Examiner: Diocese fights hall designation
31. Peterborough Examiner: No objections to parish-hall designation filed
32. RaiseTheHammer.org: Paris Old Town Hall: What Future For This Internationally Significant Civic Gothic Revival Masterpiece?
33. Stratford Beacon Herald: Historical society says inn off limits
34. Windsor Star: Jarvis: A sorry history of neglect - The Bellevue House in Amherstburg
35. Waterloo Record: Buyer seeks financial aid in castle renovation
36. CBC Winnipeg: Historic Brandon building on Canada's endangered list
37. McGill Reporter: Century of grime washed from historic buildings
38. McGill Reporter: Renewing Old McGill
39. Montreal Gazette: King Eddys new life a grand plan: Architects proposals unveiled today
40. Regina Leader-Post: Construction begins on Bell Farm Barn Interpretative Centre near Indian Head
41. Regina Leader-Post: Historic Regina jail building being demolished
42. Saskatoon StarPhoenix: Saskatoon's St. Mary school on national list of endangered buildings
43. Saskatoon StarPhoenix: Vital to retain built heritage, civic character
44. St. John Telegraph-Journal: Two nations, united by a common architecture
45. Vancouver Province: Vancouver's Pantages Theatre among Canada's Top 10 endangered historic buildings
46. Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION: MTC designated National Historic Site
47. Winnipeg Free Press: 1911 Brandon CPR building to get restoration
48. The Independent: Prince Charles Resigns from Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings
49. Buffalo News: Martin House gets boost - $3 million state grant received for interior restoration
50. Buffalo News: Wright homes are focus of landmark-status debate
51. Building: London: Chelsea Barracks Situation in

DOES ANYBODY KNOW?    submit a link

52. Camp 30 Architect
53. Milton Stone House, Demolished 2005
54. Looking for Contributors-Canadian Encyclopedia

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55. Support Built Heritage News

CONTACT

56. Contact the Editor

1. Silent Film Returns to the Music Hall

Ninety years to the day, relive the opening of this rare surviving theatre of the Allen family theatre chain on the Danforth. After a brief commemorative Heritage Toronto plaque ceremony, enjoy the rarely seen silent film, "Dollars and Sense" featuring Madge Kennedy, star of the theatre's 1919 opening film, with live piano accompaniment.

Tickets - $1, available in advance at the Music Hall Box Office, or at the door.

2. Launch of The Biographical Dictionary of Architects in Canada, 1800-1950
Catherine Nasmith - Review

To say that architectural history in Canada will never be the same is not an overstatement.

Robert Hill, a registered architect working in Toronto, along with a vast array of colleagues, contributors and supporters has just made public the largest and most important body of research on Canadian architecture ever undertaken, The Biographical Dictionary of Architects in Canada, 1800-1950. And you can access it for free online! At http://www.dictionaryofarchitectsincanada.org

The project was launched modestly, without fanfare perhaps because such a body of work is never finished. However, finished or not it is an event that calls for celebration.

If you have ever tried to research a building you will have some idea of the scope of the task to set out to record the history of all important buildings and architects in Canada. It started as a project to record Toronto architects, but as so many practiced in other communities it did not take long before the project grew to Ontario and then all of Canada. Significant grants were stretched to hire professional researchers. Many shared their research but the perseverance to put this all together came from Robert Hill.

There are many who love architectural research, and will understand the fascination of the chase, but to dedicate one’s life to such a challenge and to persevere for 20 years takes a very rare passion, perhaps even obsession. Mr. Hill’s passion for his subject is matched by his passion for accuracy.
At the end of the introductory page Mr. Hill sets out his reasons for undertaking the project. As a researcher he saw the need.

"It is inexplicable that, despite the voluminous number of books on Canadian art and artists, that fewer than 20 monographs exist on Canadian architects from the study period of this Dictionary. Even more puzzling is the fact that internationally renowned Canadian architects such as Frank Darling (winner of the British RIBA Gold Medal in 1915) and Henry Sproatt (winner of an American AIA Medal in 1924) have yet to be the subject of a monograph devoted to their career and work. The reasons for this may be linked directly to the lack of accurate and easily accessible source information which, in many cases, is presented here for the first time.

The Dictionary website is intended to correct this imbalance, by making available a substantial amount of information in the form of hard, ascertainable facts that have been too difficult to locate, or too time-consuming to gather from obscure sources and collections scattered across the country. It is hoped that this website will prove useful to anyone interested in Canadian architecture, including academics, historians, conservationists, architects, planners, students, heritage officers, and to those with an interest in the rich and varied architectural heritage of Canada."

To deliver this project architect Robert Hill spent every spare moment away from his full time job at Kuwabara Payne McKenna Blumberg going through archives, publications, and building permit records piecing together a tapestry made up of thousands and thousands of entries. Every source is recorded.
The database can be researched by keyword search or scrolling through the alphabetical listings of architects. Just for fun punch in your favorite town to see how many architects practiced there.

There is so much there, it seems ungrateful to ask for more, yet it is hard not to wish for photographs to go with the entries. Or being able to have the data re-organize to separate out the listings under the search title or have the reference highlighted in the architect’s listings. Robert Hill advises that both ideas would require significant time and financial resources and would need to be funded by others to happen. Anyone out there want to find time to re-enter 60,000 entries, and sift through the copyright issues involved in posting photos.

Other questions come to mind. Who will pay to keep this online in perpetuity, to update it? For the time being Mr. Hill is funding it, but is looking for the right partner to take it over in ten or twenty years.

How do others contribute, or augment with post 1950 data? Mr. Hill notes wryly, "if someone wants to start a post-1950 website, they are welcome to initiate their own website, at their own expense.” There is a contact link on the front page for anyone who wants to send information to Mr. Hill.

For similar works, see the new Dictionary of Scottish Architects www.dictionaryofscottisharchitects.com and see the print editions of Howard Colvin's classic work, The Biographical Dictionary of British Architects 1600-1840, now in it's 4th Edition (Yale Univ. Press).

It is both impossible to adequately thank Mr. Hill or to offer too much praise for the project. The Dictionary is a work of staggering proportions quietly undertaken. The dedication and discipline necessary to produce such a document, originally intended to be a book, is very rare. Canada is much richer for Mr. Hill’s gift to us.

http://www.dictionaryofarchitectsincanada.org/introduction
 

3. Book Review - University of Toronto: The Campus Guide
Catherine Nasmith

If you are wondering what to pack for a University of Toronto student, consider the brand new University of Toronto: The Campus Guide, by Larry Wayne Richards, with photographs by Tom Arban. Published last April, it fills a major gap in guidebooks of Toronto and is the first in the Princeton Architectural Press series to feature a Canadian university.

Richards is former dean (1997-2004) of the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design. In a review by Tammy Thorpe Richards notes his reasons for undertaking the project. "I did it because I love architecture and am passionate about it but it also seemed to me that we have such a vast number of superb buildings and there is such a complex story that hasn't been put together yet. I thought it would be a useful thing to do,"

For a student the book is a model of how to present scholarly research - concise and highly readable, compact and useful.

The Campus Guide: University of Toronto is organized into a series of nine walking tours that encompass all three campuses, ending with an off-campus walk in the surrounding area. The guide features more than 170 of the institution's finest buildings, a foreword written by the current dean of architecture, Professor George Baird, an insightful introduction by University Professor Emeritus Martin Friedland, author of The University of Toronto: A History.

In a city where “good enough” is too often the norm, the urbane pleasures of a walk through U of T quietly makes the argument for great architecture, and building for the long term. Walking U of T is always interesting, and after a lifetime of such walks it continues to surprise. 

University of Toronto has been blessed with several Presidents who understood the value of architectural patronage to the prestige of the institution. So many important architects are represented, from Frederick Cumberland to Norman Foster. Richards comments, “The University of Toronto is "a virtual museum of architecture."

Students who have not yet shown an interest in buildings could not help but be intrigued, and in so doing gain an appreciation of Canadian architecture that will last a lifetime.

Because the book is concise, it is hard not to wish for more photos. But surely the point is to get the book, and get out there and take a look for yourself. You won’t be disappointed.

Upper Bedroom interior, lined with newspapers and wallpaper


Catherine Nasmith

4. BHN Takes a Break in August
Catherine Nasmith

Summer is a slower time.

I am spending it in Muskoka rehabilitating an interesting old balloon frame cottage on our property. Should be ship shape by September.

In August, items will be posted to the website as they come in, but there will be no email edition of BHN.

As usual, you can post items to the website by going to it at http://www.builtheritagenews.ca and clicking on the submit keys, then cut and paste from there. Anything submitted in August will go out with the first edition in September, but posted to the site earlier.

