Downtown Tour Building Brief - National Trust for Historic Preservation

“SOUTH OF DETROIT: WINDSOR’S DOWNTOWN REVITALIZED” – Windsor, Ontario – May 18, 2014
Part of National (U.S.) Main Streets Conference, Detroit, May 17-20 “Works in Progress”
Sunday, May 18
8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Ticket Price: $45.00 [US]
Requires: Moderate Walking and
Passport
Includes: Snacks
BUILDING
WELCOME TO CANADA!
Canada, Ontario
Welcome to Canada, here south of the USA! Participants will see how Windsor - a city dependent upon the U.S. economy - has faced
challenges in its downtown. Once known as the Canadian city hit hardest by the economic downturn, Windsor's stakeholders and
community leaders have banded together to breathe new life into the city, and in particular into the downtown. The outing will highlight
initiatives taken to promote downtown Windsor's revitalization, repurposing and walkability. Attendees will spend their day in the heart of
Windsor, experiencing first-hand the transformation the city is undergoing. This tour features a mixture of modern accents and revitalized
heritage properties. Throughout the day, attendees will learn about programs and initiatives that look to diversify downtown Windsor and
help generate economic prosperity. [registration information]
SITE HISTORY (FACTS ABOUT THE BUILDING)
INVESTMENTS (What it is now / will be.)
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Customs & Immigration
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South of Detroit:
Windsor today –
“Works in Progress”
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Final May 18, 2014
National population 33.5 million, less than California; about 3/4 are within 150 km (93 mi) of the US border
Strong connection to the United Kingdom, including Queen Elizabeth II. Legislative autonomy since 1982 with Constitution Act that
includes the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
No historic preservation tax credits; no protection from listing or potential on the Canadian Register of Historic Places
Official languages are English and French. Ontario is officially English, with many provisions for official French also.
“Heritage” or “patrimoine” in Canada ≈ “Historic preservation” in the US
The metric system of measures is official, but you’ll often hear building sizes in feet.
The Canadian dollar this week is worth about 92¢ US, but with exchange fees will cost about 95¢. Downtown Windsor merchants and
restaurants take US bills and most US credit cards. The smallest bills are $5. On totals in cash, pennies are rounded to the closest 5¢.
Ontario has the highest population of any province. Its border with the US is the longest, from Minnesota to New York.
This is a holiday weekend; tomorrow is named Victoria Day for Queen Victoria, and honours the reigning Queen Elizabeth II.
Wi-fi is available in downtown Windsor (without password), provided by DWBIA. Cell phone roaming in Canada may cost 60¢ per
minute.
This is a police check. Be prepared to show your passport or equivalent. These border agents process several thousand people a day
and most do their tasks well.
Answer questions truthfully, briefly and respectfully. No nonsense. If you’re feeling nervous, take a breath.
“Anything to declare” means something that will stay in the arriving country. If yes, expect to state the dollar value.
Prohibited items: The US is more restrictive concerning food items, and you can’t bring back Cuban cigars! Except for these items, if
you buy something in Canada, you could pay a small import tax but often not.
Windsor population about 210,000 – adding surrounding Essex County totals 390,000
Windsor-Essex region is the southern-most part of Canada; due west is the California-Oregon border
Downtown has a quirky assortment of businesses
Entertainment (symphony, art museum); lots of clubs (19-year-old drinking) including two remaining (were many) with strippers
Hospitality – restaurants (most independent), hotels (some changing to student residences), coffee shops – major losses since border
crossing restrictions of 2001 and 2009
Government (City, Provincial (courts), Federal); also four publicly funded school boards (French and English public, French and English
Catholic)
Higher education (University of Windsor and St. Clair College with recent major investments adding downtown campuses)
Social services – Downtown Mission, Salvation Army residence, St. Leonard’s (halfway house)
Transportation (Tunnel, transit hub)
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BUS ARRIVAL
Detroit-Windsor Tunnel
(Goyeau Street in Windsor to
Randolph Street in Detroit)
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(Wikipedia photo)
Sculpture Park
(Riverside Drive West)
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Ambassador Bridge
(Huron Church Road)
Final May 18, 2014
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Banking
Cultural diversity – Windsor one of the most diverse in Canada, with immigrants from the whole world. People encouraged to keep
their cultures, even with younger generations – policies of acceptance
Housing (apartment towers + pockets around edges of a wide range of value)
Shopping (downtown minimal)
Don’t have a clear four-point approach
Next Big Idea (rescue downtown if only we spent government money for this …) – Steinberg store (built 1966 and demolished 1992
after long empty), Chrysler Canada HQ (32 storeys proposed 2000, built as 12 in 2004), Casino (temporary 1994, permanent
1998+2008), Sports Arena (finally built at city edge 2009), Canal (not built), Aquatic Centre (2013).
Park along river replacing rail yards and industry – this Big Idea successful.
Most older buildings mentioned on the tours are protected on the Windsor Municipal Heritage Register.
Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association (DWBIA) activities
Tomorrow there will be festivities for the City’s 122nd birthday.
1930
5160 feet (1573 m) long. At its lowest point, the two-lane
roadway is 75 feet (23 m) below the river surface
Centre portion is immersed tube (sections of steel tube floated
into place and sunk into a trench dug in the river bottom). Other
sections are bored, and cut-and-cover near the surfaces.
Now jointly owned by Cities of Windsor and Detroit
Both ends car exits face north (US spiral and Canada U-turn)
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Park assembled from former rail ferry landings, factories, docks
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and commercial uses
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Over 30 sculptures, many donated by Odette family
Stretches from the Art Gallery to the Ambassador Bridge
Sculptures created by internationally recognized works of
contemporary sculpture by world-renowned artists (e.g. ‘Eve’s
Apple’, which was created by Edwina Sandys in 1998. Her
sculptures have been commissioned by the United Nations in Rio
de Janeiro, Geneva, Vienna and New York City).