Cheers from Windermere

Catherine Nasmith

5. Ridgetown Loss Should not have Happened
Donald and Máire Lawson

Ridgetown has been recognised nationally by the Heritage Canada Foundation, a nation-wide non-profit organization which supports the preservation of buildings and areas of national historic importance from coast to coast to coast. (www.heritagecanada.org)

Every year the Heritage Canada Foundation lists the Worst Losses of the previous year. On its current list of seven major losses, along with St. Thomas's Alma College and historic properties in Halifax, Montréal, Edmonton, Weyburn, Saskatchewan, and Muskoka is the Erie Street United Church, Ridgetown, Ontario. The item reads:

Erie Street United Church, Ridgetown, Ont.--LOST DUE TO INTRANSIGENT OFFICIALS

The 1876 heritage-designated Gothic Revival-style church was demolished due to unwilling trustees, a town council ignoring its own Municipal Heritage Committee, and the Minister of Culture refusing to issue a stop-work order that would allow time to consider its reuse as a local library. It took several failed attempts and five broken cables to pull the reportedly rotten steeple off its perch.

This need not have been so.

The asking price for the building and lot was $150,000. The full amount was immediately available in two accounts at the Royal Bank in Ridgetown. On 20 December, 2008, a cheque for a deposit of $15,000 was handed to the real estate agent acting on behalf of the "rescue crew." This information was sent by email to the minister of the Erie Street United Church on 21 December 2008, and a telephone call was made that morning to be sure she would see it. She was asked to pass it on to the trustees, who were supposedly meeting that day to decide the building's fate. It is unclear whether the trustees received this note because after the demolition of the building a spokesperson for the trustees was heard on CBC Radio, Windsor, stating that neither he nor the other members of the board of trustees had been contacted by the preservationists, and that he had heard of the offer only through the media. Had they been notified, he said, they would have been willing to work with us.

A well-known Toronto renovation architect was prepared to do at no cost the architectural work for the conversion of the building for use as a library or other public building. An expert on the preservation of roofs of historic buildings and an expert on timber foundations were prepared to oversee the restoration of the building at an affordable price. Both had seen the reports on the building and believed firmly that restoration and re-use was an excellent option.

In spite of protests from near and far, the church building was destroyed on the second last day of 2008, during the Christmas-New Year holidays--not an auspicious start for 2009.

Ridgetown, and Chatham-Kent as a whole, might have been noted nation-wide as "the community that could" instead of "the community that didn't."

This seems to be a classic case of knowing the price of everything and the value of nothing. The empty lot on Erie Street is still for sale, at a reduced price. It will be interesting to see what is to be built there in place of an irreplaceable piece of Canada's history.

Will the recently heritage-designated Porter/McKinlay block in the heart of Ridgetown be the next to go?

6. Call to action - Calgary's Inglewood Brewery demolition threat
Cynthia Klaassen

A town hall meeting was held at Calgary's Inglewood Community Association on Thursday, July 16 in response to a recent demolition application for the local brewery site. The community interest in preserving the site was greater than expected, and almost 200 people showed up for a meeting on a warm summer evening. The event received wide local media coverage, including City-TV and CBC.

Check out the links from the Calgary Heritage Initiative forum for more information and updates:

http://www.calgaryheritage.org/phpbb/viewtopic.php?p=1729#1729

While sometimes controversial, heritage conservation districts can increase real estate values-Globe and Mail photo

7. Globe and Mail: ACO Study on Heritaqe Conservation Districts
Dave LeBlanc

Saving the past pays dividends now

While sometimes controversial, heritage conservation districts can increase real estate values

In my other life as a radio guy, I've learned that statistical data can be massaged to display results you want certain people to see – advertisers, for instance – and played down in other, weaker areas. It's not lying, just … well, let's call it creative highlighting.

Because of this, in my role as your humble Architourist, I've always preferred to get my facts straight from the horse's mouth, especially in areas involving doubt or controversy, such as the idea that (shocker alert) Heritage Conservation Districts can actually be good for neighbourhoods, owner morale and real estate values. Since I can't knock on the front doors of each property in the 92 existing Ontario HCDs, I'm happy to have in my hands a recently released report titled Heritage Districts Work, prepared by the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario with assistance from various heritage groups and members of the University of Waterloo's Heritage Resources Centre.

click here for the URL

8. Globe and Mail: Death Notice and Obiturary - Sandy Van Ginkel

VAN GINKEL, H.P.D. (Sandy), C.M.
Peacefully in his sleep on July 6, 2009, in Toronto at the age of 89 after a series of strokes. Born in Amsterdam, Sandy was active in the Dutch Resistance during the Second World War. Crossing enemy lines, he witnessed the German surrender to Prince Bernhardt and entered Amsterdam with the Canadian army. He had finished his studies in architecture during the German occupation, refusing his diploma because he would not sign the Nazi documents, though this did not prevent him from practice as an architect and urbanist after the war. He worked on rehabilitation in the Netherlands, the new towns in Sweden and, with partner Aldo van Eyck, designed a new town and its school buildings in the Netherlands.He met Blanche Lemco, a Canadian architect, at a CIAM congress in France in 1953. They married and moved to Montreal in 1957, where they worked as van Ginkel Associates. Projects included saving Old Montreal from demolition in 1960 by stopping construction of an elevated expressway and halting urban encroachment on Mount Royal Park....

As well, a major obituary written by Sandra Martin can be found at:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/sandy-van-ginkel-rescued-old-montreal-from-freeway-developers/article1229337/

click here for the URL

Editor's Note: The Van Ginkel's changed the face of Canadian cities for the better, Blanche Van Ginkel is still quietly active on many fronts.

9. Globe and Mail: Windermere Retreat of BHN Editor
Dave LeBlanc

When is a cottage not a cottage?

When it's too far to caress the water's edge? When it flaunts an unconventional shape? What if it has a large garden? If the interior is more a place where old city furniture is put out to pasture, does that disqualify it?

The Muskoka retreat owned by heritage architect Catherine Nasmith and her triple-threat husband, Robert Allsopp, an architect, landscape architect and urban planner with du Toit Allsopp Hillier, asks those questions and challenges conventional thinking at every turn.

After navigating the twisty lake roads around Port Carling, I pulled up to the hilltop building to find Mr. Allsopp plucking salad for that evening's dinner, Ms. Nasmith enjoying the breezy lake views from the front porch and a few guests engaged in friendly debate. All cottage-type activities, yet this is a building passersby might mistake for a place of business.

“We have no idea what to call it, never have,” Ms. Nasmith says with a chuckle. “We call it ‘the Store,' we call it ‘Windermere.'” Call it what you will, this charming building directly across from the legendary Windermere House resort on Lake Rosseau did start life as a one-storey general store in the 1880s and was expanded over the years to include a post office.

click here for the URL

Editor's Note: I was tickled to have our weekend retreat written up by Dave LeBlanc, if you are curious there is an excellent photo gallery online. Treehugger have also carried a story.

from Globe and Mail

10. Globe and Mail: Ken Danby's Mill

Danby's digs: Old mill home was an artist's landscape

Artist Ken Danby drew inspiration from many Canadian icons: The goalie in his crease, the force of Lake Superior and the Calgary Stampede stand as some of his world-famous images.

But no landscape appeared more often in tableaux by the late realist painter than his surroundings at the restored 19th-century flour mill in rural Ontario where he lived with his wife Gillian until his death in 2007.

Mr. Danby often captured in oil and tempera the Speed River – frozen solid in winter and gently flowing in dappled summer light.

During a recent tour of the property, Ms. Danby pointed to a rusty gate hanging precariously at the top of a set of stone steps.

Mr. Danby depicted his small son Sean gently swinging in the painting titled On the Gate .

The weathered stone steps have made many appearances. And there's the recurrent theme of the picturesque stone mill itself, which was built in 1856 and renovated by the artist over three decades.

click here for the URL

11. National Post: Editorial Board - Loss of Canada's Heritage

Canadian history, imperilled

There will always be debates about what buildings and historic sites deserve preservation, as well as legal discussions over who is obliged to pay for such preservation efforts. Perhaps now is a time when many of those arguments can be settled: At a time when governments are looking to bolster employment through infrastructure stimulus, one option that should be considered is for the federal government and the provinces to restore a wide range of Canada’s historic buildings. It would seem more worthwhile to protect our heritage than, say, buy a failing company.

To understand the role of government in the preservation of historic buildings, consider the fate of the Bata shoe headquarters in suburban Toronto. It was just 40 years old when it was demolished last year to make way for an Ismali Muslim spiritual centre and Islamic art museum — despite the fact that the Toronto Society of Architects had identified it as one of the most outstanding examples of Modernism in the city. The building’s fate is typical of “endangered” buildings identified by the Heritage Canada Foundation, a non-governmental advocacy group established by the federal government in 1973 to lobby for historical resources’ rescue: While the Bata International Centre may have represented an architectural style worth preserving — as well as being an artifact from one of Canada’s first great international commercial empires — the new owners, the Aga Khan Council of Canada, have a valid claim to use land they purchased in any legal way they please. Only if the Council had been reimbursed through appropriate public financial incentives could the building have been preserved.

click here for the URL

Glenn Lowson for National Post -Completed in 1854 for $12,000, a medieval-style town hall in Paris, Ont., is widely believed to be the oldest of its kind in the world. Malcolm Thurlby, an architecture professor at York University.


Glenn Lowson for National Post - Building owner John Runnquist and friend Deamo Wilson Rouse (who is an activist for the preservation of the building) walk through the assembly hall

12. National Post: Price of history - Ontario town's neo-Gothic gem may become casualty of economic crisis
Giuseppe Valiante

Aileen Carroll, Minister of Culture for the government of Ontario, says that . . . the province is not interested in getting involved.

 PARIS, Ont. - In this once-bustling town, population 11,000, between the calm waters of the Grand River and the local Kentucky Fried Chicken, lies a neo-Gothic gem.

Completed in 1854 for $12,000, the medieval-style building - complete with former jail cells in the basement - was Paris's first town hall and is widely believed to be the oldest of its kind in the world.

But the structure that is considered a national treasure by architects might end up another casualty of the economic crisis that has especially hurt former Southern Ontario manufacturing towns like this one. It is part of a debate that springs up every time a grand old building has outlived its purpose: How should history be preserved, and who should pay for it?

The building's owner, John Runnquist, is in poor health and has been trying to sell the building for years. He's been preserving it for the past two decades and uses it as an auction house. The price tag is $750,000.

The County of Brant, which includes Paris, doesn't have the money to buy it and when a developer wanted to tear down parts of the building for an apartment complex, locals mounted a campaign to save it.

"Isn't this one of the best rooms in Ontario?" asked Deano Wilson-Rouse, her voice echoing and she stood under the grand open timber roof of the second-floor assembly room.

For the past several months, Ms. Wilson-Rouse has been collecting signatures to save the town hall, calling local politicians to secure grants and dreaming of turning part of the building into a home for her non-profit theatre group, Talk of the Town Productions.

click here for the URL

Agence France-Presse - Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow is one of the Russian landmarks that is threatened

13. National Post: Russia's historic heritage threatened
Dmitry Solovyov, Reuters

Moscow city officials are employing the brutal methods of Soviet predecessors to develop a rash of buildings that are destroying the Russian capital's historic heritage.

click here for the URL

14. Toronto Star: Death of Peggy Kurtin

MARGARET JEAN (PEGGY) KURTIN (NEE CARSCADDEN) 

Peggy was dedicated to her community and provided much of the research that led to the Heritage Designation for Cabbagetown. Peggy also served on the board of the Toronto Historical Association, the Cabbagetown Preser vation Association and was a member of the Ontario Heritage Board. She received many awards for her heritage and community work including the Lieutenant Governor 's award and the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal. Visitation will be held on Wednesday July 15 between 2:00 and 4:00 pm and 7:00 and 9:00 pm at the Rosar Morrison Funeral Home, 467 Sherbourne St., Toronto.

You are invited to join the family for a Memorial Service and Reception to be held under a tent at the east end of Winchester St. near the gates of the Necropolis Cemetery on Thursday July 16 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Cabbagetown Preservation Association (www.cabbagetownpa.ca) for the establishment of a heritage library.

click here for the URL

Toronto Star Photo

15. Toronto Star: New Hindu Temple, Finch and 427
Christoper Hume

Serenity that's set in stone

Welcome to the new Canada.

Now taking shape at Highway 427 and Finch Ave., it comes in the form of one of the most extraordinary buildings ever seen in this country. Though the name, Swaminarayan Mandir, won't mean much to most Canadians, no one, not even those speeding by in cars and trucks, could help but notice this remarkable structure.

It stands out, to say the least, especially in this dismal suburban/industrial landscape at the north end of the city. Indeed, one's first reaction is to the surreality of the whole thing – a full-blown Hindu temple complex on the side of a highway to nowhere.

Of course, that was part of the plan; the local Hindu community (there are 191,305 Hindus in Toronto, according to Statistics Canada), which paid for the $40 million building without any public or foundation funding and provided 400 volunteer workers, wants the world to know it has arrived. By constructing such a building at such a site, there's no chance its presence will go unnoticed. Nor should it be; a project such as this happens once in a lifetime, in Canada, only once in many lifetimes.

To those of us raised on an architectural diet of steel, glass and brick, it will come a shock to discover that there are people in the world who still know how to build with a hammer and chisel. And not just build, but create structures of the most amazing beauty and complexity.

The Swaminarayan complex is a building that can be read almost like a book; it relates a narrative and speaks to users and visitors much as early cathedrals once spoke to Christians. The iconography here is not about heaven and hell, however, reward and retribution, but about peace and pleasure.

click here for the URL

architect's rendering


The ACO managed to save this window from all that was on this site

16. Toronto Star: Trouble at Yonge and Bloor
Kevin Donovan

Yonge-Bloor development on the brink

GARY BERMAN, whose consortium lent money for 1 Bloor project
Court papers allege Kazakh backers mired in 'massive financial scandal'

The gleaming 80-storey condominium tower that was to lead the revitalization of the Yonge-Bloor intersection in Toronto is teetering on the edge of extinction.

On Monday, the Toronto lender that advanced a $46 million loan is going to ask a court to put the Kazakhstan-backed project into receivership and sell off the now-vacant land its international developer boasts is the "best address in the world."

The lender, a consortium of Toronto businessmen, alleges in court documents that Kazakh developer Bazis International has defaulted on its land loan and the Kazakh bank backing the tower portion of the project is involved in a "massive financial scandal involving fake loans, racketeering and money laundering activities."

click here for the URL

Editor's Note: At the time ACO asked to save this window there was incredible pressure to get on with the project. It was from the former Coles Restaurant, unprotected by the City. The developers were very co-operative in taking the window out and delivering for restoration. Its future location has still not been determined.

The Historic Bellevue house in Amherstburg shown in a 1946 photo. The home has been put on Heritage Canada's endangered list.

17. Amherstburg Echo: Local site makes Heritage Canada Foundation's top ten endangered places list - Town hoping that Bellevue property gets restored
Echo Staff

Bellevue House has been unoccupied since it was acquired by a numbered Ontario corporation in 2001. The Foundation states that the building "has suffered from vandalism and is at risk of fire."

AMHERSTBURG - The Heritage Canada Foundation has released its 2009 top ten "Endangered Places and Worst Losses" list and a site in Amherstburg is on the list of endangered places.

click here for the URL

Lount Castle as it stands today (above) and the original homestead (below) as it once was.

18. BarrieAdvance.com: MPP built city's only castle
Andrew Hind

The home was built in 1878 on the highest peak in town. Designed in the Second Empire style by architect George Ball

It stands atop a hill, a prominent landmark built in the gilded Victorian era by William Lount, one of the most prominent men in Barrie.

Even in its day, 25 Valley Dr. stood out from among the other homes built by the community’s privileged. Indeed, the home was so splendid that it was termed a "castle" by the citizens of Barrie.

Today, the privately-owned Lount’s Castle is something of an historical and architectural treasure.

"Heritage Barrie has recently recommended the home, along with 96 Sunnidale "Woodlawn" be designated as a building of historic significance," explains Eric Hodgins of Barrie’s Planning Services Department. "The recommendation is currently under evaluation."

click here for the URL

19. Brantford Expositor: Anne Westaway Obituary
MICHELLE RUBY

Outspoken heritage advocate had passion for community

Anne Westaway-Palk had an outspoken passion for Brantford.

As a member of the city's heritage committee for two decades, she fought vigorously for the preservation of the city's past and railed against what she considered bad development.

"In older sections of a city with fine, old buildings, preservation and development are necessarily linked," Mr. Westaway-Palk wrote in 2005. "How that meeting of old and new is handled will make or break the revitalization process."

Mrs. Westaway-Palk died on July 3 at Stedman Community Hospice. She was 72.

Mrs. Westaway-Palk was born in Brantford and attended Brantford Collegiate Institute. Her family moved to Paris, France, in 1954 when her father, a chemical engineer, was asked to set up a business there. She attended finishing school in Switzerland before moving back to Canada, where she studied English at McGill University in Montreal, graduating with honour.

Following graduation, Mrs. Westaway-Palk married and lived in Toronto, Switzerland and Belgium. She had two sons, Julian, born in Canada, and Stephen, born in Switzerland.

After divorcing, Mrs. Westaway- Palk returned to Canada with her sons. She r studies, this time in planning, and worked for the Region of Haldimand-Norfolk.

Julian said the happiest years of his mother's life may have been when she met her second husband, Douglas Palk, in the mid- 1970s and the family moved to California. The couple opened a bookstore that became "a hallmark" in Carmel, Calif., known for its extensive mystery section, said Julian.