With Wyandotte Street, Riverside Drive is a main east-west street
to downtown
Opened 1929
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New Canadian entry plaza (at end of tour)
2014 valuation and program for repairs and ongoing
maintenance
Maintained by the City’s Parks and Recreation Department
Owner proposes adjacent second span; opposed by
neighbourhood, City and by Canadian government
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Assumption Church
(350 Huron Church Road at
University Avenue West)
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TOUR CENTRAL
Capitol Theatre
(101-139 University Avenue West)
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1940s:
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Final May 18, 2014
Suspension for centre span; other spans cantilever trusses; four
lanes (originally had sidewalk on downstream side)
Suspension span (1850 ft / 564 m) longest in world when built
Busiest US-Canada border crossing
One of only two remaining privately owned US-Canada road
crossings; the other is the bridge between International Falls,
Minnesota, and Fort Frances, Ontario
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New bridge further downstream in planning stages (opposed
by Ambassador Bridge owner); approach highway under
construction
1845; architect Robert Thomas Elliott; additions including 1908
Rosary Chapel
Original mission here in 1748 was Father Pierre Potier to Native
peoples (mainly Huron)
Heritage designated 1978
Province contributed to 1980s renovations (program no longer
available) and established heritage easement
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Campaign seeking $9,000,000 for renovations
City agreed to $250,000 from Community Heritage Fund;
requires most work to be complete before funding
Built in 1920-21 for Built by Marcus A. Loew
Designed by Thomas White Lamb, one of North America’s most
renowned theatre architects
Classical style
Interior decoration scheme in the Adamesque revival style,
featuring molded plaster ornamentation. It boasts a domed
recess illuminating the ornate curved ceiling which spans the
entire auditorium, with Art Deco chandeliers, arched niches and
plaster Ionic columns in pairs.
When it opened as Loew Theatre (vaudeville & movies) it was the
biggest single floor theatre in Canada (1995 seats)
Purchased in 1922 by Simon Meretsky of the Windsor Theatre,
Edward Glasco of the Empire Theatre and Dr. J.O. Reaume and
renamed the Capitol Theatre.
In 1923 the Capitol Theatre joined the prestigious B. F. Keith
vaudeville circuit, thus bringing some of the biggest acts from
New York City to Windsor. There was an orchestra pit and a
theatre pipe organ.
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In 1989 a group of community theatre activists tried to
rejuvenate the Capitol, but the owner wanted to demolish it
for a parking lot.
A community effort to save the theatre was organized and in
1993 the Capitol Theatre & Arts Centre became a registered
charitable organization and purchased the building.
In 1994-95 the theatre underwent an extensive interior
restoration funded by all three levels of government and the
local community.
1995 renovations sought to bring back some of the 1920s
look.
Designated under the Ontario Heritage Act in 1999
2011 - City acquired the Capitol Theatre, leased to the Windsor
Symphony and provided $1.8M towards renovations.
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Today we thank the Windsor Symphony for allowing us to use their
space as they work around us.
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The first movie shown in the theatre in 1938 was Walt Disney’s
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Walt Disney sent a personal
letter of congratulations.
• Famous Players buys the Capitol in 1929.
• During the 1940-60s live theatre was phased out.
• Extensive exterior renovations made in the 1940s in the
Streamline Moderne style.
• In 1975-76 the Capitol was divided into three theatres (still in
use).
TOUR A – Civic Buildings, Waterfront, Education, Finance
Security Building
• Built in 1927 by Pennington & Boyde (James Pennington and
(261- 267 Pelissier Street)
John Boyde)
o J.C. Pennington was one of Windsor’s most prolific
architects. He along with partner John Boyde designed a
huge number of schools, churches and other buildings,
from the 1910s through the early 1960s.
o Worked with Howard Crane early on in his career (design
the fox theatre)
• Romanesque Revival Style of Architecture
• The first two storeys are faced with stone; the upper floors with
brown brick; the top floor has arched windows with a shaped
parapet above.
• Lower level retail/upper level offices
• London Street was renamed to University street
• CBC radio broadcasted from this building.
• Windsor Heritage Register
Bartlet Building
East Bldg. (52-68 University Ave. West )
(52-98 University Avenue West)
• Built in 1921 – Windsor architect J.C. Pennington
West Bldg. (76-98 University Ave. West)
• Built in 1924 – Windsor architect D.J. Cameron
Style of Architecture— a six-storey brick commercial building
with minimal details of Beaux-Arts (pilasters) and Italianate
(top floor window surrounds)
Beaux-Art was very influential in the North American from
1880s – 1920s. Lots of Beaux Art Architecture in Detroit
• Both street-facing facades are symmetrical, and the canted
corners on the upper floor are unusual. Arched windows.
• Lower lever retail/offices above (originally)
Equity Chambers
• 1911; renovated 1955 by architects Sheppard & Masson
(52 Chatham Street West)
• The building was originally built in 1911 as a piano factory for the
Grinnell Brothers of Detroit.
• Entrance to second floor offices of Labour Progressive Party,
Final May 18, 2014
• Lower level retail/upper level offices (mostly lawyers)
Security Building, 267 Pelissier St
• Lower level retail/residential above.
• Milk Coffee Bar, 68 University Ave W, is in the east building.
DWBIA Incentives
• Milk Coffee Bar is a beneficiary of the DWBIA’s Façade
Improvement Grant Program (FIGP).
• About $1,000 was granted in 2009 for entrance redesign and
painting.
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Offices upper floors; restaurant/retail ground floor
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Federal Building / Dominion Public
Building / Édifice Paul Martin
Building
(185 Ouellette Avenue)
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1 Riverside Drive West
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which 500 youths wrecked after breaking up speech by Tim Buck.
This was the Communist party of Canada.
Severed as City Hall in the Mid 50’s while the current one was
being built.
Walking through the alley you get a look at the original 1911 skin
of the building.
Listed in the Windsor Municipal Heritage Register.
Built in 1934 by Windsor Architects Sheppard & Masson, John E.
Trace and G. Buller-Colthust
Style of Architecture: Modernist interpretation of the Beaux-Arts
inspired federal office building.
Features of the building include its limestone walls, recessed bays
of windows, giant fluted pilasters in high relief, and the fluted
cornice.
There are Canadian crests on each of the street-facing sides. The
interior public areas include highly detailed marble walls, plaster
ceilings and terrazzo floors.
Federal Heritage Building.