Mrs. Westaway-Palk returned to Brantford, driving cross-country, following the 1986 death of her husband.

"She was a different kind of mom," said Julian. "Every other mom I knew as the housewife type. She was very passionate and adventurous, with an inquiring mind. She was always on the go.

"She was extremely loving and supportive in her own way."



Bill Darfler met Mrs. Westaway- Palk in 1980 when the Albion Street cottage he was living in at the time was historically designated. Later, the two co-chaired the heritage committee and became neighbours on the same block of William Street.

"Her passion was the shape of the city, the architecture, the way the city was built," said Darfler. "She was loud and opinionated."

Mrs. Westaway-Palk also served on the city's brownfields community advisory committee, the board of directors on the W. Ross Macdonald Memorial Foundation, and was involved in numerous projects for the city's parks and recreation department.

City planner Matt Reniers said Mrs. Westaway-Palk's commitment to good urban design was connected to her grandfather who owned Cromar Construction and whose labour created many of the city's important buildings, including the Wellington Street land registry office, opened in 1910.

"It wasn't self interest," said Reniers of Mrs. Westaway-Palk's heritage work. "She just wanted Brantford to be a good city to live in."

Maureen Sinclair, the city's director of parks and recreation, worked with Mrs. Westaway-Palk on several projects, including signs that now line the city's parks system describing local history. Mrs. Westaway-Palk was also a member of the group of women who called themselves the weed warriors and volunteered to tend unsightly abandoned properties across the city.

Sinclair said Mrs. Westaway- Palk was so often at the parks and recreation office she became like a staff member.

"Anne challenged you," Sinclair said. "But, by challenging us, she forced us to be better people."

An avid reader who operated Brant Avenue Books for six years, Mrs. Westaway-Palk's varied interests extended beyond heritage and urban planning. She could speak astutely about science, gardening, nature, travel, cooking, even weather patterns.

"She was an incredibly intelligent person," said Darfler.

Mrs. Westaway-Palk was the first person Alannah McQuarrie met when she moved to the city 12 years ago. The pair shared a quirky sense of humour and an interest in good books.

So committed to aesthetics was Mrs. Westaway-Palk, said McQuarrie, that she had difficulty even travelling through parts of the city she considered unattractive.

"She loathed the north end where I lived," said McQuarrie with a laugh. "She would actually close her eyes when we drove past the mall."

Those standards extended beyond architecture, said McQuarrie. Mrs. Westaway-Palk would sometimes refuse to display books in her store if she found the covers' design offensive.

Mrs. Westaway-Palk was a proponent of Jane Jacobs, a Canadian urbanist known for organizing grassroots efforts to block urban-renewal projects that threaten to destroy local neighbourhoods. Annual Jane's Walks encourage Canadians to explore their communities. Darfler is organizing the first Anne's Walk, in honour of Mrs. Westaway-Palk, for next May.

Sinclair said other local groups are also considering ways to honour Mrs. Westaway-Palk.

"I will miss her very much, and I'm not alone," said Darfler. "She had quite an impact."

Mrs. Westaway-Palk is survived by her son, Julian and his wife, Marianne; son, Stephen; and grandchildren Luke and Zach Philipp. She is also survived by sister, Janet Alderson-Smith and her husband Christopher.

A memorial service will be held at St. Andrew's United Church, 95 Darling St., on Thursday at 2 p. m.

Article ID# 1644002
---------
Anne Westaway was a past member of the Board of Directors of Community Heritage Ontario, the Province-wide organization of Muncipal Heritage Committees, and for time was one of the editors of CHO News.
---------

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20. Brantford Expositor: Historic Hamilton Place for sale
COLLEEN TOMS, EXPOSITOR STAFF

Historic Hamilton Place is a true Paris treasure

All of the grandeur and charm of a bygone era is revealed in this remarkable historic cobblestone home at 165 Grand River St. N. in Paris. Dubbed 'Hamilton Place' this circa 1844 dwelling was built by industrialist Norman Hamilton in a Greek design featuring Doric order columns and a wrap-around portico, which further enhances its noble demeanour.

Tucked into a delightful courtyard and boasting close to a one-acre property backing onto the Grand River, this home will intrigue history buffs and delight those with a penchant for the complex architectural detailing of years past. A circular driveway, a detached three-bay garage, front gardens shaded by mature trees and a fabulous covered porch captivate the eye, leaving visitors anxious for more.

The grand centre hall is resplendent with an elaborate crystal chandelier that hangs from an intricately chiseled medallion. Thick Georgian pine woodwork and wide plank hardwood flooring accentuate an aura of warmth and hospitality.

At the left of the entry a charming parlour with continuing hardwood floors, high ceilings accented with crown moulding, wide baseboards and trim and charming triple-sash windows that allow an ample amount of natural light to filter in are indicative of the old-world styling found throughout this home.

A view is enjoyed from here to the equally appealing kitchen where modern amenities pair perfectly with traditional design features. White cabinets, a built-in pantry and china cabinet, a decorative fireplace set into a white mantelpiece, a huge centre island with a basin style sink and a built-in Jenn Air gas range, a walk-in pantry with a sink, a built-in oven and microwave are among the features that will appeal to family cooks.

A two-piece powder room is found off the kitchen and a stairwell leads from here to a self-contained one-bedroom apartment that is ideal for extended family or tenants.

Stairs also lead down to what once served as the original kitchen with the dumbwaiter still intact. This room has been converted into a cellar bar complete with wine racks, a wood-burning fireplace, hardwood flooring and thick wooden walls. A laundry room for tenants is also found in the basement.

At the right of the entry hall an elegant formal dining room sets the tone for festive repasts. Plank flooring, triple sash windows and traditional design features enhance the gracefulness of the surroundings. Heavy double pocket doors slide open here to provide access to the equally sophisticated drawing room where a wood-burning Rumford fireplace set in Italian Tarantino marble takes the chill out of a winter night. Windows overlook a balcony where homeowners can sit on summer evenings amid a private, treed setting while savouring a view of the Grand River just beyond.

At the end of the hallway a door provides access to the balcony. Another doorway leads to steps descending to the cellar while also providing access back to the kitchen.

Stairs wind up to a spacious second level lit by a skylight that has ample room in which to set up a computer station or reading nook. The master suite is a soothing retreat that features hardwood flooring, a sloped ceiling with two skylights, a door that accesses a large home office, a large walk-in closet, and an ensuite replete with a corner vanity crowned by block glass, a corner whirlpool tub with a beige and mocha ceramic tile surround and a separate shower stall. Two more bedrooms, one with a three-piece ensuite, and a laundry room/bathroom are also found on this level.

Steps ascend further to the belvedere that once served as a studio for famed artist Paul Giovanni Wickson. This secluded hideaway boasts paneled walls, hardwood floors, heat and central air and access to an upper balcony.

This historic Paris treasure is listed with Re/Max Twin City Realty King George Rd. for $789,000 and can be viewed by appointment.

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Erie Street Steeple coming down

21. Chatham Daily News: Loss of Erie Street Church
Bob Boughner

Erie Street Church's demolition attracts national attention

RIDGETOWN — The “friendliest town in Ontario’’ has made the major losses list of the Heritage Canada Foundation.

Ridgetown’s claim to “shame’’ by the foundation was based on the demolition of Erie Street United Church in December of last year.

According to the foundation, the 1876 heritage-designated Gothic-Revival-style church was demolished due to unwilling trustees, a town council ignoring its own municipal heritage committee and the minister of culture refusing to issue a stop-work order that would have allowed time to reconsider its use as a local library.

According to the foundation, it took several failed attempts and five broken cables to pull the reportedly rotten steeple off its perch.

Carolyn Quinn of the foundation in Ottawa, said it was unfortunate efforts to save the building were not successful.

She said the foundation did an article on the church in one of its quarterly publications in 2008.

“A lot of people were disappointed when the church was demolished,’’ she said.

Quinn said the loss of heritage buildings across the country has reached epidemic proportions.

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McKinley Building Ridgetown

22. Chatham Kent Daily Post: Ridgetown's McKinley Building - Looking for a new owner
Elaine McEwen

Touring Ridgetown's McKinley Building

The other day I toured the historic McKinley building in Ridgetown with an experienced and knowledgeable commercial building contractor and estimator. We went through every room in the building. The purpose of the tour was a consideration of purchase and sympathetic restoration by this contractor. The building has also been discussed in detail with an architect who has knowledge of the area, including the history, as well as the expertise and creative talent to turn this sad old building into a truly magnificent showpiece.