Designated on the Windsor Heritage Register but unenforceable
under Federal ownership. Named in 1994 for Paul Martin,
member of Parliament from Windsor for 33 years, and whose son
Paul Martin was Prime Minister from 2003-06.
Completed in 2004 by WZMH Architects through the Canderel
Stoneridge Equity Group.
Major tenant was to be Chrysler Canada headquarters
The original proposal was for a hotel and residences to be built
atop the office portion for a total of 32 floors, however it was
scaled down.
Location was the Norwich Block – storefront buildings facing all
sides, demolished 2000.
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City has asked Federal government to complete wall repairs
and remove sidewalk covers.
Exterior renovations began in 2009 and stopped; there is an
ongoing conflict between the Federal and City governments
about keeping the scaffolding on the public sidewalk. We may
have the Federal government as the owner of our biggest
“white elephant”.
“If the feds want to keep the unsightly sidewalk hoarding
surrounding the Paul Martin building, it will have to pay a much
steeper price. A 20-fold fee hike from the current $2,556 per
year to $51,881.25 annually as of July 2.” The Windsor Star
2011 - Investors Group moves its Windsor operations to
downtown at 1 Riverside Drive. There will be as many as 80
employees who will take over most of the empty ground floor.
The TD bank facade is in storage and will hopefully be utilized
one day.
TD Bank demo 2000:
Final May 18, 2014
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CRIP Central Riverfront
Implementation Plan
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Peace Beacon & Bistro, Piazza
Udine
(78 Riverside Drive West at
Ouellette Avenue)
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Final May 18, 2014
25-year implementation plan,
Council Approved September 5, 2000
Creating a continuous riverfront open space network (95 acres)
Idea was to tie East and West together with a series of “Beacons”
(Dawn, City, Peace, Legacy, Celestial)
The Beacons: Five beacons are proposed which explore themes
intended to provoke contemplation of time: past, present and
future, and to provide a series of destinations where hospitality
services such as washrooms, refreshment and information
services are located.
On March 8, 1999 Council bought back the lease on the former
Ramada Inn property, concluding over 100 years that the City has
been working to gain control of this land.
In 1999 the City hosted “Riverwalk” which 6000 people attended
(won the “Festival Ontario Award” for participation.) “Riverwalk”
celebrated Windsor Acquisition of the riverfront lands.
Udine Fountain – twin city of Udine in the Friuli Region of
Northeast Italy. Many emigrants to Windsor are from this area.
Foundation of the British American Hotel is still on site and used
to create a retaining wall. Demolished in 1975
Dieppe Gardens are named in memory of the many members of
the Essex-Kent Scottish Regiment who lost their lives during the
World War II landing at Dieppe, France in 1942. The park is
heavily planted with brilliantly coloured annuals and perennials. It
features many monuments, including monuments to the
Canadian Army, Navy and Air Force. For years, the property was
used as a docking site by the Detroit-Windsor Ferry Company,
and several cottages, retail stores, hotels and other businesses
were established. In the late 1950s, these buildings were
purchased and demolished by the City so that the site could be
developed into a major riverfront park.
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Source of funding is Capital Budget.
Phasing for construction is based on a first and second priority
basis over the 25 years involving an average of $2.6 million in
capital costs per year. 65M of 25 years.
2014 The city is spending up to $150,000 to bring a consultant
onboard to take in public feedback and ideas on the CRIP.
2001 the Pump house at Langlois was restored with the help of
a Human Resources Development Canada Grant
The fountain was funded by the City of Udine as appreciation
for Windsor’s economic relief to Udine after an earthquake.
Bistro and Peace Beacon were completed 2007. The Bistro is
leased out by the City.
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Rail Ferry Ramps
(foot of Goyeau Street)
Renaissance Center (Detroit)
Spirit of Windsor Locomotive
(foot of Goyeau Street)
Underground Railroad Monument
(Civic Green at Pitt Street East)
Caesar’s Windsor
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Canadian National RR used barges to ferry trains across the river.
These ramps bridged the boats and land.
• The ramps were owned by CN (Canadian National) Rail and the
tunnel that was built was owned by CP (Canadian Pacific) Rail
• Ferry ramps were used up to the 1960s
Timing of Renaissance Center compared to 1 Riverside Dr W:
• Renaissance opened 1977
• Bought by GM in 1996
• Was in London, Ontario and purchased for $3,500.
• It was dedicated to the community on May 6, 1963.
• Completed in 2001
• Josiah Henson is Uncle Tom. (Uncle Tom’s Cabin) Started a
community for free slaves near Dresden Ont. His settlement in
Dresden was called Dawn
• There is another monument in Hart Plaza much like this one
“Gateway to Freedom”
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GM’s renovations of RenCen complete 2005
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Integrated as part of the Riverfront Park once the rail yard was
demolished.
1994 Harrah’s Entertainment and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming •
Corporation opened its first temporary casino in a former
brewery warehouse in downtown Windsor.
The following year the owners also opened a riverboat casino
anchored on the Detroit River in Windsor.
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By 1998 both temporary casinos closed when a large scale
permanent casino and entertainment facility opened on the east.
A 1994 Windsor City Centre Revitalization and Design Study
was commissioned to develop a strategy and policy for the
downtown that would not consider the impact of locating a
new Casino in Downtown Windsor and provide a strategy to
bring new life and development in the downtown.
One of the purposed was to develop and active destination
area on the City Centre west lands—approximately in the area
where we are today that would balance the activity generated
by Casino Windsor on the East
The consultants who were hired to put the study together
thought that if the downtown was to become a more vibrant
place all areas of the downtown should be linked and have
uses and activities that create synergy throughout the
downtown.
Related to the Church of England, and to Episcopal Church in
the US
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All Saints’ Church
(330 City Hall Square East)
Final May 18, 2014
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1855-1881; Rectory 1890
Girl Guides
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Cenotaph
(City Hall Square)
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Tunnel Ventilation Building
(70 University Avenue East)
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Armouries
(353 Freedom Way/37 University
Avenue East)
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Final May 18, 2014
Installed in 1924, out of downtown, as a World War I memorial.
Originally at the corner of Giles and Ouellette.
Moved to site 1964
Added memorials to other wars. Latest is The Afghanistan war
that was added to the Cenotaph early May of 2014
Design of George F. Masson
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Annual Remembrance Day ceremonies (November 11); this is
equivalent to the US Memorial Day
Cost of 25,000 originally and money was raised by the Ladies
Auxiliary
Opened in 1929
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With a matching facility in Detroit, large electric motor-driven
fans change the air in the Tunnel every 90 seconds
Heritage designated 2008
Only the third underwater tunnel constructed in North America at
the time.
A 2004 Border Transportation Partnership study showed that
150,000 jobs in the region and $13 billion (U.S.) in annual
production.
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2012 - City agrees to sell the downtown Armouries Building
and the former Bus depot to University of Windsor
School for Arts & Creative Innovation to the Armouries
Building. Programs include:
• Music,
• Visual arts
Estimated 750 Students (both buildings)
City of Windsor's capital donation of the building and a $10
million gift.
Provincial government investment of $15 million.
Built in 1901 in the Richardsonian Romanesque Style (by
Architect David Ewart of the Federal department of Public
Works)
Addition to south designed by Mason & Trace in 1935
Municipally designated in 1999
Entrance facing Ouellette across from a parade ground
2004- City/Department of National Defence partner to construct
the joint training facility on Sandwich Street – Downtown
Armouries turned over to the City.
Windsor heritage designated 1999
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(rendering of proposed)
Greyhound Bus Station
(44 University Avenue East)
In 1900, Canada was linked closely to Great Britain in foreign affairs,
which was fighting the Boer War in what is now South Africa. This
“suitable” facility was completed in 1902 for assembly, training, and
dispatch. Thousands of men from Essex County left here for the
World Wars, some never to return. The Essex and Kent Scottish
Regiment served valiantly in the wars. Designed by a Federal staff
architect, it has a Richardsonian Romanesque design with a grand
entry (with VR for Queen Victoria) and tower. The City of Windsor,
now the owner, will transfer the building to the University of Windsor
for transformation into an arts school; most of the 1935 south
addition will be replaced with a three-storey addition.
• The bus depot opened in 1940 as the central station for both
local and inter-city bus services, including Eastern Canadian
Greyhound Lines.
• The station was designed by Windsor Architects Hugh P.
Sheppard and George Y. Masson in the streamlined Moderne
style used for intercity stations during the late 1930s and early
40s. However, this style is associated with American Architect
W.S. Arrasmith who designed at least 50 stations for Greyhound.
• Listed on the Windsor Heritage Register.
TOUR B – Entertainment, Education, Arts, Transportation
Phog Lounge
• Phog Lounge opened in 2004.
(157 University Avenue West)
• It is a modern cultural hub, which supports artists, musicians,
writers, filmmakers, students, entrepreneurs, small business
owners within the greater Windsor/Detroit community
• This club features a variety of up-and-coming bands in several
genres.
• Voted Canada's Best Live Music Venue by CBC Radio 3 listeners in
February 2009
• It is a popular destination of downtown Windsor’s popular
entertainment venues.
• An example of a business that has given back to the community
and hosted:
-Jane Jacobs (Jane’s Walks)
Final May 18, 2014
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The remaining funding for these capital projects, which are
expected to total approximately $70 million, is separate from
the University’s operating budget and will be supported
through program revenues and fundraising.
Renovations originally scheduled to be completed by fall 2017.
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Will be the Film Production program within the School for
School for Arts & Creative Innovation.
• The original art-deco façade will be restored and a new onestorey addition will stretch the entire block north to Chatham
Street.
• May 2014 announcement that the Tunnel Bar B Que property
will be used instead because of the bus station location over
the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel.
This two-storey building was constructed in 1940 in the Moderne
style. It originally had white and black stone exterior on the front,
and yellow brick on the rear. The stone was covered with pebblegravel panels in the 1970s. It was used until 2007 for local transit
as well as inter-city buses. For expansion of its downtown campus,
the University of Windsor has agreed to acquire the property from
the City, which has granted approval to demolish all but the front
façade, which will have the gravel panels removed and a sign
canopy reconstructed.
Some of the more famous guest bands have included the following:
• Said the Whale
• Tokyo Police Club
• Grand Analog
• Rah Rah
• Owen Pallett
• Patrick Watson
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Metropolitan / Guaranty Trust
Building
(156-190 University Avenue West)
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St. Clair Mediaplex
(275 Victoria Avenue)
(current)
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-started other mixed use businesses like Rino’s Kitchen
-hosted festivals
Built in 1928 by Architects Pennington and Boyde
Art Deco style of Architecture.
Commercial offices
Buff and yellow brick less common here; more often red because
the clay deposits in area had higher iron deposits.
Most communities obtained brick from local brick yards
However, buildings considered to be of importance would often
import brick from other areas because buff brick was preferred
for important buildings
Buff brick more common east of Chatham because there would
have been less iron in the clay
Salvation Army Building, 1950s.
This was one of the true “shovel in the ground” projects when the
Community Adjustment funding became available. They had put
together a business plan based on the “Fish Market Building”
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(before remodelling)
Universal Car/Baum & Brody
Furniture /
Fish Market Building
(156 Chatham Street West)
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Final May 18, 2014
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Built in 1912 and became the Universal Car Agency where. Ford,
Russell and Cadillac automobiles were sold. The building served
as a showroom and service garage.
In 1924 Baum & Brody Limited opened as a furniture store
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20th century commercial/warehouse
The building features detailed brickwork repeated in multiple
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bays
The design used natural light when incandescent bulbs provided
modest illumination. Also the upper parts of the first floor
Residential loft conversion on at least the first four of the top
floors
One of the first residential loft conversions in the mid 1990s as
part of Windsor’s First Wave of Downtown revitalization efforts
2010 - St. Clair opens the MediaPlex.
Programs include:
• Journalism
• Media Convergence (all media news)
• Public Relations
1,600 Sqft. State-of-the-art MediaPlex. Only 2 other like it in
the world (South Carolina and Germany)
$5 million Community Adjustment Grant. (Federal)
The MediaPlex houses:
-four classrooms,
-three computer labs,
-a newsroom –
-a learning lab for television, radio, print and on-line news.