On the third floor, I was charmed with the old vaudeville theatre, apparently only one of two in the entire province. Above the stage is the quote “All the World’s a Stage” from Shakespeare’s “As You Like It”. The ceilings are high and the corners are double curved to ensure good acoustics. This unique and wonderful theatre could be a fabulous venue for the Ridgetown Players, as well as travelling troupes and musical performances. It would be a wonderful attraction in Ridgetown for residents and tourists alike.

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Editor's Note: This is a building really worth investing in....hope it finds the right buyer.

Chatham Armoury 1905. by James D Cameron

23. chathamthisweek.com: Armoury could soon have new owner
Karen Robinet

Having acquired the former Chatham Armoury property from the Department of National Defence (DND) on June 1, council agreed at their June 22 meeting to declare the property surplus and advertise it for sale.

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Editor's Note: For the Chatham Kent heritage report in support of Designation see, http://www.chatham-kent.ca/NR/rdonlyres/9DF1E6DE-565E-4538-830C-F27C155C2959/9960/14a.pdf

Harry Stinson in front of former Stinson Street School - Hamilton Spectator


Perspective of Stinson School - Pix by Flar on SSP

24. Hamilton Spectator: Stinson has bold plans for school
Meredith Macleod

In a former classroom and a future condo, developer Harry Stinson talked to neighbours about his transformation of the Stinson Street School last night.

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25. MiltonCanadianChampion.com: St. Pauls church sanctuary indeed worth preserving
DON CLEMENTS AND TORY HANDFORD SAVE ST. PAULS SANCTUARY COMMITTEE

DEAR EDITOR: We feel it’s necessary to respond to letters from members of St. Paul’s Church Council that have appeared in the Champion in recent weeks.

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ridgewayherald.ca -The Point Abino Lighthouse keeper's dwelling will be offered for sale.


Point Abino Lighthouse

26. NiagaraFallsReview.ca: Town puts historic building up for sale
KRIS DUBE Special to The Review

The town is taking offers from anyone interested in purchasing the Point Abino Lighthouse keeper's dwelling.

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Editor's Note: What a far cry from the Town's support back in 2001 and 2003. (1) Purchase Agreement, http://www.forterie.ca/WebSite/Bylaws.nsf/0/2F6B9424D80078A1852572AE000C99DF/$FILE/2002-173.pdf Transfer Announcement - "The Town of Fort Erie is very pleased and excited about acquiring the Point Abino Lighthouse, a national historic site, and the light keepers' dwelling from the Government of Canada." said Mayor Wayne Redekop. "We have a very active committee working on preserving, promoting and displaying this symbol of our maritime heritage for our local residents and visitors alike." (2) see also, http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/media/npress-communique/2003/ca04-eng.htm

The Old Bathurst Post Office Provincial Historic Site is a masonry building reflecting the influence of the Romanesque style, it is located at the corner of Main and Douglas Street in the downtown core at 96 Main Street, City of Bathurst.

27. Northern Light: City rethinks plans for the Old Post Office
Greg Mulock, editor

Consultants report pegs renovations at $1.9 million

Bathurst city council will once again revisit the question of what to do with the city’s oldest building, in the wake of a consultant’s report.

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28. Northumberland News: Committee strengthening Brighton's heritage
Wray Koepke, Guest column

Last fall, municipal council took a vital step in preserving our past through the creation of the Brighton Heritage Advisory Committee (BHAC). . . .

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flickr - gavanic photostream - Side of Branningham's Grove

29. Owen Sound Sun Times: The mistress of Branningham Grove
Aly Boltman

Whenever I travel east from Owen Sound, past the mall strip, I savour the remnants of the rural past that in mere months are slated to disappear under more big box stores and parking lots. Just up the hill past the malls there’s the beautiful grove of endangered butternut trees on the south side of Highway 26. Almost directly across the street stands Branningham Grove - Owen Sound’s historic brothel.

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30. Peterborough Examiner: Diocese fights hall designation
BRENDAN WEDLEY

Former St. Martins Parish Hall in Ennismore: Bid to save building consists of generalities and platitudes fed to the municipality by a self-interested group, diocese states

The Peterborough Catholic Diocese wants to block the planned heritage designation of the former St. Martin’s Parish Hall in Ennismore, a document filed by the diocese’s lawyer shows.

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31. Peterborough Examiner: No objections to parish-hall designation filed
ELIZABETH BOWER

St. Martins Total Abstinence Society Hall

ENNISMORE - No objections have been filed yet over the idea to designate a small century-old parish hall as a heritage site to protect it from demolition, an official said yesterday.

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Paris Town Hall, exterior from NW


Paris Town Hall, Assembly Room, interior to ENE

32. RaiseTheHammer.org: Paris Old Town Hall: What Future For This Internationally Significant Civic Gothic Revival Masterpiece?
Malcolm Thurlby

Should the fate of this internationally significant building be left in the balance, or should all levels of government be pro-active in saving this jewel of our architectural heritage?

Located at 13 Burwell Street, across the road and to the southwest of St James's Anglican church, the former Paris Town Hall is a building of international significance in the history of civic Gothic architecture.

In sharp contrast to the 18th-century Gothic tradition of the nave of St James's Anglican church, the Town Hall incorporates details from medieval Gothic exemplars, and shows that the architect, John Maxwell (1803-1889), not only was up to date with the architectural theory associated with the Gothic Revival in England, but was in advance of even the most progressive English architects in the use of the Gothic style for a major civic building.

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33. Stratford Beacon Herald: Historical society says inn off limits
LAURA CUDWORTH

History can't be loaded onto a truck and shipped down the road, members of the Perth County Historical Society maintain.

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The Bellevue House in Amherstburg was recently placed on The Heritage Canada Foundation's Top Ten Endangered Places list. The house, shown in this July 7, 2009 photo, was built in 1816.Photograph by: Paula Trotter, The Windsor Star

34. Windsor Star: Jarvis: A sorry history of neglect - The Bellevue House in Amherstburg
Anne Jarvis

Grand and historic, Bellevue House is a link to a war that shaped Canada, a foundation of Amherstburg and a rare example of stately Georgian architecture in Ontario.

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35. Waterloo Record: Buyer seeks financial aid in castle renovation
Terry Pender

KITCHENER - The city should provide the same financial assistance for the restoration of heritage properties as it does for the cleanup and redevelopment of former industrial sites, says an urban planer of long experience in this region.

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Brandon's Dominion Display Building II has been named as one of Canada's 10 most endangered historic buildings. (Government of Manitoba)

36. CBC Winnipeg: Historic Brandon building on Canada's endangered list
Staff Writer

A rare domed agricultural building in Brandon, Man., has been listed as one of the 10 most endangered historic buildings in Canada.

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The cleaning of the Arts building will be completed by July 17. / Photo: Owen Egan

37. McGill Reporter: Century of grime washed from historic buildings
Pascal Zamprelli

Two of McGill University’s most iconic buildings are getting a major makeover this summer.

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38. McGill Reporter: Renewing Old McGill
Jim Hynes

You may be forgiven for thinking there is more scaffolding than students in sight around McGill these days. Chances are, no matter where you are at the University, something nearby is being built, replaced or renovated.

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King Edward Hotel on 9 Ave and 4 St. SE. Photograph by: Janelle Lazeski

39. Montreal Gazette: King Eddys new life a grand plan: Architects proposals unveiled today
Nancy Tousley

This is the first question: How did a seedy little Calgary hotel known for blues music become the cornerstone of an ambitious $100-million national music centre and an international architectural competition to design it?

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Bell Barn Society -Smoothing the concrete in the new grade beam. (Source: Dayle Bowman)


Bell Barn Society - An artist\\\'s drawing of the reconstructed Bell Barn to its original 1882 design, along with suggested parking and visitor amenities. (Source: Liquid Light 3 D Graphic Inc.)

40. Regina Leader-Post: Construction begins on Bell Farm Barn Interpretative Centre near Indian Head
Anne Kyle

REGINA - Construction on the Bell Farm Barn Interpretative Centre on the outskirts of Indian Head - a replica of the historic round, stone barn that pre-dates the formation of the province - has begun.

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Editor's Note: for more on this extraordinary structure see, (1) http://www.bellbarn.ca/ and (2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell_Farm_(Indian_Head,_Saskatchewan)

Regina Leader-Post - Demolition of 1914 portion of Regina Correctional Centre

41. Regina Leader-Post: Historic Regina jail building being demolished
Jana G. Pruden

REGINA - In its final days, the oldest part of the Regina jail was decrepit and dilapidated, a rundown relic with crumbling walls and cracking floors, infested by rats and bugs, plagued by water and sewer problems.

St. Mary Community School has cracked the top-10 on a list of endangered sites throughout Canada.Photograph by: Greg Pender, The StarPhoenix file photo

42. Saskatoon StarPhoenix: Saskatoon's St. Mary school on national list of endangered buildings
Jeanette Stewart

SASKATOON - A nearly century-old building in Saskatoon has made a national "endangered list" of historic spaces.