It is complete with cameras, studios, editing suites and news
feeds from around the country.
The central newsroom is state-of-the-art with a simulated
television news anchor set, complete with “green screen,” two
robotic cameras, teleprompter and large video monitors which
allow the floor director to visualize what is going to air.
Architecttura came up with the striking exterior design.
Currently the building is an entertainment venue and includes
4 Bars, The Coach (basement) which includes live music, Pogo
(bar with pool tables), The FM Lounge
(Bar & Live music) both on the main floor a much larger bar
and live music and dance venue on the upper floor called The
Loop
Many Famous Acts have played their including Pete Best from
the Beatles, Nirvana, Queens of the Stone Age, and Canadian
Rock Band Sloan and Big Sugar, Ron Sexsmith, and Windsor’s
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windows, now painted a deep medium blue, were transoms.
Included on the Windsor Municipal Heritage Register
Windsor Star Buildings / University • Windsor Star newspaper since 1923 (estbl. 1923), but operated
of Windsor
at Border Cities Star (1918 to 1935)
(167-181 Ferry Street)
North Block
• Limestone clad, constructed in 1927
• By Albert McPhail, Architect who also designed the Canada
Building
• Beaux-Arts style
South Block
• Identified on the Municipal Heritage Register as an Apartment
block (circa 1918)
(rendering of proposed)
• Windsor Star takes over in 1923
West Block: New construction replacing 1953 printing plant
Tea Party.
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St. Clair Centre for the Arts
(201 Riverside Drive West)
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Former City owned Cleary Auditorium, named after Mayor
Francis Cleary, who served for three consecutive terms in 1883,
1884, and 1885. His family had donated $600,000 for the
construction of the original building.
Original building was constructed in 1957 by local architects
Johnson & McWhinnie
In 1990 a portion of the building was demolished (the theatre
portion remained)
In 1991 the new Cleary Auditorium was completed.
Exhibition and banquet space covers 40,000 square feet over four
levels.
25 meeting rooms
1,200-seat Chrysler Theatre
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Final May 18, 2014
New location for the School of Social Work and the Centre for
Executive and Professional Education.
Estimated 1,200 students
Will leave the historic Windsor Star facade intact but
completely rebuild the interior for teaching and learning space.
3 stories with rooftop atrium.
The brick façade of the 1918 apartment building on the south
end of the complex facing Ferry Street will be reconstructed,
and the interior floors will be removed and recreated as a
landscaped courtyard that will be open to the sky.
The structure facing Pitt Street will be renovated into
classrooms, offices and student lounge space featuring glasspaneled walls that open like garage doors.
The parking lot to the south is slated for future expansion.
In 2007 St Clair College of Applied Arts & Technology took it
over from the City. It still provides a meeting place for
banquets and events, including class rooms for college
programs such as Hospitality, Border Patrol Program, a
gathering place for students.
The city sold the Centre for $1, and gave $3 million of capital
for upgrades.
Has brought 600 to 800 students downtown
Classes include:
o Advertising and marketing communications
management
o Border Services
o Community and Justice Services
o Food Service Management
o Graphic Design
o Hospitality Management- Hotel and Restaurant
o Paralegal
About 40 faculty/staff members
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Upper and Lower Ferry Docks
(North of where Ferry St. ends)
(towards water)
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The Evans & Dodge Bicycle Co.
(estbl. 1897, Windsor, Ontario)
(Located along the riverfront
approximate location of the Lower
Ferry Docks)
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Windsor’s Community Museum /
François Baby House
(254 Pitt Street West)
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Final May 18, 2014
1820-1854, along with Upper Ferry Docks located at the foot of
Ouellette provided the shortest distance between the Town of
Windsor and Fort Ponchartrain in Detroit.
Windsor became a transportation hub between Detroit because
the close proximity gave a locational advantage.
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Between 1892-1929 ferry service gives way to automobiles
with the construction of the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel and The
Ambassador Bridge to the west.
Today these Ferry Docks no longer exist, but at this location
there were several uses to provide service to travellers such as
the British American Hotel (northeast corner of Ouellette),
tanneries, and at one point even home to Evans & Dodge
Bicycle Company in 1897.
In1894 John and Horace Dodge moved to Windsor, ON, and
became machinists for the Dominion Typograph Co.
Their ability to produce excellent machine work and tools
brought them to the attention of Fred S. Evans, a Detroit
Manufacturer.
At about this time they invented the first ball bearing bicycle then
they formed the Evans & Dodge Bicycle Company in 1897. After
two years they sold the Co. and moved to Detroit and opened a
machine shop.
When Henry Ford began manufacturing his motor car he asked
the brothers to manufacture engines, transmissions and steering
gears. Their business grew with the increased sale of Ford motor
cars. They also went on to produce the first transmissions for
Oldsmobile.
National Historic Site of Canada in 1950. Georgian Style,
originally three storeys. Designated by City in 1980
Construction began in spring 1812 by local politician François
Baby (pronounced “baa-bee”) when this was farmland. It was
originally 3 stories tall. There was a clear view to the water. This
was a French farmland but taken over by British 50 years earlier.
The unfinished house was immediately pressed into service in the
War of 1812, when the British bluffed the Americans as soldiers
marched out the north door (in sight of Detroit) but circled
around to the south door to look several times their size
In July 1812 it was taken over by United States Brigadier General
William Hull during the invasion of Upper Canada. The
construction was completed by Hull’s men and they added
defensive walls to the property. It was the American
Headquarters at the beginning of the war but later became the
British artillery base.
The site of the final engagement of the Upper Canada Rebellion
in 1838. Known as the Battle of Windsor, or Patriot War, the
battle was fought on the Orchard.
• Was revived as a museum in 1958
• Character defining elements include:
From 1812 construction
- rubble stone foundation
- back of the fireplace in the basement
- two end walls
- north wall
- wooden timber supports under the north entrance
From 1948
- two-storey structure
- symmetrical design
- cedar shingles
- lateral gable roof
- English bond brick (partial)
- twelve over twelve sash windows
- central hall plan
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Art Gallery of Windsor
(401 Riverside Drive West)
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Central Riverfront Park Land
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Aquatic Complex
(401 Pitt Street West)
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International Bus Terminal
(300 Chatham Street West)
Final May 18, 2014
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House was abandoned in 1831
Had a devastating fire in 1850
By the 1900s the house had a Victorian remodelling and was
divided into rooms occupied by persons of questionable repute.
In 1948 it was “restored” by Hiram Walker & Sons, using an
erroneous sketch from the 1860s.
Now Windsor’s Community Museum, it houses exhibits and
collections.
The Art Gallery began in 1943 in Willistead Manor, the mansion
of distiller Hiram Walker’s son, now in a city park
The AGW moved into a renovated Carling brewery warehouse
near the riverfront in 1975
The Gallery temporarily relocated to the Devonshire Mall in 1993
to allow the Temporary casino to locate in the Carling warehouse,
which was torn down in 1999
In 2001, the AGW the new modernist building was complete.
Moffat Kinoshita Architects (who were sold to Cannon Design in
2005)
View Corridor west of museum to Detroit
Like most waterfronts during the industrial age and beyond are
riverfront has been home to Industry, transportation uses such
as ferry and rail services and customer supportive uses such
hotels, tanneries, and other retail.
Beginning in the mid 20th century, Windsorites began seeing our
waterfront as a place to reconnect with our past and so began a
movement of assembling property for recreational purposes.
Over the years heavy industrial uses such as rail yards have been
transformed into areas where people assemble for festivals and
concerts. Our shoreline has become areas where fish can now
spawn and kids can reach out and touch the river in some
locations.
Houses torn down for proposed arena then became parking lot
for the temporary Casino.
Part of the Old Town District
Former Location of downtown Canadian Tire.
Architects were Glos Associates
Barrel Vault Design---commonly used in modern times because
of its open floor plan, efficiency in design and able to allow for
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2012- City purchases the Art Gallery of Windsor building for
$2.5M. Lease the AGW back the top 2 floors for $1/year.
Plans for Windsor’s Community Museum to move part of
collection to first floor.
•
Today over 6 km (4 mi) of continuous uninterrupted waterfront
and a trail system links two of our oldest neighbourhoods,
Sandwich and Walkerville. This park system provides an
opportunity to link with Windsor’s downtown and the
neighbourhoods south of the riverfront. There’s an outdoor
sculpture garden, recreationway and many areas to rest and
play.
•
2012 - May 11, 2012 the City broke ground on the $78-million
Family Aquatic Complex.
Design Build
Main pool opened August 2013 for International Children’s
Games.
Olympic sized competition pool
Adventure Bay opened December 2013.
2007 - City constructs the Windsor International Transit
Terminal.
Shared with Greyhound and Transit Windsor (including Tunnel
Bus).
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13
large amounts of natural light.
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LaBelle Terrace
(309-27 Chatham Street West &
221-41 Dougall Avenue)
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Built in 1905 (Windsor designated 2001)
Built as an income property for Dr. James LaBelle
St. Clair College /
TD Student Success Centre
(305 Victoria Avenue)
•
Built in 1948 by Allward & Gouinlock (architect) for the Guaranty •
Trust Company.
Listed on the City’s Municipal Heritage Register, because it was
•
advertised as the “First Canadian drive-up bank.”
One U.S. influence that hasn’t taken hold much in our area.
•
When this two-storey building opened in 1948, Guaranty Trust
advertised that it had the “first teller’s drive-in window in
Canada”. The remains of that window are on the west side.
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TOUR C – Commerce, Office, Residential, Retail, Economic Development
Park Apartments
• 1908
(125-131 Park Street West & 405
• Mixed residential & commercial
Pelissier Street)
Windsor Pride
(422 Pelissier Street)
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Y.M.C.A.
(511 Pelissier Street)
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Final May 18, 2014
City parking garage 1979
Storefronts added to first floor 1985 – issues with water
intrusion; tenants receiving discounted rents
Opened 1926, designed by local architects Nichols, Sheppard and
Masson in Italianate style.
Federal gov:$2.7 million through the federal Public Transit
Capital Trust.
Provincial Government: $3.2 million transit expansion and
provincial gas tax funding
City of Windsor has contributed $1.6 million
Originally eight townhouse units, it is two-storey brick, Lshaped with half-octagon bays and a moulded metal cornice.
2012 - St. Clair College in partnership with TD Bank open the TD
Student Success Centre.
In 2012, TD Bank donated the former bank building with the
College and Student Representative Council spending $750,000
to renovate and outfit.
87 computer terminals, a cozy upstairs lounge, a kitchen,
tutoring space and meeting rooms for the 1,000 college
students already located in the core.
•
Pelissier Street streetscape 2010
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Centre for LGBT+ communities and friends opened c2009, a
part of Windsor’s cultural diversity and acceptance
Gay weddings part of Windsor region’s tourism
Heritage designated 1990.
2006 converted into 38 apartment units ranging from bachelor
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14
Maiden Lane
Lazare’s Furs
(493 Ouellette Avenue
Pascoe Building
(507-19 Ouellette Avenue)
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First joint YMCA and YWCA in Canada.
Originally Included recreational facilities and residential
accommodation
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Street shifted to one side in 1990s
Additional streetscape in 2009
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Art-Deco building from 1928
Designed by local architect Albert J. Lothian for the Reaume real
estate company, a major developer.
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National City Centre
(500 Ouellette Avenue)
Final May 18, 2014
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to two-bedroom, after a new YMCA was built behind, facing
the adjacent street.
Gym is used by St Clair College’s border services program
New restaurant (Squirrel Cage) at 1, opened 2012, replacing
closed salon
Wall art in the last two years and ongoing
The metal signs were installed in the 1990s as part of the
Maiden Lane refurbishment.
Furrier moved to clothing retailer out of downtown c2011
This 1931 Art Deco building. Its two storeys feature zigzag stone
patterns with purple glass inserts.
Designed by local architects Pennington & Boyde for men’s
clothing store.
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The upstairs has just become home to Pong, a venue for pingpong.
Constructed as a bank in the 1960s
Multiple tenants
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Medical office announced 2011 but not opened
Now Sutherland Global Services (telemarketer) occupies most
of the building.