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43. Saskatoon StarPhoenix: Vital to retain built heritage, civic character
Editorial

However, Saskatoon has to stop eating its history at some point. This city requires a much stronger policy to protect its heritage buildings and structures. That duty can't be left primarily to advocates and volunteers.

While the pleas from former lieutenant governor Lynda Haverstock, Saskatoon Heritage Society President and potential mayoralty candidate Lenore Swystun and the Ottawa-based Heritage Canada Foundation to save St. Mary's Community School are commendable, they appear to be too little and too late.

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Aerial view of Colby College in Waterville, Maine. Colby is strikingly similar to the University of New Brunswick campus in Fredericton as they were largely designed by the same architect.

44. St. John Telegraph-Journal: Two nations, united by a common architecture
John Leroux

The Tides Institute and Museum of Art in Eastport hosts an afternoon program exploring the links between New Brunswick and Maine's built heritage

 If you've ever wondered why there were no bloody battles between New Brunswick and the "enemy" state of Maine during the War of 1812, the answer is rather mundane: we were such close friends and relations, neither side wanted to fight the other. . . .

True to its vision, the institute is hosting "The Architecture of New England and the Atlantic Provinces: Perspectives from Maine and New Brunswick" . . .

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Pantages Theatre, 152 East Hastings St., Vancouver. After three years of negotiation, a redevelopment plan for this historic theatre was scuttled last September when Vancouver City Council rejected a deal allowing the developer to transfer bonus density t

45. Vancouver Province: Vancouver's Pantages Theatre among Canada's Top 10 endangered historic buildings
Laura Stone

Heritage VancouverTony Pantages was sitting in his 100-year-old house in Vancouver’s Strathcona neighbourhood when he heard the news about the 101-year-old theatre he has fought his whole life to save.

The Pantages Theatre - built by his great-great-uncle, Alexander Pantages, in 1907 and opened in 1908 - is tenuously holding on to its title as the oldest vaudeville theatre in North America.

It was listed Tuesday on the Heritage Canada Foundation’s list of 10 most-endangered historic Canadian buildings.

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46. Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION: MTC designated National Historic Site
Staff Writer

WINNIPEG - The Manitoba Theatre Centre has been designated a National Historic Site of Canada, it was announced today.

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Editor's Note: For more information on this Number Ten Group designed MTC Building see, http://wbi.lib.umanitoba.ca/WinnipegBuildings/showBuilding.jsp?id=724

47. Winnipeg Free Press: 1911 Brandon CPR building to get restoration

BRANDON -- A Winnipeg-based developer with Brandon roots plans to breathe new life into Brandon's Canadian Pacific Railway building on Pacific Avenue.

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from the Independent

48. The Independent: Prince Charles Resigns from Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings
Michael McCarthy

Don't mention the restoration! Prince quits heritage body in censorship row By Michael McCarthy

The Prince of Wales has resigned as patron of Britain's most venerable heritage society after a heated falling-out over his conservative architectural views, The Independent has learnt.

Prince Charles quit as patron of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, which William Morris founded in 1877, after it rejected a foreword he had written for a handbook on the restoration of old houses.

The Prince forcefully took the view in the piece that old houses should always be restored in their original style, while the society, despite its title, is committed to employing the best of modern architecture and design in restoration projects.

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John Hickey / Buffalo News - Cabinet maker Stephen Oubre works on the molding of a swing-out bookcase that is being restored at architect Frank Lloyd Wright's Buffalo masterpiece, the Darwin D. Martin House

49. Buffalo News: Martin House gets boost - $3 million state grant received for interior restoration
Mark Sommer

The Darwin D. Martin House Complex has received $3 million from the state, allowing work on the Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece to move into the last major phase of restoration.

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Main Elevation, View from Roadway, 1904 William R. Heath House, 76 Soldiers Place, Buffalo, Erie County, NY Date June 1937. Library of Congress, Prints and Photograph Division, Historic American Building Survey: HABS NY,15-BUF,14-2


atelier/Ed Brodzinsky - 1908 Walter Davidson House, Buffalo, New York

50. Buffalo News: Wright homes are focus of landmark-status debate
Brian Meyer

A push to give landmark status to two Buffalo homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright is stirring dissension in the preservation community as the owners of both properties fight the plan.

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51. Building: London: Chelsea Barracks Situation in
forwarded by Lloyd Alter

Chelsea changed everything

Much of the fuss about Chelsea Barracks has died down. A Labour luvvie aristo is not going to get the heir to the throne’s wrist slapped in a make-believe constitutional court because he lost a big contract. Local residents will get a chance of a decent scheme that sticks to the planners’ brief and feels like Chelsea instead of anywhere in the world. They should by rights get a say in what happens.

But there’s much more to Chelsea Barracks than a stand-off between expensive computer pictures of a glass-and-steel scheme and a quick napkin sketch of monolithic classical blocks. Perhaps we can peer through the fire and brimstone and see if there’s a bigger message out there.

Memories of the prince’s first foray into the architects’ closed shop still live on with the oldies. They’ve never forgiven him for letting public opinion into their exclusive world. But this version of “The Prince of Wales vs the Modernist Establishment” is quite different from the last time. The world has changed, the Prince of Wales has an active and knowledgeable Foundation, lots of quite well known architects don’t remember all that Hampton Court stuff (and don’t care), modernism has had a good second run in the New Labour wonderland, politics is a mess and the economy is a disaster. All these things have to be connected. You never step in the same river twice.

Read more: http://www.building.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=31&storycode=3144511&c=1#ixzz0NKxaEiFG
 

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Cafeteria building, photo Catherine Nasmith

52. Camp 30 Architect
Catherine Nasmith

We had three responses, one using the new Dictionary to find the answers, the other two using the Archives of Ontario database. I include edited versions to assist anyone else who is interested. Thanks to Stephen Otto, Ralph Coram and Bennett McCardle for filling in some blanks. I will be scheduling a lunch for them all at the Arts and Letters Club. Three architects are identified, all working in Public Works. Frances R. Heakes gets the credit as chief architect during this period, but two others, George White and George N. Williams are also listed in the Ontario Government archives. It would take a look at the title blocks of the actual drawings on file to see who held the pencils on these projects.

If you cross check some of the references on Robert Hill's excellent Dictionary website it is not clear if any of the architects identified had backgrounds that would yield such an interesting modern architecture. But these steers should get the people in Bowmanville ahead with their interest in preserving this most interesting set of buildings.

From Stephen Otto

From Robert Hill's new website <www.dictionaryofarchitectsincanada.org <http://www.dictionaryofarchitectsincanada.org>> under the entry for F.R. Heakes, the Ontario Government architect in the 1920s. Robert is going to be in touch with you about announcing the site through BHN.

BOWMANVILLE, ONT., Boys Training School, two Dormitories and Dining Hall, 1925; Medical Superintendents Residence, Fire Hall, 1926; Boiler House & Heating Plant, 1928; Gymnasiusm & Swimming Pool, 1929

From Ralph Coram

With reference to your item on the above in the recent Built Heritage News- Issue No. 145, I continue to be perplexed as to why anyone would feel the architectural origins of Ontario Government buildings should be a mystery.  Many of these structures are documented in the records of the Ontario Department of Public Works, held in the Archives of Ontario.  The descriptions of the architectural drawings in sub-series RG 15-13-2 are available in our on-line Archives Descriptive Database <http://ao.minisisinc.com/archon/addintro.htm>  A search of the records of the 1920s drawing suites in this sub-series yields some clues:
 
Proposed sewage disposal and water storage plant, 1925 -- James Govan
 
Superintendent's Residence, 1925 -- George N. Williams
 
Milk House, 1925 -- F.R. Heakes
 
Infirmary Building, 1925 --George White
 
Implement Shed , 1928 -- F.R. Heakes
 
New Root House, 1929 -- F.R. Heakes
 
Superintendent's Residence: garage, 1936  -- George White
 
Temporary premises: Senkler Estate, Beech Avenue, 1941-42 -- George N. Williams
 
(See: http://ao.minisisinc.com/scripts/mwimain.dll/144/ARCH_DESC_FACT/FACTSDESC/REFD+RG+15-13-2?SESSIONSEARCH)
 
Not every drawing executed for each 1920s building in the complex is in the Archives holdings, so other architects involved in the design work may not be documented there.  Many 1920s drawings may still be held by the Central Drawings unit of the Ontario Reality Corporation (ORC), an arms-length operational agency of the Ontario government, which inherited the records of the former Design and Construction Branch in the Ontario Public Service.  The Records Retention Schedule for these drawings, approved under the former Archives Act, stipulated that the master record drawings would be transferred to the Archives two years after the building was demolished, vacated or sold out of the government inventory.  Until the recent implementation of computerized controls, there was no administrative trigger for ORC to consistently implement the dispositions on this schedule, since it would require the manual matching up of the building codes for those demolished or passing out of the government's ownership with similar codes for the drawing suites. As a result, the ORC still holds many drawing suites for demolished or sold Ontario Government buildings.  These are under inventory control through a relational database, and may be requested under Ontario's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
(See http://www.cfipo.gov.on.ca/mbs/dor/dirrec.nsf/odatextonly?openagent&page=57A93760CD8415E4852575EA0021A862)

From Bennett McCardle

Catherine, I can’t actually give you a definite answer but I believe the architects of the main buildings for this school were likely George N. Williams and/or George White and/or F. R. Heakes.   I know exactly where this could be verified, but as I can’t pursue the answer due to lack of time, I offer you the following in case it’s useful …
 
This school, when it opened in 1925, was called the Pine Ridge School or Pine Ridge Training School for Boys (this from a Google Search).  It later had a number of other names; some of its oldest records are filed by later authorities under the name Ontario Training School for Boys.
 
·         The main AO fonds for this school, in RG 60-19 , has a short history of the school at: http://ao.minisisinc.com/scripts/mwimain.dll/1720/AUTH_JOIN_INT/REFA/BA535?JUMP .The online finding aid to the microfilm of this fonds is supposed to be reachable by a link at the bottom of this page, but the link is dead – must remember to chew my AO friends out for this!

·         AO also has many if not all of the earliest architectural drawings from 1925 on for this school  – see the attachment, in which they are clearly listed. I have added (in blue) the names of the “architect” on the ones dated before 1940, where one is given in the finding aid (I haven’t been to see the documents themselves).

·         As you’ll see, most of the main buildings that are attributed at all are attributed to either George N. (or G. N.) Williams or George White; some minor buildings are attributed to F. R. Heakes – who in fact has the most impressive CV of the three…Here you go:

-          George N. Williams (if it is the same man, which would have to be proved) appears from what I can find online to have had a long career as a government architect, running from the 1920s to the 1950s at least, eventually becoming chief architect and Deputy Minister of Public Works for the Province of Ontario.
-          In that capacity his name is on the designs for many well known public buildings, such as 90 Harbour St in Toronto, and a large number of provincial hospitals, schools for the blind and deaf, and other public buildings ( see http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/2006/agendas/committees/te/te060613/it021.pdf ).
-          I searched the AO’s database on “george n. williams” and came up with a ton of files on his works; in the attachment I copy a number of the architectural plans attributed to him. 
-          If he was indeed responsible for the major buildings at the Pine Ridge school, it would have been very early in his career.  One might be able to get biographical notes that cast some light on them in this AO file:
RG 15-9
RG 15-9-0-11
Testimonial dinner on retirement of Mr. George N. Williams, M.R.A.I.C.
1 file of textual records
1958-1963
Item is located in RG 15-9, container B281173
 
-          George White:  All I could find about him online is that by Dec. 1934 he was chief architect of the Ontario highways department (http://www.whitehern.ca/result.php?doc_id=W-MCP1-3a.049) and that he too was involved in a number of other provincial buildings similar to the Bowmanville one in the 1930s and 40s. I copied a list of plans attributed to him in the attachment, so it is possible the styles could be cross-compared.

-          F.R. (Francis Ryley) Heakes was an older but an even more notable architect (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_R._Heakes) . He was Provincial Architect responsible for the design of the U of T’s Mining building in the 1900s, the great Chorley Park in the 1920s (http://www.lt.gov.on.ca/en/Visit/VisitPastResidences.asp?nav=8&sub=2),  the Government’s Whitney Block at Queen’s Park in the late 19th C. alterations to Victoria College in Cobourg (http://www.historicplaces.ca/visit-visite/com-ful_e.aspx?id=8208).  At Bowmanville, the only AO drawings attributed to him are a milk house, a root house, and an implement shed!

·         However, that doesn’t mean that the names on the plans are the sole creators of the concept – clearly more research is needed, building by building, to decide who actually contributed the design concepts, so as to answer your question fully and accurately.
 
·         I note that architect Frank Sullivan was an architect for the Canadian Department of Public Works from 1908 to 1911. Could George Williams have trained with him? Could he and Heakes have traded ideas, given what the Whitney Block looks like?  Interesting!

·         I now have a reason to go see 50 Heath Street. Having been to Taliesin West in Arizona and having lived in Massey College here, I will enjoy it.
 
·         There are a number of later files on the school dating from the 1960s through 1980 in RGs 2, 20 and 84 (in AO, e.g.  http://ao.minisisinc.com/scripts/mwimain.dll/1742/LISTINGS_DESC2_INT/REF_ADD/RG+20-17-2?JUMP ), but it’s less likely these will be informative on architecture.
 
 
BOWMANVILLE ONTARIO TRAINING SCHOOL FOR BOYS
(a.k.a. PINE RIDGE SCHOOL, ETC.)

Architectural records at Archives of Ontario
3.      RG 15-13-2     RG 15-13-2-940     Bowmanville - Ontario Training School for Boys, Water supply system: water mains, sewers, heating mains, pipe trenches from Boiler House
4 architectural drawings    1925
Architect: none given.    Drawing(s) are located in RG 15-13-2, folder L-162.
4.      RG 15-13-2     RG 15-13-2-939     Bowmanville - Ontario Training School for Boys, Proposed sewage disposal and water storage plant
3 architectural drawings    1925

Architect: James Govan    Drawing(s) are located in RG 15-13-2, folder L-162.
5.      RG 15-13-2     RG 15-13-2-937     Bowmanville - Ontario Training School for Boys, Superintendent's Residence
6 architectural drawings    1925
Architect:  George N. Williams    Drawing(s) are located in RG 15-13-2, folder L-162.
6.      RG 15-13-2     RG 15-13-2-936     Bowmanville - Ontario Training School for Boys, Darch House 
1 architectural drawing    1961     Drawing(s) are located in RG 15-13-2, folder L-162.
7.      RG 15-13-2     RG 15-13-2-935     Bowmanville - Ontario Training School for Boys, Auto Mechanics Building
1 architectural drawing    1964     Drawing(s) are located in RG 15-13-2, folder L-162.
8.      RG 15-13-2     RG 15-13-2-934     Bowmanville - Ontario Training School for Boys, Piggery
3 architectural drawings    1956     Drawing(s) are located in RG 15-13-2, folder L-162.
9.      RG 15-13-2     RG 15-13-2-933     Bowmanville - Ontario Training School for Boys, Alterations to Darch House
4 architectural drawings    [between 1925 and 1945]
Architect:  not stated    Drawing(s) are located in RG 15-13-2, folder L-162.
10.      RG 15-13-2     RG 15-13-2-932     Bowmanville - Ontario Training School for Boys, Pergola
1 architectural drawing    1930
Architect: G.N.Williams    Drawing(s) are located in RG 15-13-2, folder L-162.
11.      RG 15-13-2     RG 15-13-2-931     Bowmanville - Ontario Training School for Boys, Poultry House
1 architectural drawing    [between 1925 and 1945]
Architect: not stated    Drawing(s) are located in RG 15-13-2, folder L-162.
12.      RG 15-13-2     RG 15-13-2-930     Bowmanville - Ontario Training School for Boys, Infirmary Building
7 architectural drawings    1925
Architect: George White    Drawing(s) are located in RG 15-13-2, folder L-162.
13.      RG 15-13-2     RG 15-13-2-929     Bowmanville - Ontario Training School for Boys, Farm dwelling
3 architectural drawings    [between 1925 and 1945]
Architect: not stated    Drawing(s) are located in RG 15-13-2, folder L-162.
14.      RG 15-13-2     RG 15-13-2-928     Bowmanville - Boys' Camp, Ice House, refrigerator
1 architectural drawing    1933     Drawing(s) are located in RG 15-13-2, folder L-162.
15.      RG 15-13-2     RG 15-13-2-927     Bowmanville - Ontario Training School for Boys, Proposed alterations to barn
3 architectural drawings    [between 1925 and 1945]
Architect: not stated    Drawing(s) are located in RG 15-13-2, folder L-162.
16.      RG 15-13-2     RG 15-13-2-926     Bowmanville - Ontario Training School for Boys, Milk House
1 architectural drawing    1925
Architect: F.R. Heakes    Drawing(s) are located in RG 15-13-2, folder L-162.
17.      RG 15-13-2     RG 15-13-2-925     Bowmanville - Ontario Training School for Boys, Temporary premises: Senkler Estate, Beech Avenue
17 architectural drawings    1941-1942     Drawing(s) are located in RG 15-13-2, folder L-162.
18.      RG 15-13-2     RG 15-13-2-924     Bowmanville - Ontario Training School for Boys, Laundry and Stores Building
1 architectural drawing    1935
Architect: not stated    Drawing(s) are located in RG 15-13-2, folder L-162.
19.      RG 15-13-2     RG 15-13-2-923     Bowmanville - Ontario Training School for Boys, New Root House
1 architectural drawing    1929
Architect: F.R. Heakes    Drawing(s) are located in RG 15-13-2, folder L-162.
20.      RG 15-13-2     RG 15-13-2-922     Bowmanville - Ontario Training School for Boys, New Laundry
4 architectural drawings    1948-1949     Drawing(s) are located in RG 15-13-2, folder L-162.
21.      RG 15-13-2     RG 15-13-2-921     Bowmanville - Ontario Training School for Boys, Storage Building
2 architectural drawings    1949     Drawing(s) are located in RG 15-13-2, folder L-162.
22.      RG 15-13-2     RG 15-13-2-919     Bowmanville - Ontario Training School for Boys, Piggery
1 architectural drawing    [between 1925 and 1945]
Architect: not stated    Drawing(s) are located in RG 15-13-2, folder L-162.
23.      RG 15-13-2     RG 15-13-2-918     Bowmanville - Ontario Training School for Boys, Sewage Disposal Plant
1 architectural drawing    1959     Drawing(s) are located in RG 15-13-2, folder L-162.
24.      RG 15-13-2     RG 15-13-2-917     Bowmanville - Ontario Training School for Boys, Dairy
4 architectural drawings    1956     Drawing(s) are located in RG 15-13-2, folder L-162.
25.      RG 15-13-2     RG 15-13-2-916     Bowmanville - Ontario Training School for Boys, Implement Shed
2 architectural drawings    1928
Architect: F.R. Heakes    Drawing(s) are located in RG 15-13-2, folder L-162.
26.      RG 15-13-2     RG 15-13-2-915     Bowmanville - Ontario Training School for Boys, for the Department of Correctional Services, Chapel
10 architectural drawings    1968     Drawing(s) are located in RG 15-13-2, folder L-162.
27.      RG 15-13-2     RG 15-13-2-1973     Bowmanville - Ontario Training School for Boys, Superintendent's Residence
1 architectural drawing    1925
Architect: not stated    Drawing(s) are located in RG 15-13-2, folder L-279.
28.      RG 15-13-2     RG 151-13-2-938     Bowmanville - Ontario Training School for Boys, Superintendent's Residence: garage
1 architectural drawing    1936      Drawing(s) are located in RG 15-13-2, folder L-162.