15
Bank of Nova Scotia
(487 Ouellette Avenue)
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Contemporary style 1949 building
Two-storey window wall with aluminum framing (portal frame),
surrounded by smooth finish stone; the base is of black stone.
The doorway is centred with a small canopy.
Architects Mathers & Haldenby.
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Occupied by the Windsor Symphony box office until moving to
the Capitol.
Aquarium Windsor
(481 Ouellette Avenue)
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New business (not relocation), opened in 2013.
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New downtown retail rare
Mall opened late 1960s on the edge of the city; most retailers left
downtown
Vacant lot
(415 Ouellette Avenue)
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Fire 2011 destroyed single-storey storefronts
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Announcement 2014 for new restaurant / club – four storeys;
upscale concept; balcony over sidewalk; RED colour
McCreery’s/Birks Jewellers
(375 Ouellette Avenue)
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Built c1910; remodelled c1940 to Moderne Style
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City Grill renovation changed from club c2011
Used 1940s photos as remodelling guide
Final May 18, 2014
DWBIA’s Commercial Rent Subsidy Program for $625 per
month for a year.
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Canada Building
(374 Ouellette Avenue)
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Windsor Star (former Palace
Theatre)
(300 Ouellette Avenue)
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Largest office building in Southwestern Ontario at 12 stories tall •
when completed in 1930
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Architect A.H. McPhail designed the building in the Arts and
Crafts style for Border Cities Star, now the Windsor Star (daily
newspaper).
Most floors have polished brick pilasters and limestone. The top
floor windows are arched, which accents the ornate detailing of
stone along the roofline. Its marble lobby features elevator doors
with crests, and a brass Canada Post mailbox.
Former Parade Grounds for the Windsor Armouries
Previous theatre building opened in 1920
Replaced by multiple screen facility in 1986
Two levels of retail, set back from sidewalk, one-half floor above
and below grade. Accessible by elevator.
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Windsor heritage designated 2008
Mazaar Restaurant on ground floor c2008; expanded c2010
2012 – Theatre auditoriums converted into newspaper offices
and Café. (The Windsor Star sells their historic downtown
facility to the University of Windsor.)
Beneficiary of the DWBIA’s Façade Improvement Grant
Program: About $15,000 was granted towards the building’s
exterior signage.
Large electronic sign required zoning approvals.
David Mady (the owner) spent $4 million renovating it.
Coffee Exchange
(266 Ouellette Avenue)
•
In 2008, the proprietor bought this property, and relocated this
independent coffee shop from a nearby rented property.
•
DWBIA Façade Improvement Grant Program for about $10,000
towards the building’s overall façade redesign (brick layout,
ironwork etc.).
Imperial Bank of Canada
(285 Ouellette Avenue)
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Built in 1920 for the branch of one of the nation’s major banks,
this Classical/Beaux-Arts design has an imposing stone façade
with two-storey Ionic columns on the front.
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Nightclubs since 2010.
Final May 18, 2014
17
BUS RETURN
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
(405 Victoria Avenue)
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Wyandotte Street West
Victoria Avenue
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1896, Romanesque Revival, replacing new building destroyed by
fire
Architect Spier & Rohns, Detroit.
With Riverside Drive, main east-west streets to downtown
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Clusters of Middle Eastern and East Asian commercial
Victoria Avenue was intended to be a gracious, residential street. •
Houses mostly 1890 to 1929 – variety of styles, similar lot sizes
Diversity of design and quality of material and fine workmanship
“Influential and respected families” - doctors, merchants,
lawyers, educators, politicians and industrialists
Temple Baptist Church / Downtown •
Mission
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(664 Victoria Avenue)
1924; architect Douglas C. Winter.
Gothic Revival blends with Arts and Crafts characteristics in the
brick and stone urban church. An addition on the north side
shows respect for the original building style in terms of scale,
material and setback.
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A.E. Bowman House /
Rino’s Kitchen and Ale House
(131 Elliott Street West)
Arts & Crafts Style, c1915
“Nisbet Inn” bed & breakfast, 1980s until 2005
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Final May 18, 2014
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City streetscaping 2013 and 2015 west and east of Core
Selected properties have heritage protection
Renovations 2001 to become the Downtown Mission, owned
by the United Church of Canada.
In 2013, through various programs, provided 7300 safe nights
of accommodations, served in excess of 145,000 meals,
provided clothing to 5800 individuals, trained over 50
individuals and assisted them back into the work force. “More
people than we can count were treated with respect, shown
love, were given hope and shown compassion.”
Threatened with demolition 2008, but protected by listing on
Windsor Municipal Heritage Register
Restaurant opened 2011, specializing in locally sourced food,
wines and brews
18
Knights of Columbus / Auditorium
Building
(716 Pelissier Street & 703-717
Ouellette Avenue)
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The two-storey brick storefronts on Ouellette Avenue were built
in the late 1920s.
Facing the back street remains a hall built by the Knights of
Columbus (Catholic men’s group) in 1922 (J.C. Pennington, local
architect) but sold just before the Great Depression.
Storefronts and upstairs mostly vacant for 5+ years.
Hall was a vacant bingo hall.
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Downtown Windsor Business
Accelerator
(720 Ouellette Avenue)
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Was vacant bingo hall.
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Central United Church
(628 Ouellette Avenue)
Final May 18, 2014
•
This 1904 former Methodist church replaced one (near City Hall)
lost in a multiple-building fire. Some parishioners quit because
the new church was too far out of downtown.
•
Heritage designated 2013.
The local chapter of the UK-based film and media organization
“Raindance” has begun renovations to return to a more
original appearance, using local investors and a variety of
grants (including City heritage) and donations.
“Mission: Raindance Windsor-Detroit is dedicated to the
education and development of film, television and all media
arts in the greater Windsor/Detroit areas.”
“Vision: To be a recognized leader in the film industry in
Windsor-Detroit and in Raindance International.”
Arts camps already
New coffee house tenant beginning improvements.
Raindance Windsor-Detroit applied for a Small Business
Investment Grant through the City of Windsor. Other funds are
being raised to restore the building room by room (e.g., the
former bowling alley will become editing suites, and the old
swimming pool will become a screening room / theatre.) To
date, the facility has supported two Telefilm feature films, one
of which was filmed onsite, several shorts, theatre groups, a
film camp for kids and teens, job opportunities for university
and college students, and more.
Local movie ‘Scarehouse’, filmed in this building, is currently
being screened at the Cannes Film Festival’s Marché du Film.
Project developed by the DWBIA in 2011.
Supported by a $678,000 Community Adjustment Fund Grant,
courtesy of the Federal government.
Designed to help accelerate the growth of start-up and
emerging businesses and provide mentoring and training
programs for entrepreneurs.
Features 23 open-concept offices.
In 1980 most of the property was replaced with a moderately
priced 17-storey apartment block, now social housing.
19
Tessonics
(597 Ouellette Avenue)
•
The United Church of Canada was a 1925 merger of Methodist,
some Presbyterian and Congregationalist churches.
•
Former bank building, which stood vacant for a number of years.
•
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Tunnel Entry Plaza
•
(Goyeau Street at Wyandotte Street
East)
Original 1930; major changes 1990s
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Thank you!
•
John R. Calhoun, AICP, Heritage Planner, City of Windsor
(jcalhoun @ city.windsor.on.ca) – Bus & Tour C
Adam J. Coates, R.A., AIA, Planner II Urban Design
(acoates @ city.windsor.on.ca) – Tour A
Kevin Alexander, MCIP, RPP, Special Projects Urban Design
(kalexander @ city.windsor.on.ca) – Tour B
Derek Heinbuck (graphics) & Nico Cariati, City of Windsor
Debi Croucher & Asiedu Yaw, Downtown Windsor BIA
(debi @ downtownwindsor.ca)
Daena Shaw, Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island
(dshaw @ tourismwindsoressex.com)
All listed & others – Event planning and Day of event
$
•
Þ
€
•
~
‰
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€
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2014 completion
$35 million paid by Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation
Allows 70 cars to back up in front of toll booths, so that Tunnel
will not stack up in both directions or on Wyandotte Street.
Blocks major north-south street.
Uses some Art Deco elements of the original design, including
new clock.
Come back on your own …
The Tunnel Bus stops at the Mariner’s Church next to the
tunnel on the Detroit side ($4.50 US or Canadian each way).
Cabs are available in Windsor near the tunnel exit, either
across the street or around the corner to the left at the Holiday
Inn on Ouellette Avenue. Some Detroit cab drivers can go to
Windsor.
~
¿
•
¥
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Now reused by high-tech firm ‘Tessonics’, which produces
diagnostic testing systems for the automotive, aerospace, and
health care industries.
Received approval from the City of Windsor for a modest grant
to assist with the cost of renovation and securing parking spots
for its clients.
~
HISTORIC PERSPECTIVE
Final May 18, 2014
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1748-1820
1820-1854
1854-1892
1892-1929
1930-1945
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1946-2010
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Final May 18, 2014
Before – Native settlements, including Huron, Ottawa
1748 – Assumption mission
1751 – French colonists arrive to farm land that is now downtown Windsor
1760 – Britain (with Spain) takes over most French holdings in North America
Area that is now Windsor consisted of French-owned farms and some Native settlements
Revolutionary War treaty with the United States 1783, but British (with mostly French population) remained in Detroit.
Loyalists (who supported Britain during the Revolutionary War) relocate from US to the region
1797 – Current international boundary was drawn according to provisions of the Jay Treaty. Some moved from Detroit to the new
town of Sandwich, just downstream from what is now downtown, and now part of Windsor.
1812-14 – War of 1812 battles along the Detroit River
1837 – Upper Canada Rebellion, 1838-39 – Patriot War including Battle of Windsor
Lower ferry docks north of Ferry Street; upper ferry docks at Ouellette Avenue
Windsor named a Village in 1851.
1854 – Great Western Railway terminated its tracks in the village of Windsor at the location of the ferry docks.
Hiram Walker distillery in company town of Walkerville, upstream of what is now downtown Windsor
Windsor named a Town in 1858.
Pavilion structures soon appear around ferry docks.
Boat houses also stretch along the riverfront.
In 1871 a fire destroyed most of the heart of Windsor, but this allowed the prosperous Windsor to rebuild itself in a manner more
urban than the outgrown village – for example, three-storey urban scaled building sited on the sidewalk.
Windsor named a City in 1892.
Auto manufacturing began 1904 in nearby Ford City (now part of Windsor); in Windsor these and other industries had access to the
British Empire
Windsor industrialized and grew and becomes regional hub
Tall ships appear on the water
The waterfront and downtown was busy with activity
Prohibition in the 1920s – production allowed in Ontario but sales only out-of-province (e.g. Québec or Cuba)
“Rum running” began to occur from establishments along the water (rowboats manifested to Havana or Montréal).
The Great Depression hits and Windsor’s boom ceases
Thomas Admas presents a Master Plan for Windsor that is largely based on its prosperity and a vision for a modern metropolis for of
half a million
In the 1930s the ferry services end after the openings of the Ambassador Bridge and Windsor-Detroit Tunnel.
In 1944 a Planning Commission was developed to guide the City’s Growth and Dr. E.G. Faludi and Associates were commissioned to
develop a New Master Plan. More centred on the mechanics and rationale for proper zoning. The plan did not deal with the physical
blight and low morale the City experienced as a result of the depression.
Ford of Canada strike and vehicle blockade, September 1945
As automobile ownership grew people left the downtown to live in suburbs
Buildings were razed for parking lots
Faludi’s 1959 Plan presented ways to deal with the downtown blight and parking issue and recommended demolition of entire blocks
and in place would be modern 1960s style towers
Since then the downtown was always perceived as being in decline and the City would often accept any type of development even if it
negatively impacted the downtown. i.e. Steinberg grocery/department store - The company folded after 8 years but the building
21
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Final May 18, 2014
blocked the view of the riverfront for another 18 years.
On a positive note there was a large push to gain continuous pedestrian access along the waterfront
Border restrictions formerly minimal, then after 9/11/2001 crossing took much more time. Beginning June 2009 passports required.
22