 
Examples of descriptions of some of George Williams drawings, from the AO database:


Title          Bowmanville - Ontario Training School for Boys, Superintendent's Residence

     Dates of Creation          1925

     Physical Description          6 architectural drawings

     Creator          Architect: George N. Williams

     Scope and Content          Drawings depict plans, elevations, septic tank details, structural, heating, electrical, schedules, notes on drawings

     File/Item Ref. Code          RG 15-13-2-937

     Creator Code          501 C1-1

     File or Item Forms a Part of          This file or item forms part of the following group of records:

RG 15-13-2 Architectural drawings of the Department of Public Works

Click on the reference code above for information about this group of records.

     Restrictions on the Group of Records of which this File/Item forms a Part          Drawings related to psychiatric institutions and correctional facilities are subject to review by the Information and Privacy Unit of the Archives of Ontario. There are no access restrictions on other drawings.

     Location and ordering information          Drawing(s) are located in RG 15-13-2, folder L-162. Note this information for retrieval of this item.To help you find what you need, also note the File/Item Ref. Code and/or the Creator Ref. shown above.


=======
Title          Bowmanville - Ontario Training School for Boys, Pergola

     Dates of Creation          1930

     Physical Description          1 architectural drawing

     Creator          Architect: G.N.Williams

     Scope and Content          Drawing depicts plans, elevations, drawings

     File/Item Ref. Code          RG 15-13-2-932

     Creator Code          501 A14-1

     File or Item Forms a Part of          This file or item forms part of the following group of records:

RG 15-13-2 Architectural drawings of the Department of Public Works

Click on the reference code above for information about this group of records.

     Restrictions on the Group of Records of which this File/Item forms a Part          Drawings related to psychiatric institutions and correctional facilities are subject to review by the Information and Privacy Unit of the Archives of Ontario. There are no access restrictions on other drawings.

     Location and ordering information          Drawing(s) are located in RG 15-13-2, folder L-162. Note this information for retrieval of this item.To help you find what you need, also note the File/Item Ref. Code and/or the Creator Ref. shown above.

========
Title          Bowmanville - Ontario Training School for Boys, Infirmary Building

     Dates of Creation          1925

     Physical Description          7 architectural drawings

     Creator          Architect: George White

     Scope and Content          Drawings depict plans, elevations, sections, drawings, structural, heating, plumbing, electrical, schedules

     File/Item Ref. Code          RG 15-13-2-930

     Creator Code          501 A13-1

     File or Item Forms a Part of          This file or item forms part of the following group of records:

RG 15-13-2 Architectural drawings of the Department of Public Works

Click on the reference code above for information about this group of records.

     Restrictions on the Group of Records of which this File/Item forms a Part          Drawings related to psychiatric institutions and correctional facilities are subject to review by the Information and Privacy Unit of the Archives of Ontario. There are no access restrictions on other drawings.

     Location and ordering information          Drawing(s) are located in RG 15-13-2, folder L-162. Note this information for retrieval of this item.To help you find what you need, also note the File/Item Ref. Code and/or the Creator Ref. shown above.



Title          Bowmanville - Ontario Training School for Boys, Milk House

     Dates of Creation          1925

     Physical Description          1 architectural drawing

     Creator          Architect: F.R. Heakes

     Scope and Content          Drawing depicts plans, elevations, sections

     File/Item Ref. Code          RG 15-13-2-926

     Creator Code          501 C5-1

     File or Item Forms a Part of          This file or item forms part of the following group of records:

RG 15-13-2 Architectural drawings of the Department of Public Works

Click on the reference code above for information about this group of records.

     Restrictions on the Group of Records of which this File/Item forms a Part          Drawings related to psychiatric institutions and correctional facilities are subject to review by the Information and Privacy Unit of the Archives of Ontario. There are no access restrictions on other drawings.

     Location and ordering information          Drawing(s) are located in RG 15-13-2, folder L-162. Note this information for retrieval of this item.To help you find what you need, also note the File/Item Ref. Code and/or the Creator Ref. shown above.

George White, Architect
 
8.      RG 15-13-2     RG 15-13-2-930     Bowmanville - Ontario Training School for Boys, Infirmary Building
7 architectural drawings    1925     Drawing(s) are located in RG 15-13-2, folder L-162.
9.      RG 15-13-2     RG 151-13-2-938     Bowmanville - Ontario Training School for Boys, Superintendent's Residence: garage
1 architectural drawing    1936     Drawing(s) are located in RG 15-13-2, folder L-162.

Milton Stone Farm House, 1847-2005.

53. Milton Stone House, Demolished 2005
Bob Burns

I am preparing a heritage assessment of the stone farm house, c. 1847, located at 7129 Tremaine Road, Milton, that was demolished in November 2005. So far I have found one article in the Milton Canadian Champion dealing with the demolition and have contacted previous owners of the property.

If anyone has knowledge of or information pertaining to the house and its demolition I would appreciate hearing from you.

54. Looking for Contributors-Canadian Encyclopedia
Kate Johnson

I'm looking for qualified writers to contribute articles on the following buildings:

Bank of Nova Scotia, Calgary, 1929-30, John M. Lyle
Housing Union Building (HUB), Edmonton, 1972, Diamond and Myers Architects w/ R.L.Wilkin
Silton Chapel, Qu’Appelle, 1967, Clifford Wiens Architect
Precious Blood Church, Winnipeg, 1969, Etienne Gaboury
Trent University, Peterborough, 1964-68, R.J. Thom Architects
City Hall, Mississauga, 1980s, Jones and Kirkland
Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, Waterloo, 2001-04, Saucier + Perrotte architectes
Cormier House, Montréal, 1930s, Ernest Cormier
Pointe-à-Callière Museum, Montréal, 1992, Dan S. Hanganu/Provencher Roy et associés, architectes
Christ Church Cathedral, Fredericton, 1846-53, Frank Wills

I hope I may still post a list such as this to your newsletter, to help contact potential contributors?

Kate

twoshoes@sasktel.net
--
Kate Johnson, subject editor
The Canadian Encyclopedia
http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com

55. Subscription is free, but financial contributions to support the work are most gratefully received by the volunteer editor. At the moment I am hoping to be able to establish the bulletin on-line, with photos, and advocacy tools, and perhaps raise enough to hire some assistance. Receipts will be sent, but Built Heritage News does not have charitable status.

Cheques are payable to:
Built Heritage News
and can be sent to the address below:
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56. cnasmith@builtheritagenews.ca